For Sale: 1948 Gibson L-50 arch top

[Mando44]

Offered for sale is a 1948 Gibson L-50 arch top guitar (could be 1947).

Link to collage image: https://www.dropbox.com/s/bazufsxapj...20MCC.jpg?dl=0 (Detailed images below).

I originally bought this instrument to serve as the platform for making a K-5 style mandocello but decided it was too nice a guitar to use up. But now since I have other guitars so I'm going got move it along - if it does not sell it might still end up a mandocello!

I believe that this vintage 16' lower bout Gibson is in great shape and is mostly in original condition. The action is very nice and the guitar plays and sounds just great! If you are used to a flat top guitar the volume, punch, and cutting power of this maple arch top box will blow you away.

The top wood is nice open grained spruce with a reddish sunburst, the back and sides are highly figured maple stained a dark brown and fully bound.

The neck is probably mahogany (might be maple?) stained dark brown, it is straight and the truss rod nut is working, someone has installed a period correct looking strap pin on the neck.

The fret board is rosewood and bound and it has trapezoid fret markers inlaid (these seem to be plastic?) it also has black plastic side markers, and the frets are in great shape with no attention needed now and years of useful service left in them.

The bridge seems to be the original adjustable rosewood version and has ample adjustment left, either up or down.

The tuners are in great shape and seem to be the originals, or near perfect period correct replacements, -- they work smoothly with no issues at all.

The pick guard is celluloid, bound and in good shape - it looks like the original piece.

The tail piece is the usual nickel-plated, trapeze arrangement found on most Gibson arch tops and again, it is either the original piece or a period correct replacement, the end pin does not appear to be original but is functional.

The guitar has a small gouge near one of the tuners on the back of the head stock and also one area where the finish was worn off by a picker. This worn area was "repaired" with stain and finish (see insert). But it is not very noticeable and probably could be touched up nicely be a pro.

This guitar was built in the hey-day of the arch top guitar and has a voice that lives up to its reputation. This guitar has a strong sound that punches through - great to back up country, western swing, or jazz.

Comes with what seems to be an older Gibson factory HS case with a green plush interior - all the latches work great.

Prices on these vintage arch tops vary greatly. I have included a link to the GBase page that has a number of similar L-50's for sale.

I would like to get $1890 shipped, insured, CONUS or best offer. For any deal other than my offer the shipping and insurance are negotiable. Of course 48 hour approval and full refund less shipping costs on safe return. I prefer a cashier's check and will mail the guitar upon receipt. Pay Pal is OK if we split the fees.
http://www.gbase.com/gear?q=gibson+l...Year=&maxYear=



Detailed images:

https://www.dropbox.com/s/p2eyeg4x9l...dd_04.jpg?dl=0

https://www.dropbox.com/s/e4n7lb07kg...dd_03.jpg?dl=0

https://www.dropbox.com/s/nhs2mia16c...dd_01.jpg?dl=0

https://www.dropbox.com/s/fvjguefoow...dd_02.jpg?dl=0

https://www.dropbox.com/s/b3goc8i3a9...dd_05.jpg?dl=0

https://www.dropbox.com/s/bp4gg3zy6i...dd_06.jpg?dl=0

https://www.dropbox.com/s/ohqgy3pihh...dd_07.jpg?dl=0