#1
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L-50
Sold an Eastman OM and added $$ to guitar fund. I realized I was impatiently looking for its replacement, so said to myself “Self” I said, “slow down and enjoy being single for a while!”
45 minutes later, found a ‘49 or ‘50 L-50 at a “get in line first or it’ll be gone” price. On Craigslist. So I’m no longer single. Question; is there a definitive way of dating the guitar? Nothing in the f-hole but the faintest “L-50.” Also, is that maple? Last edited by upsidedown; 11-27-2019 at 12:46 PM. |
#2
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Can't answer the question but is that a carved back? I thought the L-50's were flat backed?
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#3
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The back is arched, but I'm not sure whether it's laminate or solid and carved.
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#4
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I think the 1949 era L50s have a laminated back but you could check the inside and outside for the patterns and see if they match up exactly.
My 1939 L50 is all solid arched top and bottom. I think the sides are solid as well. |
#5
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There is no center seam, so almost certainly a laminated back. Some sources say a laminated maple back, and probably sides as well.
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Brian Evans Around 15 archtops, electrics, resonators, a lap steel, a uke, a mandolin, some I made, some I bought, some kinda showed up and wouldn't leave. Tatamagouche Nova Scotia. |
#6
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Quote:
Incidentally, just noticed what I believe they call an FON inside the other f-hole. It's 5574-1. According to info found online ("1950: 3000s to 5000s"), it's a 1950. Which turns this into an NGD post. Last edited by upsidedown; 11-28-2019 at 03:47 PM. |
#7
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Nice! I have a '43 and used to own a '36, which was during the short period they were 16" flatbacks.
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Neal A few nice ones, a few beaters, and a few I should probably sell... |
#8
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A couple of pics
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#9
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In posting the first picture, I just noticed that my bridge is crooked! Better check the intonation.
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#10
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The L50 is solid top, back, and sides, though I understand pressed and not carved in all years. The L48 is a laminate.
Yours looks nice. Congratulations on getting it! Mine is a 1960. |
#11
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Quote:
It looks about right to me. Standard positioning is centered between the notches in the f-holes. |
#12
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That is sweet... congratulations. Nice burst.
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#13
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Thanks. It really is sweet - but I can't pry it out of my kid's hands!
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#14
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This might help: https://www.google.com/search?client...b-d&q=guitarhq
says they had arched backs from 1935. doesn't say whether laminated or carved. Gibson are notorious for changing specs depending on what they had available at the time - if it plays and sounds good - don't worry about it (some L-5s were made with birch - and few cold tell!)
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Silly Moustache, Just an old Limey acoustic guitarist, Dobrolist, mandolier and singer. I'm here to try to help and advise and I offer one to one lessons/meetings/mentoring via Zoom! |
#15
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Quote:
Thanks for the link. |