From the Bernie Marsden collection, this guitar was purchased in Cheltenham a few years ago after Bernie received a tip off from a friend. This guitar is featured on page 319 of Bernie's hardback book 'Tales of Tone and Volume' a copy of which will be included with this sale.

Initially conceived as a member of the Mandolin family alongside the F5 mandolin (as the popularity go Mandolin orchestras was waning), the L5’s enduring popularity was due in no small part to the great jazz guitarist Eddie Lang who pioneered the use of the guitar in the dance band rhythm sections, finding that the Gibson archtop could easily keep up with the rest of the band. Its elegant Cremona Brown finish and f holes gave the guitar a decidedly violin-like look and set a precedent for competitors and the company themselves that still exist to this day.

This is a superb example especially considering its over 80 years of age. The sunburst finish has a few marks and dings though none of this really detracts from the overall look of the instrument.

Pickguard is in good condition though it has started to gas. Its currently being kept away from the guitar to preserve the finish.  

The chunky C profile neck with a bound fretboard and parallelogram mother of pearl inlays feels instantly comfortable. The script logo headstock has the now iconic flowerpot inlay emblazoned upon it, framed by the continued binding. The Kluson sealfast tuners still work very well. There are a few patches of wear though this isn’t extensive. The frets have some life left in them.

The guitar comes with a Lifton hardshell case that, like the guitar, is in exceptional condition.

The L5’s reputation was built on being able to keep up with a horn section and this one is no exception. It has an authoritative voice acoustically that has a wonderful three dimensional quality that’s so evocative of the period.

The definitive archtop, this L5 would make a stunning addition to anyone’s collection…