Up for sale, a 1963 Gibson L-50 in near-mint condition and in perfect working order, outfitted with a DeArmond Guitar Mike FHC-C pickup assembly and complete with a remarkably clean Lifton hardshell case. A model that enjoyed a particularly long production run (1932-71), the L-50 holds the distinction of being the most popular Gibson acoustic archtop ever produced. And while the bulk of production happened from the 1930s-50s, this particular L-50 is notable for its particularly slender, fast-feeling neck profile carve, a feature that would only become prevalent in the '60s during the waning days of the L-50 model.

A premium archtop with a 16" lower bout and the same general dimensions as the upscale L-4, the L-50 boasts a hand-carved spruce top, maple back and rims, and a one-piece Honduran mahogany neck capped with a bound rosewood fretboard. This Gibson delivers ample projection and power. Bold and cutting, the midrange is both warm and immediate, yielding a lively response with the ideal combination of percussive chop and articulation. The trebles are sweet and punchy, and there’s a distinctive focus and depth to the wound strings. Currently strung with nickel 12-52 strings to maximize the usefulness of the DeArmond pickup assembly, the Guitar Mike pickup has a sweet midrange, exquisite detail and dynamic responsiveness, all hallmarks of the DeArmond sound. This L-50 weighs 5lbs 1oz, professionally setup here at Mike & Mike’s Guitar Bar with easy-playing action and accurate intonation.

Neck Specs:

-Wood: Honduran mahogany
-Shape: Slender C, measuring .815” 1st fret, .930” 9th fret
-Fretboard: Rosewood, trapezoid inlay
-Frets: Medium jumbo, faint wear beneath the plain strings on frets 1-3
-Scale Length: 24 3/4”
-Nut: 1 11/16”, nylon
-Tuners: Kluson Deluxe, double line
-Serialization: 135-prefix stamped serial translates to 1963 build date

Body Specs:

-Wood: Spruce, maple
-Pickup: DeArmond Guitar Mike FHC-C "monkey on a stick"
-Controls: Volume, screw-on jack (cable included)
-Hardware: Rosewood bridge, nickel trapeze tailpiece
-Plastics: Four-ply wide bevel pickguard
-Factory Markings: L-50 stamp in body

The Sunburst nitro lacquer finish is positively glossy in its presentation, 100% original save for one small area of touch-up on top below the treble-side edge of the trapeze tailpiece, where the top was impacted and subsequently repaired in-house. Cosmetic wear is otherwise limited to some small marks on the lower bout edge on top and light finish scratches and scuffing on the back, largely on the lower bout. The neck profile retains its smooth gloss, free of palm wear.

The original brown mottled Gibson-badged Lifton hardshell case is included, just as well-kept as the instrument itself with functional latches and original handle. The interior case lid is badged "Fife and Nichols" for the prominent Los Angeles, Hollywood music store which sold this guitar when new.