Gibson L-5 (1934-1938)

$7,464.54 Price Tier: High-end

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Page last updated Jul 04, 2026

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$7,464.54 2 available Used

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Average Price: $7,465

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$200

$601+

Price Tier

In the Steel-string Acoustic Guitars category, Gibson L-5 (1934-1938) is priced in the High-end/Boutique range. This premium gear is built to very high standards and offers premium features.

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Description

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Dive into a piece of music history with the Gibson L-5 from 1934-1938, a seminal period that saw this iconic semi-hollowbody electric guitar evolve into a larger, more resonant form. This era's Gibson L-5s are treasures for both collectors and players, offering a unique blend of vintage aesthetics and timeless sound. With a body that expanded from 16" to a more robust 17" width, these guitars deliver a depth and warmth that's unparalleled, making them highly sought after. It's not just an instrument; it's a piece of art that echoes the golden era of jazz and blues.

Key Features:

Body size expanded from 16" to 17" for enhanced sound depth and warmth
Iconic semi-hollowbody design, cherished for its aesthetic and acoustic qualities
Perfect for collectors and musicians seeking a vintage sound and look
Represents a pivotal era in the history of acoustic archtop guitars

Product specs

Brand	Gibson
Model	L-5
Finish	Natural, Sunburst
Year	1934 - 1938
Made In	United States
Categories	Archtop Acoustic Guitars
Active Preamp	No
Back Material	Maple
Body Shape	Archtop
Color Family	Brown, Tan
Finish Pattern	Sunburst
Finish Style	Gloss
Fretboard Material	Ebony
Model Family	Gibson L-5
Neck Material	Maple
Number of Frets	20
Number of Strings	6-String
Pickup	None
Right / Left Handed	Right Handed
Series	Gibson Pre-War Era
Sides Material	Maple
String Type	Steel
Top Material	Spruce

FAQs

What is the body shape of the Gibson L-5 from 1934-1938?: The Gibson L-5 from 1934-1938 features an archtop body shape, which is known for its rich, resonant sound and is often favored by jazz guitarists.
What materials are used in the construction of the Gibson L-5's body?: The Gibson L-5's body is constructed with a spruce top and maple back and sides, providing a balanced tone with clear highs and a robust low end.
Does the Gibson L-5 from 1934-1938 come with any pickups?: No, the Gibson L-5 from 1934-1938 does not come with any pickups as it is an acoustic archtop guitar designed for natural acoustic sound.
How many frets does the Gibson L-5 from 1934-1938 have?: The Gibson L-5 from 1934-1938 has 20 frets, allowing for a wide range of notes and expressive playing.
What type of finish does the Gibson L-5 from 1934-1938 have?: The Gibson L-5 from 1934-1938 features a gloss finish, available in natural or sunburst, enhancing its classic aesthetic and protecting the wood.
Is the Gibson L-5 from 1934-1938 suitable for jazz music?: Yes, the Gibson L-5 is renowned for its suitability for jazz music due to its warm, resonant tone and archtop design, making it a favorite among jazz guitarists.

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1938 Gibson L-5 - Premier Guitar

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Jorma Kaukonen

Guitarist, Singer

Jefferson Airplane

Verified via Google Books

In his autobiography "Been So Long: My Life and Music" he states: "...I got together with a couple of guys and we started an extremely short-Iived band. We called ourselves the Headstones, because we smoked pot and like the Rolling Stones. I had a 1937 Gibson L-5 and an early fifties Fender Princeton amp that I had bought from a fried a year or so before. The guitar had a DeArmond pickups and that was the axe I played in the Headstones. I can't remember if we played more than one gig. I rather doubt it. I don't think we were very good...I realized my beautiful old L-5 was inadequate for rock and roll, so I sold it for $250 and bought a Guild T-Bird. I remember thinking that I had made a killing selling the old L-5; I bought it and the Princeton amp for sixty bucks, so selling the guitar alone for $250 seemed like a killing. I remember briefly thinking I should have opened a music store. Such an instrument today would bring about $25.000. Remember, this was before some genius thought up the "vintage" concept. Back then secondhand meant cheap!"

Roy Smeck

Guitarist, Ukulele Player

Roy Smeck’s Trio

Verified via YouTube

In this Youtube video Roy Smeck can be seen using a Gibson L 5. This guitar had a truss cover engraved with his name, and metal tuner buttons ornamentally engraved with the letter S.