Pricing and availability
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Average Price: $1,850
High-end/Boutique
$500
$1201+
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High-end
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Description
The Gibson L-50 is a versatile semi-hollowbody electric guitar that has captured the hearts of musicians for decades. With roots tracing back to the swing era, this instrument merges vintage charm with modern playability, making it a favorite among jazz enthusiasts and blues aficionados. Crafted with an archtop design, the L-50 delivers rich, resonant tones that are both warm and articulate, ideal for expressive solos and smooth rhythm sections. Its timeless craftsmanship is evident in every detail, from the finely contoured body to the meticulously crafted neck that offers seamless playability.
One of the standout features of the Gibson L-50 is its distinctive semi-hollowbody construction, which provides a unique tonal palette characterized by vibrant acoustics and a vintage electric edge. This guitar is not just about aesthetics; it’s a reliable workhorse that offers a balanced output suitable for both stage and studio settings. Whether you're playing a mellow jazz set or an upbeat rockabilly gig, the L-50 adapts beautifully, offering a sonic experience that feels both nostalgic and fresh.
For musicians seeking a guitar that combines historical significance with practical performance, the Gibson L-50 is a compelling choice. Its enduring legacy is a testament to Gibson's commitment to quality and innovation, ensuring that this model remains a staple in the world of music.
Key Features:
- Semi-hollowbody archtop design
- Rich, resonant tonal quality
- Versatile for various music genres
- Vintage-inspired craftsmanship with modern playability
- Ideal for both stage and studio use
Product specs
| Brand | Gibson |
| Model | L-50 F-Hole |
| Finish | Sunburst |
| Year | 1935 - 1971 |
| Made In | United States |
| Categories | Archtop Acoustic Guitars |
| Active Preamp | No |
| Back Material | Maple |
| Body Shape | Archtop |
| Color Family | Brown |
| Finish Pattern | Sunburst |
| Finish Style | Gloss |
| Fretboard Material | Rosewood |
| Model Family | Gibson L-50 |
| Neck Material | Mahogany |
| Number of Frets | 19 |
| Number of Strings | 6-String |
| Pickup | None |
| Right / Left Handed | Right Handed |
| Series | Gibson Kalamazoo Factory Era |
| Sides Material | Maple |
| String Type | Steel |
| Top Material | Spruce |
FAQs
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What type of music is the Gibson L-50 best suited for?
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The Gibson L-50 is ideal for jazz and blues due to its warm, rich tones and archtop design, which provides excellent acoustic projection and resonance.
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Does the Gibson L-50 have any built-in electronics?
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No, the Gibson L-50 does not have built-in electronics. It is an acoustic archtop guitar without pickups or preamps.
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What materials are used in the construction of the Gibson L-50?
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The Gibson L-50 features a spruce top, maple back and sides, a mahogany neck, and a rosewood fretboard, contributing to its distinctive sound and durability.
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How many frets does the Gibson L-50 have?
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The Gibson L-50 has 19 frets, providing a comfortable range for both rhythm and lead playing.
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Is the Gibson L-50 suitable for beginner guitarists?
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While the Gibson L-50 offers excellent tone and craftsmanship, its vintage features and lack of built-in electronics may be better suited for intermediate to advanced players familiar with archtop acoustics.
Videos
Jon Treichel
Vintage Gibson L-50 Archtop
Reviews
PROS
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Distinctive vintage sound with pleasant, harmonic overtones
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Perfect for jazz standards with clear, articulate chords
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Comfortable neck and great body size for various styles
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Retains tune exceptionally well for an older instrument
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Unique custom features like the slanted Mother of Pearl inlay
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Excellent for thumb style, blues, and rhythm playing
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Punchy yet articulate tone for single notes and chords
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Rich piece of Gibson music history
CONS
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May require initial repairs for optimal performance
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Custom inlay might not appeal to purists
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Gibson L-50.
Setup and maintenance
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Violin humidifiers can fit through the Gibson L-50's f-holes for optimal humidity control.
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D'Addario Guitar Packs Two Way Humidification System is recommended for maintaining proper humidity in the guitar case.
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Keeping home humidity at 50% is suggested to maintain the guitar's condition while playing it frequently.
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A user noted the action was high but expected smoother playability with a proper setup, indicating potential setup needs for optimal performance.
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User experience
Value and pricing
Use cases and applications
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The guitar was described as sounding "boxy" yet fitting for jazzy or bluesy styles, offering a distinct tonal profile compared to dreadnoughts.
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Features and functionality
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The “monkey on a stick” pickup style was added to some Gibson L-50s, but it may not deliver optimal sound quality.
Source
Based on 0 Reviews and 0 Ratings
Artist usage
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Listing in Wilco's Reverb Store: "1933 Gibson L-50 Archtop Sunburst Acoustic. This inspiring guitar will come with a signed certificate of authenticity showing that yes, this belonged to Nels Cline"
According to Vintage Guitar, this guitar was sold to Yatovitz by a friend, who found it in the attic. This guitar dates from 1934.
Genre Usage
Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.
Used With
Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Gibson L-50, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
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