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A friend of mine accquired a Gibson L5 from the 1950's in mint condition. He is thinking of selling it and asked me to do some research to try and determine the value. Wonder if any of you have any ideas?

Here is a bunch of pics. From the little research I have done, it appears that the mfgr date is 1953.




Last two digits are 17 which are a little difficult to see in the pic











It is in mint condition with a very minor scuff mark on back which looks like it would polish off. A minor nick on the soundboard, upper left bout and litte scraping on the headstock.

The bindings are all perfect, although discolored from aging.

Fret inlays have some very minor chrinking which shows the inlay line on one or two of the frets.

Neck is great, straight and it plays well with no adjustments being needed.

Need more pics? I have a ton.

I am not a wood expert and wondering what the back is made from? Walnut??

From what I can see through the soundhole I would say the Back is Stained Maple ?

give gruhns a ring. they are the experts on the value of vintage instruments. alternatively, if you have a pawn shop in your area that deals in a lot of guitars they by have a copey of the blue book and will let you have a look.

if you are going to be dealing in them it would be a qise step to buy a copy.

Well,according to the Vintage Guitar priceguide I have, Its value in excellant condition varys anywhere from $ 4000 to $6000. This book is from 2004 but I don't think it would be much differant than 2005. At least this will give you an idea what its worth.

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Anderson Guitars
Clearwater,Fl. 33755

Rich call Steve kovacik. If anyone has a current price that is the guy

Nice rig. With the scuff marks on the headstock, etc, I don't think it would go as "mint", probably excellent or excellent +.

Ron

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OLD MAN formerly (and formally) known as:

Ron Wisdom

Somewhere in the middle of Arkansas......

Thanks guys - appreciate the feedback.

Rich,
That's not an L-5. That looks like and L-7 because it doesn't have the L-5 fingerboard inlays, correct tailpiece, and flower pot inlay in the headstock. The factory code of Y preceeding the serial number indicates that its more than likely a 1953. As for value that one looks like it's in great shape and I'd say a fair market price would be between $1,800 and $2,500.
Steve

Rich, I think you've got an 1953 L-50. The Y indicates 1953. The inlays and headstock appear to be L-50. You can get info on old Gibsons at this link. They describe the L-50 as - Collectibility Rating: D- (a very basic non-cutaway model).Don A38642.490474537

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Don Atwood
Arlington, VA

It's not really worth that much, maybe $200.
I'll him $400 and he can double it's worth.





kidding of course...this is NOT a real offer...

Don Williams38643.6649768519

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"I want to know what kind of pickups Vince Gill uses in his Tele, because if I had those, as good of a player as I am, I'm sure I could make it sound like that.
Only badly."

That's an L-50, near the bottom of the line (there was a laminated
mahogany top L-48 made in those years). The condition is not what
collectors call "mint". You can call it excellent. These have carved tops
with laminated maple backs and maple sides. They can be nice guitars,
but have never been popular with experienced players or collectors.

Sorry if this is deflating, but it is a far cry from a mint L-5.Howard Klepper38643.6531944444

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Howard Klepper
http://www.klepperguitars.com

When all else fails, clean the shop.

Thanks Howard, and to all of you who have replied. Appreciate the feedback. My guess is, based on your identification of this as an L50, is that the 50 following the Y is relative to the model, and the Y is the year. So what's it really worth?

John Hall, Steve K. sent me an email saying $4,000 - $6,000 but he may not have realized it was a 50?

Don,
You got me!! I've gotten rusty over the years since I quit doing repair work. I'm not around the old guitars like I use to be. You nailed it, L-50!

Rich,
For that price, he's thinking old L-5. I'd give a guess that the guitar is worth roughly $1,400 - $1,900 in today's market. Anyone else have a ballpark price?

Dealer price about $1500. Private party less.

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Howard Klepper
http://www.klepperguitars.com

When all else fails, clean the shop.