The L-50, having started its life in 1933, went through a number of design changes in its fairly long lifespan, ending up how this circa 1946 model appears, with a carved (yes, carved) spruce top, bent solid maple sides, and an carved arched maple back.

The predecessor to the ES-150, these guitars were fairly low level in Gibson’s production, and were immensely popular due to their inexpensive status in Gibson’s even then still quite prestigious lineup. This, in part, was why Gibson used the L-50 as an experimental platform for the development of some of their earliest electric guitars. This one however, is entirely acoustic, and sounds absolutely incredible, with a warm, honest sound thanks to its all solid construction.

The neck is huge. There’s no getting around it, and if you’re a fan of old Gibsons, this is exactly what you want. The 1 11/16 nut and the wide bridge spacing are bolstered by a neck that fills the whole hand, so all you want to play is old Carter family songs, which this guitar does extremely well. It sounds old in the best way.

Physically, the guitar’s been through a little, with two repaired top cracks. The finish is checked, thanks in part to the expected-for-this-time disintegration of the pickguard. It’s 100% playable though, and ready to go. Original tuners, bridge, and probably the original tailpiece.

Comes with a hard case.