1935 Gibson L-10 Special Order Gibson

1935 Gibson L-10 in excellent condition.  The L-10 was the second fanciest and expensive archtop in Gibson’s line when it was introduced in in the late 1920s.  Essentially the same guitar as an L-5 only black and with a rosewood fingerboard.  The early dot neck versions with a maple neck are quite rare and fine sounding guitars.  By 1933 the cosmetics and construction changed with picture frame inlays and mahogany necks.  This guitar has a FON of 17A-18 which is listed in Gibson records as “Black Special”.  The serial number on the label is 92006 which dates to 1934.  It is also stamped L-10 on the paper label.  The construction of the guitar is all 1920s in style.  It has a three piece maple neck with 1 3/4″ nut width and V shape.  The tone bars are solid not kerfed, a change that occurs on L-5s around 1929.  The top is made from Eastern Spruce and the back and sides are maple. The two footed ebony bridge is original and has the serial number chalked on the underside. The pickguard, tailpiece and tuners are also all original and in great shape.  The finish is all original.  We refretted it and repaired a small center seam separation on the back and one near invisible top crack.  The features of this guitar suggest it was ordered to compete with a 16″ L-5.  The look is stunning and the sound impressive.  It has a huge open voice.  The attack is explosive with a hard pick and strong right hand.  There is thickness to the trebles all over the neck.  As powerful of a 16″ guitar as we have heard.  Quite possibly a singular example with these features.  Includes original hard case.