This is probably the finest Gibson L5-C you will see anywhere.

This was a special, one off made for a Mr Neil Penner who was Gibson’s top travelling rep during the 40’s 50’s and 60’s and we believe this was a retirement present for him. He knew and liaised with everyone for Gibson including the likes of Charlie Christian, Les Paul and Barney Kessel so it is no surprise that to show their appreciation Gibson rolled out the figurative red carpet when they gifted him this amazing guitar.

We do not think we have ever seen a L5, or any Gibson made with such fine and select woods as this one. Just look at the pictures and you will get some idea of what we are referring to - firstly all the woods are solid and carved, there are no laminates here. The top we think is spruce and has an antique violin type of finish. The back, sides and neck are made from the highest quality AAA flamed maple you will see. The ebony fingerboard is finely inlaid with an extra inlay on the last fret and the whole feel of the guitar is something just totally exquisite.

To top it all, the guitar is in MINT condition, the case is in MINT condition and it even has an original Victoria Luggage case protector (this is only the second time we have seen one of these).

Included is a solid mother of pearl truss rod cover in an envelope which looks like it has never been fitted, bearing the name of Neil Penner. Another envelope contains the original case key that has never been opened, the original tag with L5-C Special on it, a factory ‘seal of approval’ tag and a Citation type tailpiece that must have been fitted to this guitar at some stage.

You would never in your wildest dreams think that this guitar is 51 years old and made at a time when Norlin was starting to make its presence felt at Gibson. It is almost like a time capsule and whoever built this, really did pull out all the stops.

It has hardly been played which is a shame as it has a classic, L5 acoustic tone that can warmly cut through a complex mix with rich harmonic overtones other guitars strive for but fail to get close to. The action is spot on, it plays perfectly and it is like it can almost play itself. Come over to our lounge in Cheltenham and give it a try…

We will never see another L5 as nice as this ever. It is a real special guitar and we are sure it will go to a well deserving home. For anyone out there who is a fan of the L5 then this IS the ultimate…