1936 Gibson L-5 - Gibson Spec. L-5R

**MarkA** · 10-30-2025, 09:16 AM

There have been discussions of the different carved top profiles of late 30’s Gibson archtops where the top went from a dome to a flattened arch and eventually back to the dome. My 1936 L-5 has a bracing variation likely done in response to this. While many of the advanced L guitars had short scale and x-bracing, there were a few still made with parallel bracing and 25.5 inch scale, as mine has. But this one has two extra braces that run on the outside of the f-holes to the rim. They are thinner than the main tone bars. Hand written on the underside of the top is “Spec. L-5R”. It is my understanding that a few of these were made in 1936-37. The shapes of the top and f-holes are well preserved, I don’t know how much the extra braces contributed to that. I am guessing Gibson concluded that it was not worth the extra labor. It did not have a negative effect on the sound, at least to my ear as I prefer it to a ‘38 L-5 (also with flattened arch, parallel braces, long scale) that I used to own. An interesting experiment.

**customxke** · 10-30-2025, 09:52 AM

I think it’s a violation of forum rules to talk about your 30s L5 without posting a pic.

**MarkA** · 10-30-2025, 11:41 AM

But of course. Apologies , the photos aren’t the best. 1936 Gibson L-5 - Gibson Spec. L-5R-img_0504-jpeg

1936 Gibson L-5 - Gibson Spec. L-5R-img_0507-jpeg

1936 Gibson L-5 - Gibson Spec. L-5R-img_0506-jpeg

**jads57** · 10-30-2025, 11:47 AM

I have always liked this era of L-5. Loved the Fat Neck Shape!

Just wish it had a cutaway!

**wintermoon** · 10-30-2025, 03:11 PM

interesting that they used their Super 400 calligraphy to write it under the top.
I wonder what the R stands for.

**ThatRhythmMan** · 10-30-2025, 05:02 PM

Originally Posted by jads57

I have always liked this era of L-5. Loved the Fat Neck Shape!

Just wish it had a cutaway!

Ahem…….

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**jads57** · 10-30-2025, 07:15 PM

Is that a 1939,40 L-5C Premier? I believe they didn’t elevate the fingerboard on the early models?

**ThatRhythmMan** · 10-30-2025, 08:34 PM

Originally Posted by jads57

Is that a 1939,40 L-5C Premier? I believe they didn’t elevate the fingerboard on the early models?

Early 1940 with elevated fretboard extension. The wild part is that it shipped as an L-5PN in April of 1940 and was sent back in 1942 for the sunburst you see it as now.

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