Recently, a new friend of mine inherited a remarkable collection of musical instruments from her late father, a renowned collector based in Amsterdam. As we delved into cataloging and appraising her vintage guitar collection, we stumbled upon a true gem: a 1934 L-50 archtop guitar with a unique round soundhole, making it an exceptionally rare find. In this blog post, I'll share the fascinating journey of this instrument, from its initial neglected state to its current place in my cherished collection.

The Discovery

While helping my friend with the pricing of her vintage guitars, we came across the 1934 L-50 archtop, standing out among the rest. Unlike later versions featuring the conventional F-holes, this guitar's round soundhole immediately caught our attention. However, it was evident that time had not been kind to this once magnificent instrument. Broken tuners and a corroded pickguard hinted that without restoration, it might have remained a mere decorative piece adorning the wall.

The Restoration
Fortunately, our enthusiasm for this unique piece led us to the skilled artisans at Rebelrelic. Their expertise in vintage instrument restoration was unparalleled. They not only had a suitable piece of vintage plastic for the pickguard but also managed to work their magic and restore the tuners to their former glory. Witnessing the transformation of this archtop was a sight to behold, and I couldn't resist the pull to make it a part of my personal collection.

A Welcomed Addition:

Having witnessed the guitar's revival, it was evident that it deserved a home where its history and beauty could be cherished. Hence, I decided to give it a place of honor in my collection of musical treasures. The 1934 L-50 archtop now sits proudly among other vintage instruments, telling its own unique story of resilience and passion for music.

Conclusion
The journey of this 1934 L-50 archtop guitar was a testament to the rich history that lies within vintage musical instruments. Thanks to the expertise of Rebelrelic and my desire to preserve its legacy, this rare gem has found a new lease on life in my collection. It serves as a reminder that, beyond their monetary value, these instruments carry with them the spirit of the musicians who once strummed their strings, creating beautiful melodies that echo through time. I hope that by sharing this story, we can all appreciate the significance of preserving and honoring such musical treasures for generations to come.