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2001 Gibson L-5 CES Wes Montgomery

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Serial #: 20891002, orange oval label. Tan oval Master Model label, signed 4/11/01 by Jim Hutchins, Head Luthier, Gibson Custom Shop

Body size at lower bout: 17" Scale length: 25 1/2" Nut: 1 11/16" Nut width: .82/.98, 1st/10th fret

Finish: Vintage sunburst finish, nitrocellulose lacquer type.

Materials: Solid bookmatched handcarved fine grain spruce top; solid handcarved bookmatched AAA tiger-flame maple back and sides; tiger flame maple neck with walnut centerstripes; solid ebony fingerboard with block mother of pearl inlays; abalone torch and headstock logo; 5-ply body and neck binding; bound f-holes; solid bone nut.

Hardware: Original gold hardware includes Gibson '57 Classic PAF pickup, 5-ply bound tortoise pickguard; engraved tailpiece with Wes Mongomery nameplate; Gibson Super Rotomatic tuners, ABR-1 compensated adjustable Tuneomatic bridge with inlaid ebony foot, and additional ebony bridge saddle; Gibson gold bell volume and tone knobs; adjustable truss rod.

Notes: At the top of virtually everyone's short list, the great Wes Montgomery was arguably the most influential jazz guitarist of the 1960's. Introduced in 1993, this version of the legendary L-5CES is a faithful rendition of the master's own instrument, built with the single humbucking pickup in just the right place.

This handsome example is in great shape with all factory hardware. The tiger flame maple back, sides and neck are extravagantly figured, with symmetrically bookmatched flame. Neck is a classic "D" profile, neither too skinny nor overly full, and the medium jumbo fretwork is high and perfectly crowned, with smooth low action over the solid ebony fingerboard, with a fresh high-precision setup. Apart from some fogging on the tailpiece, and a few lacquer blips on the peghead, the guitar shows few signs of age altogether.

Tone is warm, rich and sweet, and the body is distinctly lighter than the twin pickup L-5CES. A special bonus is an compensated ebony bridge saddle included at no extra charge. An instant classic, and a fitting tribute to the Man With the Golden Thumb. One of our most popular models ever: one only, call now.

Setup: This instrument is strung with medium gauge roundwound nickel strings (.012-.054). The guitar will accommodate lighter or heavier gauge strings, according to preference. String action is set at 4/64" to 5/64" at the 12th fret, with moderate relief. The action may be lowered or raised to your requirements with the adjustable bridge.

Case: Original deluxe black arched Gibson logo plush lined hardshell case, with all factory tags and paperwork.

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