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2003 Gibson L-5CES Custom

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Serial #: 20583004, orange label. Signed 2/17/03 James Hutchins

Body size at lower bout: 17", Scale length: 25 1/2" Nut: 1 11/16"

Finish: Emberglow sunburst finish, nitrocellulose lacquer type.

Materials: Solid bookmatched handcarved fine grain spruce top; solid handcarved bookmatched AAA tiger-flame maple back and sides with Venetian cutaway; 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: Hardware includes hand engraved triple gold Gibson humbucking pickups; ornate hand engraved gold tailpiece; custom engraved Fleur-de-lis Schaller tuners; compensated adjustable Tunematic bridge with inlaid ebony foot; 5-ply bound tortoise pickguard; Gibson gold bell volume and tone knobs; three way pickup selector toggle switch; adjustable truss rod.

Notes: The electric version of the L-5C, the L-5CES was introduced in 1951, and has been Gibson's top-line 17" electric guitar ever since. A favorite of pro players from George Barnes to Herb Ellis and Wes Montgomery, the L-5CES has been built with solid carved tonewood throughout, all gold hardware, deluxe multi-ply binding, and humbucking pickups since 1957.

This extravagant custom instrument was built under the direction of Gibson Custom Shop director James Hutchins, and combines the timeless styling of the L-5CES, the three pickup configuration of the classic ES-5, and the ornate hand engraving of a one-of-of-a-kind presentation quality instrument. Finished in a sunburst known as Emberglow, the solid maple back, sides and neck show particularly fine deep bookmatched tiger flame figure. The three position toggle switch activates each pickup individually, lending the instrument a uniquely versatile voice. The neck has a gentle "D" profile, slim and inviting, and the action is low and fast over flawless medium jumbo frets.

Upmarket details include the solid mother-of-pearl truss rod cover, and the custom engraved gold Fleur-de-lis Schaller tuners, as seen on Gibson's ultra-premium Citation and Kalamazoo Award models. This example has been preserved in immaculate condition, 100% original, with all factory hardware and finish, and is without pick, buckle or thumbwear. A singular creation, and surely one of the most distinctive products of Gibson's imaginative artisans.

Setup: This instrument is strung with medium gauge roundwound nickel strings (.013-.056). The guitar will accommodate lighter or heavier gauge strings, according to preference. String action is set at 5/64" to 6/64" at the 12th fret, with moderate relief. The action may be lowered or raised to your requirements with the adjustable bridge.

Case: Original Gibson logo plush hardshell case.

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