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2014 Gibson Crimson ES-5 Switchmaster
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Serial #: 13214003, orange Custom Shop label, oval Master Model label signed James Culbertson, 10/7/14
Body size at lower bout: 17", Scale length: 25 1/2" Nut: 1 11/16" Neck depth: .85/.96, 1st/10th fret
Finish: Cremona sunburst, nitrocellulose lacquer type.
Materials: Highly flamed arched tiger maple body; solid flame maple neck with walnut centerstripes; solid rosewood fingerboard with block mother of pearl inlays and pointed finial; quintuple bound body with bound neck and headstock; solid bone nut.
Hardware: All original gold hardware includes triple '57 Classic PAF pickups; loop design trapeze tailpiece with engraved crossbar; Grover Rotomatic tuners; adjustable compensated Tune-o-matic bridge; beveled 5-ply pickguard; gold bonnet volume and tone knobs; 4 way pickup selector switch with top hat knob.
Notes: Introduced in 1949, the triple pickup ES-5 was the most versatile electric guitar Gibson had ever produced. In late 1955, the guitar was renamed the Switchmaster, and fitted with separate volume and tone controls for each pickup, with a unique 4 way pickup selector switch. In the latter half of 1957, the revolutionary Patent Applied For humbucking pickup was introduced, and the Switchmaster became one of the first Gibsons to be supplied with these most desirable of all vintage pickups.
When the Switchmaster was discontinued in 1962, it became an instant legend, and so collectible it was finally reissued in 1996. This spectacular guitar is a loving recreation of the most sought after version of the model, and a highly figured examples as well, with both body and neck crisscrossed with intensely flamed tiger maple throughout.
As one might expect, the instrument offers a notable range of tone, from rich warm mids and lows to a bright high register with lots of punch. The neck has a comfy gentle C profile in the classic style, and the action is smooth and low over a fresh high precision setup, with brightly polished fretwork in a handsome fingerboard of coffee colored rosewood. With gleaming gold hardware and finish, the instrument is in virtually unplayed showroom condition. Lush, flamy and gorgeous, and endowed with a superabundance of tonal options, the Switchmaster is a model too distinctive to stay gone for long. One only: call now.
Case: Original black Gibson logo plush lined hardshell case, with original tags and Certificate of Authenticity.
Setup: This instrument is strung with medium gauge nickel flatwound strings (.012-.052). 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 for acoustic playing with medium strings. The action may be lowered or raised to your requirements with the adjustable bridge.
