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1969 Gibson L-5CESN 'Two Tone'

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Serial #: 844353, orange oval label.

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

Materials: Solid bookmatched handcarved fine grain spruce top; figured maple back and sides with Venetian cutaway; solid 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: 100% original hardware includes twin gold Gibson Pat. # humbucking pickups, engraved art-deco gold tailpiece; gold Kluson Sealfast tuners, compensated adjustable rosewood bridge; three-way pickup selector switch; adjustable truss rod; 5-ply bound tortoise pickguard; Gibson gold reflector cap volume and tone controls.

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

A remarkable find, this spectacular L-5CES is factory finished with a natural blonde soundboard and walnut stained curly maple back and sides, the rarest combination ever offered on this legendary model. Gibson records show only 55 L-5CESN guitars were shipped this model year, and only a tiny fraction of them appear to have been produced with this unique 'two-tone' finish.

The instrument has been maintained in superb condition, without pick, thumb or fingerboard wear, showing only light normal checking in the deeply ambered all-original lacquer finish. 100% original gold hardware and electronics includes Pat. # humbucking pickups, engraved deco tailpiece and the coveted Kluson Sealfast tuners, now long out of production. The multi-bound tortoise pickguard is original as well and structurally sound, and now showing a slight bit of crystallization. Neck profile is a comfy gentle D, with the full classic 1 11/16" nut width, and has smooth low action over excellent original medium-jumbo fretwork. Binding is all original and tight to the body, and apart from a few inches of the rim soundly reglued to the back on the bass lower bout, the instrument shows no cracks or repairs of any kind. The original blonde finish has ambered deeply over the decades, making this an exceptionally attractive example of Gibson's most coveted electric jazz guitar.

The voice is as warm as its appearance, with the signature deep Wes Mongomery tone that defined jazz guitar in the 1960's. Exceptionally rare and enduringly handsome, this eyecatching instrument is a compelling prize for the player and collector alike.

Setup: This instrument is strung with medium gauge flatwound 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 black arched Gibson Faultless plush lined hardshell case.

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