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c.1970 Gibson L-5CES

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Serial #: 680888, Kalamazoo label.

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

Finish: Tobacco 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: All original hardware included, with engraved gold tailpiece with art-deco insert, gold Kluson Sealfast tuners, compensated adjustable gold Tuneamatic bridge with inlaid foot; three-way pickup selector switch; adjustable truss rod, twin Gibson humbucking pickups. Extra set of pickup covers, 5-ply bound tortoise pickguard with gold bracket, and Gibson gold bell volume and tone knobs installed, with all originals included in case.

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 solid carved tonewood throughout, all gold hardware, deluxe multi-ply binding, and twin humbucking pickups since 1957.

A lovingly maintained instrument, this guitar is a genuine pre-Nashville Gibson with classic Kalamazoo features including a smooth pre-volute neck profile, full 1 11/16" nut, gold Kluson Sealfast tuners, and one of the last of the Gibson "Varitone" tailpieces with the hex-key angle adjuster. This immaculate example has all original finish in a classic three-tone Gibson sunburst, and is without cracks, pick, buckle, thumb or fingerboard wear.

All original hardware is included, and is complemented with an extra pair of Gibson gold bell knobs, new gold pickup covers, and a new 5-ply bound tortoise pickguard with gold bracket (all original parts in case pocket.) Neck is a comfy shallow "D" profile, neither too skinny nor overly full, and without the volute bump found later in the decade. The gold neck strap button has been relocated from the heel cap to the side and the old hole filled, string action is smooth and low over freshly dressed original medium-jumbo fretwork. Tone is pure honey, smooth and sweet, with exceptional sensitivity and responsiveness. Highly sought-after worldwide, the L-5CES has been the gold standard for the electric archtop for over half a century. With tonewood now aged almost three decades, this pristine guitar is a true time-capsule discovery.

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 Gibson logo hardshell case with purple plush lining.

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