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c.1970 Gibson L-5CES

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Serial #: 683571, 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; 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 hardware includes engraved gold tailpiece with art-deco insert, gold Kluson Sealfast tuners, compensated adjustable gold Tuneamatic bridge with rosewood base; three-way pickup selector switch; adjustable truss rod, twin Gibson humbucking pickups. Additional set of knobs and pickup covers installed (originals included), vintage correct 5-ply bound tortoise pickguard with gold bracket.

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.

Carved of intensely figured solid tiger maple in the back, sides and neck, this striking guitar is one of the prettiest Gibson archtops of this era we've seen to date. Nicely maintained, this guitar shows classic Kalamazoo features including a full 1 11/16" nut, ultra-premium gold Kluson Sealfast tuners, now long unavailable, and one of the last of the Gibson "Varitone" tailpieces with the hex-key angle adjuster. All original finish shows a classic three-tone Gibson sunburst, without cracks, pick, thumb or fingerboard wear. Apart from a few finish dings on the lower bout and neck, the guitar shows remarkably modest wear for its long career.

Neck is a comfy gentle "D" profile, neither too skinny nor overly full, and without the volute bump often found later in the decade. String action is smooth and low over fine original medium-jumbo fretwork. Tone is rich and sweet, with excellent warmth and clarity. Highly sought-after worldwide, the L-5CES has been the gold standard for the electric archtop for over half a century. A real looker, with a voice to match: one only, call now.

Setup: This instrument is strung with medium gauge half-round nickel strings (.013-.056). 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: Period deluxe brown arched hardshell case with plush lining.

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