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c.1975 Gibson L-5CESN

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Serial #: 969757, stamped in headstock

Body size at lower bout: 17", Scale length: 25 1/2" Nut: 1 11/16" Neck depth, 1st/10th frets: .79/.95

Materials: Solid bookmatched quartersawn Sitka spruce top; solid bookmatched rock maple back and sides; tiger flame maple neck; 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 gold hardware includes Gibson Pat # 'T-Top' humbucking pickups, Kluson Sealfast tuners, engraved tailpiece with art-deco insert, compensated adjustable ebony bridge with pearl inlaid foot, three-way pickup selector switch, 5-ply bound tortoise pickguard, adjustable truss rod. Gold Gibson reflector cap knobs installed.

Notes: The electric version of the L-5C, the L-5CES was introduced in 1951, and has been Gibson's top-line 17" electric archtop 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.

Examples in natural finish sold at a premium price, and represented but a fraction of production, in some years less than 10% of the total of sunburst models. Upscale features include the gold Kluson Sealfast tuners, engraved art-deco tailpiece, and inlaid ebony bridge foot.

As Gibson serial numbers are notoriously vague in this era, is often more accurate through scrutiny of production details. While this serial number series is generally ascribed to 1970 through '72, the 'Varitone' adjuster on the tailpiece was discontinued in 1973, and the Pat. # stamped pickups debuted in 1975, so the latter date would seem most likely for this guitar.

Hand crafted at the original Gibson Kalamazoo factory, this attractive guitar is one of just 65 natural finish examples from its model year, and has been maintained in splendid condition, without pick, buckle, thumb or fingerboard wear. The gold hardware, electronics and shielding cans are all original as well, as is the warmly ambered blonde lacquer finish.

With effortless playability, the guitar has smooth, low action over an elegant D profile neck, with fine pro fretwork and a fresh high precision setup. Apart from some scattered tarnish on the original gold plating, the guitar shows few signs of playwear altogether and is accompanied by its original black Gibson logo plush lined hardshell case.

With tonewood now over half a century old, this blonde beauty sounds every bit as sweet and mellow as its deep honeyed finish. Do blondes really have more fun? Find out for yourself: one only, call now.

Setup: This instrument is strung with medium gauge roundwound nickel strings. The guitar will accommodate lighter or heavier gauge strings, according to preference. String action is set at 4 to 5/64" at the 12th fret, with light relief. The action may be lowered or raised to your requirements with the adjustable bridge.

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