Home / Instruments /Accessories / Ordering / Tips / Friends
archtop.com
1976 Gibson L-5CES
Status: Pricing and hold status for all instruments currently available is shown on our Instruments page here. If this instrument does not appear on the Instruments page it has been sold, and is no longer available. Photos and descriptions of Previously Sold instruments may by found here. To be notified of examples of this model or similar instruments in the future, please contact [email protected],. Please be specific on which instrument(s) you're looking for, and we'll be happy to contact you as soon as they become available.
Serial #: 00204545, Kalamazoo label.
Body size at lower bout: 17", Scale length: 25 1/2" Nut: 1 11/16" Neck depth: .76/.98, 1st/10th fret
Materials: Solid bookmatched handcarved fine grain spruce top; solid carved bookmatched rock maple back and sides; 3-piece 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.
Hardware: All original gold hardware includes Gibson Pat. # humbucking pickups, engraved tailpiece with art-deco insert, Kluson Sealfast tuners, compensated adjustable rosewood bridge with ABR-1 Tuneomatic saddle, three-way pickup selector switch, adjustable truss rod. Gold reflector cap knobs installed, with original black bonnet knobs included.
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.
This gleaming guitar is one of 139 examples shipped in its model year, and the instrument shows classic features including a full-width 1 11/16" nut, signature engraved art-deco tailpiece and the ultra-premium gold Kluson Sealfast tuners, now long unavailable. All original dark Cremona sunburst finish is free of pick, buckle, thumbwear or checking. Apart from a bit of wear on the pickup covers, the instrument has been maintained in showroom condition.
String action is smooth and low over fine original medium-jumbo fretwork, with a fresh high-precision setup on a comfy gentle D profile neck. Classic bop tone from the original Pat. sticker pickups, with hum-free performance enhanced by the original pot shielding cans. And all nestled in its original deluxe black Gibson plush lined hardshell case.
Gibson's most venerable archtop, the L-5CES has been the gold standard for some seven decades. And after almost half a century, this stunning guitar remains in under-the-bed condition. A rare find: one only, call now.
Setup: This instrument is strung with medium gauge flatwound nickel strings. 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 light relief. The action may be lowered or raised to your requirements with the adjustable bridge.
