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1979 Gibson L-5CES
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Serial #: 73529022, Kalamazoo label.
Body size at lower bout: 17", Scale length: 25 1/2" Nut: 1 11/16" Neck depth: .78/.95, 1st/10th fret
Materials: Solid bookmatched handcarved fine grain spruce top; solid carved bookmatched rock 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.
Hardware: All original gold hardware includes Gibson Pat. # 'T-Top' humbucking pickups, engraved tailpiece with art-deco insert, Kluson Sealfast tuners, compensated adjustable ebony bridge with pearl inlaid base, multi-bound dark swirl tortoise pickguard, three-way pickup selector switch, adjustable truss rod. Vintage style gold bell knobs installed, 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 handsome instrument shows classic upscale features, including the engraved art-deco tailpiece and ultra-premium gold Kluson Sealfast tuners. All original finish shows a deep Gibson Cremona sunburst, and the instrument has been maintained in lustrous condition, without pick, buckle, thumb or fingerboard wear.
The neck has a comfy gentle "D" profile, with a full 1 11/16" nut, and smooth, low string action over fine original medium-jumbo fretwork, with a fresh high-precision setup. Tone is rich and sweet, with excellent warmth and clarity, with the original unopened Pat. sticker pickups and shielding cans still in place. With stunning barber pole flame in the three piece maple neck, this well maintained example also shows unusually bright original gold plating as well, from the tuners to the tailpiece. And all nestled in its original deluxe black Gibson logo arched hardshell case.
Highly sought-after worldwide, the L-5CES has been the gold standard for the electric archtop for over half a century. A fine working axe, with an impeccable pedigree: one only, call now.
Setup: This instrument is strung with medium gauge nickel flatwound 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.
