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1989 Gibson L-5CES

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Serial #: 81289602, orange label. Master Model label signed 7/25/89 by James Hutchins.

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: 100% original gold hardware includes twin Gibson '57 Classic PAF humbucking pickups, 5-ply bound tortoise pickguard; Gibson bonnet volume and tone controls, engraved tailpiece with art-deco ebony/pearl insert, Kluson Sealfast tuners, compensated adjustable Tuneamatic bridge with inlaid foot; three-way pickup selector switch; adjustable truss rod.

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 example is in excellent condition, 100% original, with all factory hardware, and is without cracks, pick, buckle or thumbwear. The tiger flame maple back, sides and neck show attractive bookmatched figure. Neck is a classic "D" profile, neither too skinny nor overly full, and the fretwork is high and perfectly crowned. A few scattered strands of lacquer checking on the top are about the only evidence of its three decades of age.

Eyecatching additions include the pearl inlaid art-deco ebony insert on the tailpiece, and the sunburst finish on the reverse headstock, both rare variants seen only for a few short years. The tone is warm, rich and sweet, as befits an instrument of its distinguished pedigree, and the Master Model Custom Shop label is hand signed by James Hutchins himself.

Highly sought-after worldwide, the L-5CES has been the gold standard for the electric archtop for over half a century. One only: call now.

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 .070 to .080 at the 12th fret, with moderate relief. The action may be lowered or raised to your requirements with the adjustable bridge.

Case: Original Gibson logo plush hardshell case.

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