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1996 Gibson L-5CT, Slim Depth Body

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Serial #: 90036016, tan oval Master Model label.

Body size at lower bout: 17" Body depth: 2 1/2" Scale length: 25 1/2" Nut: 1 11/16" Neck depth, 1st/10th frets: .81/.93

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: All gold hardware includes twin '57 Classic PAF humbucking pickups, 5-ply bound tortoise pickguard; Gibson gold bell volume and tone controls, engraved tailpiece with art-deco insert, Kluson Deluxe tulip key tuners, compensated adjustable ebony bridge with inlaid foot; three-way pickup selector switch; adjustable truss rod.

Notes: If you've always coveted the regal tone of the L-5CES, but craved the comfort of a slim depth body, we've got your guitar right here.

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

After building a custom thin-bodied version of the L-5C for TV host George Gobel in 1958, Gibson added the model to the catalog later that year. Only 43 examples of the L-5CT were produced in the model's fleeting four year run, almost all cherry-finished acoustics, as they showed better on the black and white TVs of the day. A very few, however, were fitted with CES style PAFs, becoming one of the rarest version of the L-5 ever produced.

This striking example was custom built several years before the model was reissued by Gibson in 1998. Finished with the traditional cherry lacquer, the guitar has a solid carved bookmatched fiddleback maple back, sides and neck, and a soundboard of solid carved bookmatched Sitka spruce. Neck is a classic gentle D profile, elegant and comfy, with smooth low action over a fresh high-precicison setup. Tone is warm, deep and sweet, as befits an instrument of its distinguished pedigree, with rich, quiet '57 Classic PAFs. In sparkling condition, this rare example instrument appears virtually unplayed, and is fitted in its original brown Gibson logo plush lined hardshell case, complete with original hang tag and brochure.

With peerless tone and exceptional player comfort, the L-5CT is an outstanding combination for the serious player. 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 moderate relief. The action may be lowered or raised to your requirements with the adjustable bridge.

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