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1997 Gibson L-5 Studio

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Serial #: 92147030, orange Custom Shop label.

Body size at lower bout: 17", Scale length: 25 1/2" Nut: 1 11/16"

Finish: Burgundy sunburst finish, nitrocellulose lacquer type.

Materials: Solid quartersawn bookmatched carved spruce top; arched tiger-flame maple back and sides with Venetian cutaway; solid tiger flame maple neck with walnut centerstripes; solid ebony fingerboard; solid bone nut.

Hardware: All original nickel hardware includes twin '57 Classic humbucking pickups, trapeze tailpiece with triple parallelogram crossbar, Grover Super Rotomatic tuners, compensated adjustable Tuneamatic bridge with inlaid foot; 5-ply bound marbled pickguard; black bell volume and tone controls; three-way pickup selector switch; adjustable truss rod.

Notes: The electric version of the L-5C, the L-5CES was introduced in 1951, as Gibson's top-line electric guitar. In 1996, responding to the demand for a popular priced alternative for the working player, Gibson introduced the L-5 Studio. Identical in design, bracing and scale to its spendy cousin, the L-5 Studio is also fitted with a solid spruce soundboard and solid ebony fingerboard, in the same fashion as the firm's most expensive instruments. Produced for just four model years, the L-5 Studio is now one of the rarest versions of Gibson's premier jazz guitar.

This handsome example is in great shape, with all original factory hardware and finish, and is without pick, buckle, thumb or fingerboard wear. The back, sides and neck show appealing figure in the richly flamed maple, and the marbled pickguard and distinctive trapeze tailpiece are unique features seen only on the earliest examples of this scarce model. Neck is a classic gentle "D" profile, neither too skinny nor overly full, with smooth low action over fine original medium jumbo frets. The tone is warm, rich and sweet, as befits an instrument of its distinguished pedigree. A slight lifting of the veneer on the back of the headstock was resealed almost invisibly right at the ebony lacquer 'bird's beak' some time ago, and the guitar otherwise shows no repairs.

A wonderful video of noted virtuoso Mark Whitfield playing his own L-5 Studio may be seen here:

Gibson's gift to the gigging player, the L-5 Studio is a rare find, and a best buy in a true pro-sized Gibson jazz guitar.

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 5/64" to 6/64" at the 12th fret, with moderate relief. The action may be lowered or raised to your requirements with the adjustable bridge.

Case: Original brown Gibson logo deluxe arched plush hardshell case.

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