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1998 Gibson ES-5 Switchmaster
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Serial #: 90488997, orange Custom Shop label
Body size at lower bout: 17", Scale length: 25 1/2" Nut: 1 11/16"
Finish: Amber blonde finish, nitrocellulose lacquer type.
Materials: Highly flamed arched tiger maple body; solid flame maple neck with walnut centerstripes; solid rosewood fingerboard with block mother of pearl inlays and pointed finial; quintuple bound body with bound neck and headstock; solid bone nut.
Hardware: All original gold hardware includes triple '57 Classic PAF pickups; loop design trapeze tailpiece with engraved crossbar; Grover Rotomatic tuners; adjustable compensated Tune-o-matic bridge; beveled 5-ply pickguard; gold bonnet volume and tone knobs; 4 way pickup selector switch with top hat knob.
Notes: Introduced in 1949, the triple pickup ES-5 was the most versatile electric guitar Gibson ever produced. In late 1955, the guitar was renamed the Switchmaster, fitted with separate volume and tone controls for each pickup and a unique 4 way selector switch. In the latter half of 1957, the revolutionary Patent Applied For humbucking pickup was introduced, and the Switchmaster became one of the first Gibsons to be supplied with these most desirable of all vintage pickups.
When the Switchmaster was discontinued in 1962, it became an instant legend, and so collectible it was finally reissued in 1996. This spectacular guitar is a loving recreation of the most sought after version of the model, and one of the most extravagantly figured examples we've seen, with both body and neck crisscrossed with intensely flamed tiger maple throughout. With it's all original hardware and deep amber blonde finish, the instrument is without pick, thumb, buckle or fingerboard wear. The original frets are high and ungrooved, and sit in in a handsome fingerboard of coffee colored Brazilian rosewood. Apart from a bit of fogging on the tailpiece, the original gold plating is remarkably well preserved.
As one might expect, the instrument offers a notable range of tone, from rich warm mids and lows to a bright high register with lots of punch. The neck has a comfy gentle D profile in the style of the early '60s, and the action is low and smooth over fine medium fretwork. Lush, flamy and gorgeous, and endowed with a superabundance of tonal options, this guitar is a model too distinctive to stay gone for long. One only: call now.
Case: Original brown Gibson logo plush lined hardshell case, with pink silk coverlet.
Setup: This instrument is strung with medium gauge nickel strings (.012-.052). 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 for acoustic playing with medium strings. The action may be lowered or raised to your requirements with the adjustable bridge.
