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1998 Gibson Custom L-5CES

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Serial #: 92268001, orange label.

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: Hardware includes twin gold Gibson humbucking pickups, 5-ply bound tortoise pickguard; Gibson gold bonnet volume and tone controls, engraved gold tailpiece with art-deco insert, gold Kluson Sealfast tuners, compensated adjustable gold 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.

The instrument is in in immaculate condition, 100% original, with all gold hardware, rich traditional sunburst finish and is without pick, buckle, thumb or fingerboard wear. Apart from a bit of pickwear on the neck pickup near the guard, and a small finish ding near the binding on the lower treble bout, the instrument appears virtually unplayed. The tiger flame maple back, sides and neck show dramatic AAA bookmatched figure. Neck is a classic "D" profile, neither too skinny nor overly full, and the fretwork is high and perfectly crowned on a deep clear ebony fingerboard. The tone is warm, rich and sweet, as befits an instrument of its distinguished pedigree. Smooth low action over original freshly dressed medium jumbo frets. Highly sought-after worldwide, the L-5CES has been the gold standard for the electric archtop for over half a century.

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 deluxe brown Gibson USA plush hardshell case with pink plush lining.

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