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1998 Gibson L-5CES, Blonde

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Serial #: 92248006, 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: 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 '57 Classic 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.

This instrument shows extravagant chevron bookmatched fiddleback flame maple in the back, sides and neck, with a quartersawn solid carved spruce soundboard with exceptionally tight grain. Maintained in immaculate condition, the guitar is 100% original, with all gold hardware, and rich natural amber blonde finish without pick, buckle, thumb or fingerboard wear. Neck is a classic gentle "D" profile, neither too skinny nor overly full, and the fretwork is high and perfectly crowned over a deep clear ebony fingerboard. The tone is warm, rich and sweet, as befits an instrument of its distinguished pedigree. Smooth low action over freshly dressed original medium jumbo frets. Highly sought-after worldwide, the L-5CES has been the gold standard for the electric archtop for over half a century.

At this writing, the venerable L-5 is available only on special order, at a price every bit as extravagant as its appearance. Always welcome here, they seldom last long. 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 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 logo plush hardshell case with pink plush lining.

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