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1998 Gibson L-5 Wes Montgomery

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Serial #: 91068015, orange label.

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

Finish: Vintage 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.

Hardware: Hardware includes gold Gibson humbucking pickup, 5-ply bound tortoise pickguard; Gibson gold bell volume and tone knobs; engraved gold tailpiece with Wes Mongomery nameplate; gold Gibson Deluxe tuners, compensated adjustable Tunematic bridge with inlaid ebony foot; adjustable truss rod.

Notes: At the top of virtually everyones' short list, the great Wes Montgomery was arguably the most influential jazz guitarist of the 1960's. Introduced in 1993, this version of the legendary L-5CES is a faithful rendition of the master's own instrument, built with the single humbucking pickup in just the right place.

The solid maple back, sides and neck show particularly fine deep bookmatched tiger flame figure. This example is in great shape, 100% original, with all factory hardware and finish, without cracks, pick, buckle or thumbwear. A handsome California instrument, it has been professionally played and carefuly maintained, showing just a bit of finish checking on the back, a little tarnish on the gold art-deco tailpiece and a few small lacquer dents on the top and neck. Neck is a classic "D" profile, neither too skinny nor overly full, and the fretwork is high and perfectly crowned. A bonus is a genuine Buzz Feiten compensated nut for superior intonation. Tone is warm, rich and sweet, and the body is just a tad lighter than the standard CES. An instant classic, and a fitting tribute to the Man With the Golden Thumb.

Setup: This instrument is strung with medium gauge roundwound 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 Gibson logo plush hardshell case.

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