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1998 Gibson ES-5 Custom Shop Reissue
Status: Pricing and hold status for all instruments currently available is shown on our Instruments page here. If this instrument does not appear on the Instruments page it has been sold, and is no longer available. Photos and descriptions of Previously Sold instruments may be found here. To be notified of examples of this model or similar instruments in the future, please contact [email protected],. Please be specific on which instrument(s) you're looking for, and we'll be happy to contact you as soon as they become available.
Serial #: 91348013, orange Custom Shop label
Body size at lower bout: 17", Scale length: 25 1/2" Nut: 1 11/16" Neck depth: .81/.97, 1st/10th fret
Finish: Cremona sunburst, 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 P-90 pickups; trapeze tailpiece with raised crossbar; Gibson/Kluson Deluxe tuners; adjustable compensated Tune-o-matic bridge; beveled 5-ply pickguard; gold barrel volume and tone knobs.
Notes: Introduced in 1949, the ES-5 was the most versatile electric guitar Gibson had ever produced, and the first triple pickup instrument from a major manufacturer. With each pickup assigned its own volume control, the guitar was capable of a virtually infinite array of tonal shadings, all controlled with a master tone knob on the cutaway horn. And befitting its exalted status, the new model was priced the same as a non-cutaway L-5.
This striking guitar represents this historic model in the final year of its original configuration, as fitted with the newly introduced Tuneomatic bridge. This spectacular guitar is a loving recreation of this short lived classic, and a highly figured example as well, with body and neck crisscrossed with handsomely flamed tiger maple throughout.
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 C profile in the classic style, and the action is smooth and low over a fresh high precision setup, with brightly polished fretwork in a handsome fingerboard of coffee colored rosewood.
With gleaming gold hardware and a Cremona sunburst finish, the instrument is in showroom condition, and appears virtually unplayed. A special plus, we are pleased to supply to the lucky buyer a rare copy of Gibson's original ES-5 instruction manual, in all five pages of its typewritten glory, direct from our archives.
Lush, flamy and gorgeous, and endowed with a superabundance of tonal options, the ES-5 was a model too distinctive to stay gone for long. One only: call now.
Case: Original brown Gibson logo plush lined hardshell case.
Setup: This instrument is strung with medium gauge nickel flatwound strings. 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.
