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1979 Gibson L-5CES
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Serial #: 73529022, Kalamazoo 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 rock maple back and sides with Venetian cutaway; 3 piece 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: 100% original hardware includes twin gold Gibson humbucking pickups, 5-ply bound tortoise pickguard; gold bell volume and tone controls (black bonnet knobs in case); engraved gold tailpiece with art-deco insert, gold Kluson Sealfast tuners, compensated adjustable ebony 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 guitar is an immaculate example, on consignment from it's original owner, in 100% original condition, with all factory hardware. Lovingly cared for, the instrument shows no cracks, pick, buckle or thumbwear, and is fitted in its original plush hardshell case. The bookmatched quartersawn solid spruce soundboard is carved from exceptionally fine grained tonewood, and finished in a classic Cremona sunburst that is remarkably free of finish checking. Even the gleaming gold plating is in virtually time-capsule condition, and the peghead is fitted with the legendary Kluson Sealfast tuners, long unavailable at any price.
Action is low and smooth over a gentle C profile neck, with finely dressed original frets. Tone is pure Wes: warm, fat, and richly resonant. With tonewood aged over three decades, this stunning instrument offers offers true vintage performance in a particularly pristine package.
Setup: This instrument is strung with light gauge nickel strings (.012-.054). 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 gold logo black plush hardshell case.
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