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2003 Gibson L-5CES, Rare Wine Finish

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Serial #: 22024001, orange label. Master Model label, signed James Hutchins,12/12/03.

Body size at lower bout: 17", Scale length: 25 1/2" Nut: 1 11/16" Neck depth, 1st/10th frets: .81/.96

Finish: Wine red finish, nitrocellulose lacquer type.

Materials: Solid bookmatched handcarved fine grain spruce top; solid handcarved bookmatched tiger-flame maple back and sides; 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 '57 Classic humbucking pickups, 5-ply bound tortoise pickguard; Gibson gold bell volume and tone controls, engraved gold tailpiece with art-deco insert, gold Gibson tulip 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 scarce example is finished in the rare wine red color, and has been maintained in 100% original, virtually unplayed condition, free of pick, buckle, thumb or fingerboard wear. The carved maple back, sides and neck are figured with deep bookmatched fiddleback flame, with a finely grained, bookmatched carved spruce soundboard. Neck has a classic gentle D profile, elegant and comfy, and the fretwork is polished and perfectly crowned. Tone is warm and elegant, and action is smooth and low, with a fresh high-precision setup.

Highly sought-after worldwide, the L-5CES has been the gold standard for the electric archtop for over half a century. In the model's rarest finish color, this immaculate guitar is a rare find indeed. 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 4/64" to 5/64" at the 12th fret, with moderate relief. The action may be lowered or raised to your requirements with the adjustable bridge.

Case: Deluxe black plush lined hardshell case.

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