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1945 Gibson L-5, CES Conversion
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Serial #: 98336
Body size at lower bout: 17". Scale length: 25 1/2" Nut Width: 1 11/16"
Finish: Sunburst, nitrocellulose type
Materials: Highly figured solid bookmatched bubble maple back and sides; handcarved bookmatched solid spruce top; three piece flame maple neck with walnut centerstripe; quintuple bound solid ebony fingerboard with block mother of pearl inlay and pointed finial; quintuple bound peghead and body with bound f-holes; solid bone nut.
Hardware: Original gold hardware includes engraved Varitone tailpiece and Brazilian rosewood bridge. Twin gold Gibson Pat. sticker humbucking pickups, Grover Imperial tuners, gold Gibson reflector cap knobs, quintuple bound dark tortoise pickguard, 3 way pickup selector switch.
Notes: It is well known that for maximum acoustic response on archtop guitars, nothing can compare to solid, carved, full depth, non-cutaway bodies. And yet, with the exception of a few custom orders, Gibson never put a noncutaway electric (CES) version of their flagship L-5 model into regular production.
This guitar from the immediate postwar era was originally built as an acoustic model, with a finely carved solid bookmatched spruce soundboard, and a particularly handsome bubble maple back and sides. Still bearing the graceful prewar fat script logo, the guitar is finished in a subtle original three tone sunburst as well.
Perhaps two decades later, the guitar was converted to L-5 CES specs, with 60's vintage Gibson hardware including a pair of Pat. sticker humbucking pickups, gold reflector cap controls, and a 3 way selector switch. The original engraved gold art-deco tailpiece remains in place, and a recent bound tortoise pickguard is attached, with a dramatic pinto tortoise pattern.
The voice is deep and rich, with commanding authority through the amp, and the tonal complexity only a true carved body can provide.The neck profile is classic full C, round and pleasing with smooth low action over the solid ebony fingerboard and a fresh high-precision setup.
It's the guitar Gibson forgot to make, and a versatile classic. One only: call now.
Setup: Trussrod tension and neck relief adjusted; bridge height adjusted; bridge compensation strobe tuned; string slots at nut and bridge inspected and recut as necessary; bridge compensation strobe tuned; bridge wheels and tuners lubricated; fingerboard and bridge oiled; body and neck cleaned and hand polished.
This instrument is strung with medium gauge nickel strings (.012-.054). 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.
Case: Deluxe black arched plush lined hardshell case
