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1950 Gibson ES-5

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Serial #: A-5107, white oval label. Factory order #: 4657-11

Body size at lower bout: 17", Scale length: 25 1/2" Nut: 1 11/16" Neck depth: .87/.92, 1st/10th frets

Materials: Highly flamed arched maple body; solid tiger flame maple neck with walnut centerstripe; L-5 style 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 Kluson Super 'waffleback' tuners; triple parallelogram trapeze tailpiece; triple P-90 pickups; beveled 5-ply pickguard; 3/4" barrel volume and tone knobs; compensated adjustable rosewood bridge.

Notes: Classic 50's tone. Spectacular flame. Elegant modern playability. What's not to like?

Then as now, jazz guitarists of the postwar era spent a lot of effort perfecting their tone, which required mastering the intricacies of the newest instrument in the ensemble. Once their sound was dialed in, most players only slightly increased the volume, or brightened the tone, to transition from comping to a solo. To meet the needs of this evolving market, Gibson introduced the ES-5 in 1949, the first triple pickup guitar from a major manufacturer. The most versatile electric guitar Gibson ever produced, the ES-5 featured independent volume controls for each pickup, and a master tone control within easy reach, right at the cutaway horn. This innovative configuration allowed players to make the most subtle adjustments in tone smoothly, without the jarring sonic transitions of a pickup switch.

Maintained in gleaming condition, this handsome example is graced with highly flamed tiger maple of stunning intensity, with all original hardware, electronics, and finish. The instrument features the traditional gold parallelogram tailpiece, and the classic P-90 single coil pickups and controls in the original configuration, with independent volume knobs for each pickup, and the master tone control on the cutaway horn. Handsome original tall gold numbered speed knobs are in place, along with the original beveled 5-ply pickguard.

As one might expect, the instrument offers an exceptional range of tonal colors, from rich warm mids and lows to a bright high register with lots of punch. The neck has a comfy gentle C contour, full and solid in feel. The neck shows the honest thumbwear of a long career, and apart from some buckle wear on the back, the lustrous sunburst finish is otherwise notably free of pick and other playwear. With a handsome fingerboard of dark rosewood, the guitar has fine pro fretwork with smooth low action over a fresh high-precision setup. A special bonus is a copy of Gibson's original five page typewritten instruction manual for operation of the volume and tone controls, included in the case.

A pioneering and versatile model, ready to play, right out of its original arched deluxe brown Gibson Lifton hardshell case. 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 foot contour inspected and fit to top as necessary; bridge radius inspected and recurved as necessary; bridge wheels and tuners lubricated; fingerboard and bridge oiled; body and neck cleaned and hand polished, pickups and polepieces balanced and tested.

This instrument is strung with medium gauge nickel roundwound strings (.012-.052). 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 play with medium strings. The action may be lowered or raised to your requirements with the adjustable bridge.

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