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1972 Gibson L-5CESN

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Serial #: 980987, Kalamazoo label. Body size at lower bout: 17", Scale length: 25 1/2" Nut: 1 11/16" Neck depth, 1st/10th frets: .76/.91

Materials: Solid bookmatched Sitka spruce top; solid carved curly maple back; solid rock maple 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: All original hardware includes twin Gibson Pat. # humbucking pickups, engraved gold tailpiece with art-deco insert, gold Kluson Sealfast tuners, 5-ply bound tortoise pickguard with gold bracket, compensated adjustable gold ABR-1 Tuneomatic bridge with inlaid rosewood base; three-way pickup selector switch; adjustable truss rod, black bonnet volume and tone knobs.

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.

One of just 65 examples in natural finish from this model year, this gorgeous guitar has been maintained in under-the-bed condition, with a striking curly maple back, flame maple neck, generous 1 11/16" ebony fingerboard, ultra-premium gold Kluson Sealfast tuners, and twin Gibson Pat. # humbucking pickups. The original blonde finish has ambered to a deep honey color, with a hand graduated Sitka spruce soundboard now aged-in over half a century.

With no cracks, excellent neck angle and bridge height, and multi-ply binding all tight to the body, this gleaming guitar is virtually free of playwear, with only a bit of plating fog to show for its many decades in the case. Neck has a comfy gentle "D" profile, right in the pocket, and without the volute bump often found later in the decade. Action is smooth and low over fine original medium-jumbo fretwork, with a fresh high precision setup. Tone is rich and sweet, with excellent warmth and clarity.

Highly sought-after worldwide, the L-5CES has been the gold standard electric archtop for over seven decades. And you'll have to look long and hard to fine a finer example, the pride of Gibson's catalog. One only, call now.

Setup: This instrument is strung with medium gauge half-round 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 original black Gibson logo arched hardshell case with purple plush lining.