1962 GIBSON L-5CES

A superb Gibson L-5CES from 1962, in very good condition.

One of the rarest instruments, on one hand because the L-5 models were only produced in very small quantities at the beginning of the 1960s – only 30 examples with a sunburst and cutaway (CES) were produced in 1962, among which the present instrument. On the other hand, the peculiar configuration of this guitar, as unlike the vast majority of electric L-5s which were equipped with two humbucker pickups, this one is equipped with only one pickup in the neck position. As such, it could be said to be an identical copy of the single-pickup instruments built by Gibson on special order and seen throughout the 60s in the hands of none other than Wes Montgomery – at ABC’s London studios in 1965, on many covers and brochures… It is a pleasure to listen on the albums of this jazz master to the round and mellow tones enhanced by the pickup in the neck position, amplifying these acoustic characteristics already intrinsic to the L-5 – and unsurprisingly, all of this is confirmed on the present instrument.

The neck has been modified and refinished, and partial overspray on upper part of the back and shoulders is to be noted. Replaced pickguard, the original acetate piece having disintegrated. Humbucking pickup bearing its Patent No. label, potentiometers dated to 1961. Beautiful Iced Tea Sunburst finish, Kluson Sealfast tuners and ornamented tailpiece typical of the model.

The guitar has been thoroughly checked and entirely set up in our workshop, in perfect playing condition. In a period accurate brown Lifton case.

Please enquire for price.