Loosely based on the company's flagship L-5 CES electric archtop, the L5-S was the top of the line and most expensive solid body guitar in Gibson's catalogue upon its introduction in late 1972.

The earliest examples of the L5-S were equipped with the same low Impedance pickups used on the Les Paul recording model; however, Gibson quickly opted to outfit the guitars with their Bill Lawrence designed Super Humbucker pickups in 1974. 

One of only 74 produced in 1976, this Gibson L5-S is a wonderfully preserved example built in the sweet spot of the model's production. This guitar sports the most desirable features for a L5-S, including the humbucker pickups and traditional L-5 tailpiece. The instrument is original apart from its bone nut, one accurate replacement tuner ferrule and a period-correct neck pickup that replaced the original when it failed.

The pair of “Tarback” Super Humbuckers, measuring 7.3K in the bridge and 5.3k in the neck, offer powerful and dynamic tones that are full bodied and rich with controlled bass, supportive mids, and warm trebles. It's a versatile guitar with a round and articulate neck pickup that would shine in a jazz ensemble, while the robust bridge pickup allows the guitar to sit perfectly in a rock setting. The neck profile is reminiscent of a '63-'64 carve. It features a medium C carve with a 1-11/16" nut width and first fret depth of 0.790”. The neck fills out to a thickness of 0.97" at the 12th fret. The guitar weighs a comfortable 9lbs 3oz - quite a reasonable weight for a Norlin-era Gibson solid body. The original frets show only light wear and play cleanly, the neck angle is correct, and we have the guitar set up with 10s and our shop standard electric action.

With original purple-lined hardshell case.