Gibson’s L-5 CES remained one of the company’s flagship electric archtop models from its introduction in 1951 until finally being delisted from production in recent years. The professional’s electric Jazz guitar of choice, the L-5 CES is arguably the most successful and most recorded Jazz guitar in history.

  This example dates from around 1973 and features patent # decal humbuckers, a full-width nut, and an attractive cherry sunburst finish. The big Jazz guitars survived the 1970s well, and generally don’t suffer from Norlin-era design misses and cost-cuttings. As such, this L-5 CES is a really well made instrument with a clear attention to detail in its build, a great playing neck, and excellent tone. 

  Carved spruce top with carve-fit parallel braces, quartersawn maple back and sides, 5-piece maple neck with bound ebony fretboard, multi-ply bindings throughout, Kluson Sealfast tuners, and gold hardware throughout. The electronics are untouched and original, with pots sealed inside shielding cans which have never been opened. The original pickups have had their covers professionally changed as the originals (which are in the case pocket) were badly corroded from the original pickguard’s corrosion. The current pickguard is, of course, a nicely made reproduction. Apart from newer frets, the guitar is otherwise completely original and in quite excellent condition. We’ve set it up here with Thomastic Jazz Swing 12s and a slinky action, and it plays cleanly and comfortably. 

  The neck has a low C carve with a full-width 1-11/16” nut. Neck depth at the first fret is .810, and the neck thickens nicely to .946” at the 9th fret. The new frets are Dunlop 6130, which is very similar wire to what would have originally been used by Gibson. The Patent # humbuckers measure 7.9k and 8.0k.

  No cracks, repairs, or excessive playwear to be found. There are an assortment of minor dings on the body, but significantly fewer than the norm.

  With original hardshell case