Tone and beauty for artistic performance!

The depth and mellowness of the Gibson L-5 CES is winning acclaim for this fine jazz guitar from the most discriminating artists. The tonal quality of the acoustic guitar and the advantages of an electric are combined in one instrument. Very few carved guitars are built each year because of the scarcity of the wood required and the handcrafting involved. The building of the L-5s is overseen by Jim Hutchins, a Gibson Builder since 1963. The process has remained relatively unchanged since the 1950s, including the hand-tuning of the top and back. Guitarists sing the praises of the comfortable vintage neck; the fast, easy action; and the rich beauty of the carved spruce top. Other features on the Gibson guitar include a figured, carved maple back with solid maple rims; a pearl inlaid ebony fingerboard; and beautiful multi white-black binding. With the creation of the L-5 in the 1920s, the modern archtop guitar was invented and it has set the standard for all carved guitars that have followed. (Click on "Private Reserve" at left to see more gorgeous pics.)

Gibson Custom L-5 CES Electric Guitar Features:

• Solid spruce top
• Solid maple sides and back
• Five-piece maple neck
• F-holes
• Binding: Body/neck/peghead/F-holes
• Hardware: Gold
• Bridge/Tailpiece: Tune-o-matic/24K gold
• Pickups: Two '57 Classic HBs
• Controls: Two volume, two tone, three-way switch
• Fingerboard: Ebony 20 fret/block inlays
• Scale length/nut width: 25-1/2"/1-11/16"
• Finish: Vintage sunburst

Gibson Custom L-5 CES Electric Guitar Includes:

• Custom Shop hardshell case and certificate of authenticity

Sooner or later, your muse outgrows your 'fairly good" axe. Now you need a little more instrument to really stretch out. DO IT!

Gibson Custom L-5 CES Electric Guitar

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Average of 15 User Ratings

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Gibson L-5 1998/purchased new from Sam Ash Music

Posted by Kenroufa from Austin, TX on Oct 26, 2009

Experience w/product: I own it

Reviewer's Background: Show Player/Studio Musician

Reviewer's Play Style: Jazz

reference-Jazz guitarist that has "performed/toured" with Andy Williams/Jack Jones/Houston Symphony Orchestra/Houston Grande Opera/numerous "Show productions" ie Chorus Line/Oklahoma/Porgy and Bess-Guitar Chair/sight reader-Gibson L-5 from Custom Guitar shop set up terribly-as per Luthiers in Austin,Tx-Mark Erlewine/Ed Shaeffer-Archtop specialists-"Nut" not cut properly/bridge not "set" properly/Frets not "dressed" properly/Frustrating that Gibson lets such a "Fine" instrument leave their shop without ANY attention to detail

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2008 Gibson L5 CES

Posted by Guitar Guy NY from New York City on Oct 2, 2008

Experience w/product: I own it

Reviewer's Background: Hobbyist

Reviewer's Play Style: Jazz

I have owned several L5 models over the years and they all have been wonderful guitars. Although a bit tempermental in the first 6 months in some cases. The latest edition is a sunburst 2008 L5 CES. I must say that Gibson really hit the mark on this one! These guitars are certainly works of art, but must usually be tweaked to an individual players specs. That's the norm. Use of beautifully selected woods and quality of execution of construction are all evident on this fine example of Gibson Custom Shop workmanship. The tone and playbility are of course, amazing. Not an inexpensive guitar, but worth every penny, once adjusted to the players taste. All you need to do is inject your own soul into it...the rest comes with the guitar from the factory.

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Great Guitar

Posted by Learned Rocker from Washington, D.C. area on May 29, 2008

Experience w/product: I own it

Reviewer's Background: Serious hobbyist

Reviewer's Play Style: Jazz and rock

The L-5CES is a wonderful instrument. Yes, it's expensive, but it's truly worth it when you think about what you are getting for the money compared to other high-end guitars.

My only complaint about the Gibson Custom Shop is that no one there knows how to cut a nut. Every Custom Shop guitar I've purchased, including my L-5, have needed to have the nuts recut. You really can't judge any Gibson Custom Shop guitar until you've taken it home and set it up yourself first. Yes, for this price Gibson should do it right, but they don't -- or can't. Gibson's quality standards are not nearly as high as PRS or other high-end makers. But once you set the guitars up properly (and fix whatever needs fixing), they can be a joy to own. An L-5 will only get better as the top breaks in. Other than the nut, the only other consistent issues I've had with Gibson Custom Shop guitars is that the necks moved a lot and the truss rods needed to be adjusted frequently for the first couple of years. I can only assume this is because Gibson doesn't dry and handle its woods with the same level of care as PRS and other makers do. But once the guitars have settled in, they've all been absolutely wonderful. I guess what I'm really trying to say here is that Gibson Custom makes some fabulous instruments -- especially the L-5 (although the Historic Les Pauls are happening guitars too), don't expect the guitar to be perfect right out of the box. None of the 6 Custom Shop guitars I've purchased (all new) were perfect out of the box. Plan on taking the guitar home and putting some sweat equity into it first -- think of it as a "feature" with Custom Shop guitars. Once you've corrected the set up and the guitar settles in, you will be rewarded with an outstanding instrument. It just takes a little time and effort for the guitar to reach its potential.

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Gibson L5

Posted by Engrdrill from Upper NYS on Apr 2, 2008

Experience w/product: I own it

Reviewer's Background: Active Musician

Reviewer's Play Style: Country Gospel

I have owned a Gibson L5 for 56 yrs. The case is a little ragged and the Guitar shows its wear. I play it in Church and for my own enjoyment. The quality is very good and you don't have to tune it every time you pick it up.

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Don't buy it just 'cause it's a Gbsn!

Posted by mcbrook from DE on Mar 3, 2007

Experience w/product: I have heard about it

Reviewer's Background: Active Musician

Reviewer's Play Style: Little of everything

I am not a rock 'n roller, I have been playing archtop guitars for 31 years for jazz, blues, country, fingerstyle. The L5 is vastly overrated. If you want a quality archtop in the 8-10 grand range, I recommend having one made or seeking an older Epiphone or Guild. I own an L5, and I use it, but it is an underacheiver. Warped neck, unbelievelably inappropriate frets for a jazz guitar, rattling body, cheap knobs, crappy tuners, crappy customer service from gbsn, a case that fell apart. All things I had to pay to fix. There are great L5s out there, but gbsn does there best to screw 'em up!

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Gibson Custom L-5 CES Electric Guitar

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$8,699.00 - $9,999.00

MSRP: $12,351.00 - $14,115.00 Savings: $4116.00(29%)

Finance Now for $870/mo.

Select Color/Option Here ... Vintage Sunburst...$8699.00 Natural...$9999.00

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