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Cherry
sunburst.
What a nice guitar: the so-called solidbody version of the famed L-5
archtop was one of the really interesting guitars produced by Gibson in
the obscure mid 70s - early 80s era. Not only a differently shaped Les
Paul, but a totally different guitar. After the early years, the L-5 S
abandoned its archtop-style tailpiece and low-impedance pickups for more
familiar and highly performing stop-bar and regular humbuckers. Unlike a
Les Paul, the body was ALL made of maple which gave the instrument a very
distinctive sound, and the thinner shape kept the weight in acceptable
terms. While not popular like the Les Paul, the L-5 S was a highly
regarded guitar, especially among professional players (including jazz
icons like Pat Martino).
This example comes from the early 80s and is in exceptionally fine
conditions. Beautiful cherry sunburst finish, totally unfaded and with
minimal traces of wear. Just barely visible pick and belt-buckle signs,
but never through the finish. The body is very thin and comfortable, and
has a very nice top (three pieces, like the rule was in those times) and
back, with gorgeous flames. The access to the control cavity is closed by
a wooden door made of the same maple piece of the back, so the grain and
flames run evenly through all the back. The neck is all made of maple,
three pieces with two laminated walnut or mahogany stripes, and has a
comfortable rounded shape, easy action and is a joy to play. The back of
the headstock features the typical thick volute, which on the L-5 S has
the additional function of balancing the body's weight when the guitar is
hanging on your shoulder. Beautiful ebony fingerboard with abalone block
inlays and flowerpot L-5 headstock inlay.
All original gold-plated hardware which includes Gibson tulip-shaped metal
tuners, stop bar tailpiece, B-2 tune-o-matic bridge. Original pickups and
electronics, original knobs and jack plate. Everything is working
properly,
with no functional problems. Great playability, good original frets (they
have been leveled and polished once in the past) and
excellent sound, loud, warm (even hot if you need) and very defined, never
muddy. You can use it both for your jazz gigs and for more aggressive
styles because this guitar does it all!
A gorgeous and all-original high-end Gibson solidbody for a very
interesting price - just see today's market prices for this model!
Original hardshell case in excellent condition as well.
flame1
- body1
- body2
- board1
- board2
- in
case - back
- back2
- body
back - headstock
- knobs
- pickups
- flame2
- det
- tuner
- hardware -
side
- bridge
- case
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