1977 Gibson Custom L-5S Cherry Sunburst

SOLD!
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Call 530-570-1525 or email sales@maharsvintageguitars.com to sell your vintage guitar, bass, amplifier, etc - one piece or a collection! We are always ready to buy instruments, amps and effects from Fender, Gibson, Martin, Epiphone, Rickenbacker, Gretsch, Marshall, Vox and just about anything else related to musical instruments.

This all-original L-5s is from 1977, a year in which a total of 301 were produced, and perhaps the year when it all came together for this model in terms of features and appointments.

This version retains the fancy L5 tailpiece, which I think adds to the unique tone of the guitar. Gone are the early, low-impedance pickups that look cool but are really odd and not that useable. The Kluson Sealfast tuners were discontinued in later versions, and they really just look like they belong here as opposed to the later Schaller tuners.

The top on this one is really nice, despite being a three piece top. They selected the wood well and lined up the seams with great symmetry. The grain is outstanding. The same goes for the neck.

The weight is very bearable as well - just a hair over 9 pounds.

There are no changes or repairs to the guitar. Frets show limited wear. The original "tarback" pickups are in place and they sound fantastic.

Playability is perfect, with low action that just kills.

The original case is included. The broken handle is in the case pocket.

Here is some AI generated background on the model:

The Gibson L-5S is a legendary electric guitar model that was introduced by Gibson in the early 1970s. It's a variation of the iconic Gibson L-5 archtop acoustic guitar, which has been a fixture in the world of jazz and other genres since its introduction in the 1920s.

The "L" in the name stands for "Lloyd" and the "5" signifies the guitar's high-quality status within the Gibson lineup. The "S" stands for "solid body," distinguishing it from its archtop acoustic counterpart. Here are some key features and characteristics of the Gibson L-5S:

Design and Construction: The L-5S features a single-cutaway, semi-hollow body design similar to the classic Gibson Les Paul shape. It's typically made from high-quality tonewoods, often including a carved maple top and back. This combination of tonewoods contributes to the guitar's resonance and tone.

Electronics: The L-5S is equipped with a set of humbucker pickups. These pickups are known for their warm and full-bodied sound, making the L-5S suitable for a wide range of musical styles beyond jazz.

Scale Length and Neck: The guitar typically has a 24.75-inch scale length, which is a standard Gibson scale length and it's topped with an ebony fingerboard.

Hardware: The L-5S comes with high-quality hardware, including a tune-o-matic bridge and stopbar tailpiece. The gold hardware is a common feature, adding to the guitar's luxurious appearance.

Controls: The control layout usually consists of volume and tone controls for each pickup, along with a three-way pickup selector switch, allowing players to choose between different pickup configurations and tones.

Versatility: While the original Gibson L-5 archtop was primarily associated with jazz, the L-5S was designed to be more versatile. Its solid body construction and humbucker pickups make it suitable for a broader range of genres, including rock, blues, and fusion.

Legacy: The Gibson L-5S holds a special place in the history of Gibson guitars. Its unique combination of elements from the archtop world and the solid-body electric guitar world gave it a distinctive identity. It's not as widely known as some other Gibson models, but it has been cherished by players who appreciate its unique blend of aesthetics, playability, and tonal characteristics.

It's worth noting that while the L-5S was introduced in the 1970s, it saw variations and changes in design and features over the years, so specific details might vary depending on the model year. As with many vintage guitars, the L-5S has become a collector's item, sought after by guitar enthusiasts and players alike.

Shipping policy:

Three day UPS air shipments will be automatic for buyers including these states and those to the east of them: Montana, South Dakota, Nebraska, Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas. Shipments will require signature on delivery, no exceptions. If there is damage, the buyer must retain all packing materials intact and picture them immediately and send them to sales@maharsvintageguitars.com. Less than 1% of our shipments are damaged in transit, and we are committed to making sure your item arrives safely, but we are taking these additional measures to make sure you are happy with your purchase.

Color: Cherry Sunbusrt
Weight: 9lb 2.1oz
Body: Solid Maple
Neck: 3 Piece Maple
Neck Profile: Slim Taper C
Fretboard: Bound Ebony
Inlays: Abalone Block
Frets: Original
Fret count: 22
Nut material: Bone
Nut width: 1-11/16"
Scale: 24.75"
Radius: 12"
Neck thickness at 1st fret: .80"
Neck thickness at 12th fret: .98"
Action 1st String at 12th Fret: 1mm
Action 6th String at 12th Fret: 1.5mm
Total length: 39-1/4"
Lower bout: 13-1/2"
Waist: 8-3/4"
Upper bout: 10-1/2"
Body depth/thickness: 1-7/8"
String gauge: .010-.046
Hardware Color: Gold Plate
Bridge Pickup Brand: Tar Back Gibson Humbucker
Bridge Pickup Reading: 7.5k
Pickup Original?: Yes
Neck Pickup Brand: Tar Back Gibson Humbucker
Neck Pickup Reading: 5.16k
Pickup Original?: Yes
Pickguard: N/A
Bridge: Schaller ‘Harmonica’
Tuners: Grover Imperial
Switch: 3 Way Toggle
Pots/Codes: Original 137 7752
Case: OHSC
Notes: