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Average Price: $17,995

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Description

Step back in time with the 1961 Gibson L-5 CES Custom, a true icon of the electric jazz guitar world. This semi-hollowbody electric guitar is renowned for its craftsmanship and warm, resonant sound that defined an era of music. Originally introduced in 1922, the L-5 was the first guitar ever to feature f-holes, transforming the landscape of guitar design. By 1961, the L-5 CES had evolved into a fully electric model, complete with the celebrated PAF humbuckers that deliver a rich, versatile tone perfect for both jazz and blues.

Crafted with a solid spruce top and highly flamed maple back and sides, the L-5 CES Custom offers a robust build that ensures durability while enhancing tonal quality. Its ebony fingerboard provides a smooth playing experience, and the pearl block inlays offer a touch of elegance. This model is equipped with a rounded medium C-shaped neck, offering comfort for both rhythm and lead playing. The gold hardware adds a luxurious finish, making it as visually striking as it is sonically impressive.

Whether you're an avid collector, a professional musician, or a dedicated enthusiast, the 1961 Gibson L-5 CES Custom brings an unmatched legacy and a timeless sound to your collection.

Key Features:

  • Semi-Hollowbody design with solid spruce top
  • Highly flamed maple back and sides
  • Equipped with original PAF humbuckers
  • Ebony fingerboard with pearl block inlays
  • Rounded medium C-shaped neck
  • Gold hardware for a classic look

Product specs

Brand Gibson
Model L-5CES
Finish Natural, Sunburst
Year 1961 - 1968
Made In United States
Categories Hollow Body Guitars
Body Material Maple
Body Shape Single Cutaway
Body Type Hollow Body
Bridge/Tailpiece Type Stop-Bar
Color Family Brown, Tan
Finish Pattern Sunburst
Finish Style Gloss
Fretboard Material Rosewood
Model Family Gibson L-5
Model Sub-Family Gibson L-5 CES
Neck Construction Set-Neck
Neck Material Maple
Number of Frets 20
Number of Strings 6-String
Pickup Configuration HH
Right / Left Handed Right Handed
Scale Length 24.75"

FAQs

What makes the 1961 Gibson L-5 CES Custom unique compared to other semi-hollowbody guitars?

The 1961 Gibson L-5 CES Custom is distinguished by its classic design, featuring a carved maple body and a set-neck construction. Its dual humbucker pickups provide a warm, rich tone ideal for jazz and blues genres.

Is the 1961 Gibson L-5 CES Custom suitable for jazz music?

Yes, the 1961 Gibson L-5 CES Custom is highly regarded in the jazz community for its warm, resonant sound and smooth playability, making it a preferred choice for jazz guitarists.

What is the neck profile like on the 1961 Gibson L-5 CES Custom?

The 1961 Gibson L-5 CES Custom features a comfortable, rounded neck profile, facilitating smooth transitions across the fretboard, which is ideal for intricate jazz and blues playing styles.

How does the 1961 Gibson L-5 CES Custom handle feedback?

As a semi-hollowbody guitar, the 1961 Gibson L-5 CES Custom is designed to minimize feedback, making it suitable for live performances in amplified settings.

What kind of pickups does the 1961 Gibson L-5 CES Custom have?

The 1961 Gibson L-5 CES Custom is equipped with dual humbucker pickups, which deliver a warm, full-bodied tone with reduced noise, perfect for jazz and blues genres.

The Music Emporium

The Music Emporium

Gibson L5-CES

Video thumbnail for Gibson L5-CES by The Music Emporium

Gibson L5-CES

The Music Emporium

The Music Emporium

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about 1961 Gibson L-5 CES Custom.

Build quality

  • Original tuners might date to '63 or later, as earlier Gibsons typically lacked metal tulip style tuners.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • Proper humidification is crucial for longevity; avoid letting it fall over to prevent headstock breaks.

    Source
  • Checking the production year on the potentiometers can help verify the guitar's exact age.

    Source
  • A good luthier can address potential issues from long-term storage and ensure the guitar is properly set up.

    Source

User experience

  • It’s mentioned that if the guitar appears at a concert in 1970, it suggests an older model, potentially pre-dating the late 60s.

    Source

Other

  • For Gibson expertise near Toronto, Mark Stutman in Waterloo and Twelfth Fret on Danforth & Woodbine are recommended, though Twelfth Fret may replace parts unless specified otherwise.

    Source

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Artist usage

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See how Pat Metheny uses 1961 Gibson L-5 CES Custom

Pat Metheny

Guitarist, Bassist

Pat Metheny Group

...
Verified via Vintage Guitar® magazine

Pat describes acquiring this Gibson previously owned by Wes Montgomery and George Benson.

You got a guitar that was owned not only by Wes Montgomery, but also by George Benson? I’m really not that materially oriented, but I thought, “If I could ever get one of Wes’ guitars, that would be something I’d really love.” One thing led to the next, and we all knew that George Benson had one of Wes’ guitars, and somehow I wound up with that L-5 – from George.

It’s the 1961 Gibson L-5 CES that we all know from the cover of Movin’ Wes, and George used it on the first couple of CTI recordings he was on. He used it as a studio guitar. I think George could pick up a telephone pole with a cable on it and it would sound f***ing amazing. He seems kind of impervious to whatever. He’s an interesting case, that guy (laughs).

See how Kenny Burrell uses 1961 Gibson L-5 CES Custom

Kenny Burrell

Guitarist

Kenny Burrell & Coleman Hawkins

...
Verified via Vintage Guitar® magazine

Earlier, you had a Gibson ES-175 and then a custom L-5 CES with a Florentine cutaway. That was years before the Florentine cutaway on the L-5 and Super 400. How did it come about?

Gibson made me an L-5 with a deep cutaway in the late ’50s. They did it reluctantly. I played that guitar for a while, but it was too heavy. It had a much bigger block; they thought the body wouldn’t hold the neck with the deep cutaway otherwise. The 175 was too small and always felt clumsy; I couldn’t grab it comfortably with my arm. The Super 400 feels perfect for me.

Album Usage

The 1961 Gibson L-5 CES Custom has been featured on the following albums:

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use 1961 Gibson L-5 CES Custom, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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