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Description

The 1997 Gibson L5 Wes Montgomery is a tribute to the legendary jazz guitarist, designed to deliver the rich, warm tones that made his music timeless. This semi-hollowbody electric guitar is crafted with the utmost precision, featuring a single floating mini-humbucker pickup that captures the essence of Montgomery's signature sound. The guitar's construction includes a carved solid spruce top and a maple back and sides, providing a resonant, dynamic response that's perfect for jazz aficionados and serious musicians alike.

The L5 Wes Montgomery model stands out not only for its tonal excellence but also for its elegant craftsmanship. The multi-ply binding, ebony fingerboard, and mother-of-pearl block inlays add a touch of sophistication, making it as visually stunning as it is sonically impressive. Whether you're performing on stage or recording in the studio, this guitar delivers the depth and clarity needed to elevate your sound. With its hand-crafted quality and historical significance, the 1997 Gibson L5 Wes Montgomery is more than just an instrument; it's a piece of music history.

Key Features:

  • Single floating mini-humbucker pickup
  • Carved solid spruce top
  • Maple back and sides
  • Ebony fingerboard with mother-of-pearl block inlays
  • Multi-ply binding
  • Tailpiece with engraved "Wes Montgomery" insignia
  • 24.75" scale length
  • Hand-crafted in the USA

Product specs

Brand Gibson
Model Custom Shop L-5 Wes Montgomery
Finish Ebony, Natural, Sunburst, Wine Red
Year 1993 - 2016
Made In United States
Categories Hollow Body Guitars
Artist Wes Montgomery
Body Shape Double Cutaway
Body Type Hollow Body
Bridge/Tailpiece Type Stop-Bar
Color Family Black, Brown, Red, Tan
Finish Pattern Sunburst
Finish Style Gloss
Fretboard Material Ebony
Model Family Gibson L-5
Neck Construction Set-Neck
Number of Frets 20
Number of Strings 6-String
Pickup Configuration H
Right / Left Handed Right Handed
Series Gibson Artist Collection, Gibson Custom Shop

FAQs

What kind of sound can I expect from the 1997 Gibson L5 Wes Montgomery?

The 1997 Gibson L5 Wes Montgomery offers a warm, rich, and full-bodied tone, ideal for jazz and blues. Its single humbucker pickup delivers smooth, mellow sounds that are perfect for clean, articulate playing.

Is the 1997 Gibson L5 Wes Montgomery suitable for professional jazz guitarists?

Yes, the 1997 Gibson L5 Wes Montgomery is highly regarded among professional jazz guitarists for its superior craftsmanship and tonal quality. It is designed to deliver the classic jazz tones associated with Wes Montgomery.

What is the neck profile like on the 1997 Gibson L5 Wes Montgomery?

The neck of the 1997 Gibson L5 Wes Montgomery features a comfortable set-neck construction with a traditional profile that suits jazz players, providing easy playability and smooth transitions along the fretboard.

How does the ebony fretboard of the 1997 Gibson L5 Wes Montgomery affect its playability?

The ebony fretboard on the 1997 Gibson L5 Wes Montgomery offers a smooth, fast playing surface with excellent durability. It enhances the guitar's overall tonal clarity and sustain, making it ideal for articulate jazz playing.

Does the 1997 Gibson L5 Wes Montgomery come in different finishes?

Yes, the 1997 Gibson L5 Wes Montgomery is available in several finishes, including Ebony, Natural, Sunburst, and Wine Red, allowing players to choose a style that suits their personal preference.

What is the body type of the 1997 Gibson L5 Wes Montgomery, and how does it influence the sound?

The 1997 Gibson L5 Wes Montgomery features a hollow body design, which contributes to its warm, resonant tone with excellent acoustic projection, making it ideal for jazz and blues genres.

Normans Rare Guitars

Normans Rare Guitars

Guitar of the Day: 1997 Gibson Custom L-5 Wes Montgomery | Norman's Rare Guitars

Video thumbnail for Guitar of the Day: 1997 Gibson Custom L-5 Wes Montgomery | Norman's Rare Guitars by Normans Rare Guitars

Guitar of the Day: 1997 Gibson Custom L-5 Wes Montgomery | Norman's Rare Guitars

Normans Rare Guitars

Normans Rare Guitars

Video thumbnail for Tim Lerch -  Blues for Wes - 1997 Gibson Wes Montgomery L5 by Tim Lerch

Tim Lerch - Blues for Wes - 1997 Gibson Wes Montgomery L5

Tim Lerch

Tim Lerch

Video thumbnail for Gibson L5 Wes Montgomery Sunburst (1997) by Ten Guitars TV

Gibson L5 Wes Montgomery Sunburst (1997)

Ten Guitars TV

Ten Guitars TV

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about 1997 Gibson L5 Wes Montgomery.

Build quality

  • The 1997 Gibson L5 Wes Montgomery features a hand-carved solid top and back, distinguishing it from laminated electric archtops known for feedback mitigation.

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  • The model's headstock is adorned with a triple-bound design and a flowerpot graphic inlay, adding to its unique aesthetic appeal.

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Features and functionality

  • The guitar includes a distinctive "widow's peak" embellishment at the fretboard's end, a rare feature not commonly seen today.

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Value and pricing

  • A natural top finish on this guitar is more challenging to produce, as imperfections cannot be hidden with color, making it a rarer and more valuable find.

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User experience

  • Owners describe the spruce top grain as tight and visually appealing, possibly indicating high-quality Adirondack spruce.

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Use cases and applications

  • The guitar's solid wood construction provides significant acoustic volume, making it suitable for unamplified playing, which is important for maintaining tonal integrity.

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Artist usage

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See how Eric Clapton uses 1997 Gibson L5 Wes Montgomery

Eric Clapton

Guitarist

Mark Knopfler’s Guitar Heroes

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Verified via Bonhams

Serial No. 90697017, printed maker's label to interior Style: Wes Montgomery, Number: 90697017, is hereby GUARANTEED against... etc, in sunburst finish, with gold-plated metal parts, maple body with round cutaway, spruce top with f-holes, maple neck, twenty fret bound ebony fingerboard with block inlays, headstock facing with flowerpot inlay, single humbucking pickup, two rotary controls, two bound f-holes, metal bridge on ebony base, metal tailpiece engraved WES MONTGOMERY L5 and imitation tortoiseshell bound pickguard; and a brown hardshell contour case with dark pink plush lining with pink satin dust cover

Genre Usage

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