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Average Price: $7,750
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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
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What kind of sound can I expect from the 1997 Gibson L5 Wes Montgomery?
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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.
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Is the 1997 Gibson L5 Wes Montgomery suitable for professional jazz guitarists?
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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.
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What is the neck profile like on the 1997 Gibson L5 Wes Montgomery?
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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.
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How does the ebony fretboard of the 1997 Gibson L5 Wes Montgomery affect its playability?
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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.
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Does the 1997 Gibson L5 Wes Montgomery come in different finishes?
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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.
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What is the body type of the 1997 Gibson L5 Wes Montgomery, and how does it influence the sound?
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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.
Videos
Normans Rare Guitars
Guitar of the Day: 1997 Gibson Custom L-5 Wes Montgomery | Norman's Rare Guitars
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
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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
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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
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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
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Owners describe the spruce top grain as tight and visually appealing, possibly indicating high-quality Adirondack spruce.
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5.0 out of 5
Based on 0 Reviews and 1 Rating
Artist usage
Add artist
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
Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.
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