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Description

The Gibson Custom ES-5 Switchmaster Hollowbody is a testament to the golden era of jazz guitars, providing both seasoned musicians and collectors with an instrument that combines historical craftsmanship with modern reliability. Originally introduced in 1949, the ES-5 was the first fully electric guitar to offer three pickups, setting a new standard in tonal versatility. The Switchmaster version elevates this classic by offering independent volume and tone controls for each pickup, ensuring a palette of sounds that cater to everything from smooth jazz to rockabilly twang.

Crafted with a laminated maple body, the ES-5 Switchmaster provides rich resonance and warm tonality, essential for any serious musician. Its rosewood fingerboard and set neck construction offer effortless playability and sustain, allowing you to express every nuance of your performance. The guitar's unique wiring configuration includes a six-position pickup selector, offering a range of sonic possibilities that adapt to any playing style.

Whether you're in the studio or on stage, the Gibson Custom ES-5 Switchmaster Hollowbody is designed to meet the demands of professional musicians. Its vintage appeal and modern playability make it a standout choice for those who demand both aesthetics and performance from their instrument.

Key Features:

  • Three Alnico V single-coil pickups for a broad tonal range
  • Independent volume and tone controls for each pickup
  • Laminated maple body for enhanced resonance
  • Rosewood fingerboard with traditional block inlays
  • Six-position pickup selector for versatile sound options
  • Set neck construction for improved sustain and comfort

Product specs

Brand Gibson
Model ES-5 Switchmaster
Finish Natural, Sunburst
Year 1949 - 1954
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 Ebony
Model Family Gibson ES-5 Switchmaster
Neck Construction Set-Neck
Neck Material Maple
Number of Frets 20
Number of Strings 6-String
Pickup Configuration SSS
Right / Left Handed Right Handed
Scale Length 24.75"
Wood Top Style Plain

FAQs

What type of music is the Gibson Custom ES-5 Switchmaster Hollowbody best suited for?

The Gibson Custom ES-5 Switchmaster Hollowbody is ideal for jazz and blues due to its warm, resonant tone and versatile pickup configuration, which allows for a wide range of tonal options.

What is the pickup configuration on the Gibson Custom ES-5 Switchmaster?

The Gibson Custom ES-5 Switchmaster features a triple single-coil pickup configuration, allowing for a variety of tonal combinations suitable for diverse musical styles.

How does the maple body and neck of the ES-5 Switchmaster affect its sound?

The maple body and neck of the ES-5 Switchmaster provide a bright, clear tone with excellent sustain, making it a great choice for articulate, expressive playing.

Is the Gibson Custom ES-5 Switchmaster suitable for live performances?

Yes, the Gibson Custom ES-5 Switchmaster is suitable for live performances, offering rich, dynamic sound and a visually striking design that stands out on stage.

Does the Gibson Custom ES-5 Switchmaster Hollowbody have a set neck construction?

Yes, the Gibson Custom ES-5 Switchmaster Hollowbody features a set-neck construction, contributing to its sustain and overall tonal quality.

Wildwood Guitars

Wildwood Guitars

Gibson Custom Shop ES-5 Switchmaster • SN: 13154002

Video thumbnail for Gibson Custom Shop ES-5 Switchmaster  •  SN: 13154002 by Wildwood Guitars

Gibson Custom Shop ES-5 Switchmaster • SN: 13154002

Wildwood Guitars

Wildwood Guitars

Video thumbnail for Gibson Custom Shop ES-5 Switchmaster  •  SN: 13184003 by Wildwood Guitars

Gibson Custom Shop ES-5 Switchmaster • SN: 13184003

Wildwood Guitars

Wildwood Guitars

Video thumbnail for Gibson Custom Shop ES-5 Switchmaster  •  SN: 11634001 by Wildwood Guitars

Gibson Custom Shop ES-5 Switchmaster • SN: 11634001

Wildwood Guitars

Wildwood Guitars

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Artist usage

Add artist
See how Jimmy Page uses Gibson Custom ES-5 Switchmaster Hollowbody

Jimmy Page

Guitarist

Led Zeppelin

...
Verified via Photo

Jimmy Page has been photographed with a Gibson Custom ES-5 Switchmaster Hollowbody, suggesting its use in studio recordings, possibly around 1973.

See how George Harrison uses Gibson Custom ES-5 Switchmaster Hollowbody

George Harrison

Singer, Guitarist

The Beatles

...
Verified via Photo

In a series of photographs from 1968, George Harrison is documented using a Gibson Custom ES-5 Switchmaster Hollowbody guitar, identifiable by its three P90 pickups, during recording sessions for Jackie Lomax's debut album, "Is This What You Want," in both London and Los Angeles. This is corroborated by images shared by Instagram user grewupwiththebeatles, credited to photographers Bill Zygmant and Hal Blaine.

See how Mark Knopfler uses Gibson Custom ES-5 Switchmaster Hollowbody

Mark Knopfler

Singer, Guitarist

Mark Knopfler’s Guitar Heroes

...
Verified

Mark Knopfler acquired the Gibson Custom ES-5 Switchmaster Hollowbody around 1990 and has used it for occasional home and studio purposes, as documented on the website "Mark Knopfler and his guitars."

See how Frank Zappa uses Gibson Custom ES-5 Switchmaster Hollowbody

Frank Zappa

Singer, Guitarist

The Plastic Ono Band

...
Verified via Photo

One of Zappa's earliest guitars was a Gibson ES-5 Switchmaster, according to the Gibson website.

Guitar Player writes : "This ES-5 Switchmaster was used on the first three Mothers of Invention records. We also know that Frank plugged it into a Fender Deluxe for the album Freak Out! He had the portly, knob-festooned jazz box later outfitted with Barcus Berry pickups and even more switches and knobs that, according to Dweezil, are no longer functioning."

See how Andy Summers uses Gibson Custom ES-5 Switchmaster Hollowbody

Andy Summers

Guitarist

The Police

...
Verified via Andysummers

On his official page, Andy has a Switchmaster in the gallery of guitars he owns.

See how Lenny Kravitz uses Gibson Custom ES-5 Switchmaster Hollowbody

Lenny Kravitz

Guitarist, Singer

The Plastic Ono Band

...
Verified via Gibson

This article from Gibson talks about Lenny Kravitz owning a ES-5 Switchmaster Electric Guitar.

See how Steve Howe uses Gibson Custom ES-5 Switchmaster Hollowbody

Steve Howe

Guitarist

Yes

...
Verified via Innerviews: Music Without Borders

Howe states in this interview: "Then I went to America after making The Yes Album and bought a Gibson ES-5 Switchmaster, which is absolutely stunning."

See how Brian Setzer uses Gibson Custom ES-5 Switchmaster Hollowbody

Brian Setzer

Singer, Guitarist

The Brian Setzer Orchestra

...
Verified via reverb.com
Color/Finish: Burst Year: 1960

Brian Setzer is confirmed to have owned the Gibson Custom ES-5 Switchmaster Hollowbody, as indicated by the serial number A 33381, detailed on Reverb.com. The guitar features a distinctive finish and unique appointments, with minimal scuffs and a well-preserved neck binding. It includes a 4-way selector switch for varied tone combinations and individual volume and tone controls for each pickup. Notably, there are etchings on the top indicating the bridge position.

See how Jimmy Nolen uses Gibson Custom ES-5 Switchmaster Hollowbody

Jimmy Nolen

Guitarist

...
Verified via Premierguitar

Gear-wise, Nolen used a variety of tools during his career. The guitars he was most often spotted with included Gibson ES-175 and ES-5 Switchmaster hollowbodies, a Japanese-made Stratocaster copy called a Fresher Straighter, and a Gibson Les Paul Recording Model with single-coils. To achieve his signature sound, he ran the guitars through a Fender Twin Reverb with the treble cranked. As any live version of “I Got the Feeling” proves, Nolen’s tone was clean and full, and despite playing in such a large band, you can hear every note.

See how Duke Robillard uses Gibson Custom ES-5 Switchmaster Hollowbody

Duke Robillard

Guitarist, Music Producer

The Fabulous Thunderbirds

...
Verified via Vintage Guitar® magazine

I played a lot of Gibsons – an L-7, ES-300, ES-5, and they were great. But somewhere along the line, I got an Epiphone Deluxe. What a sound!

See how Elliot Ingber uses Gibson Custom ES-5 Switchmaster Hollowbody

Elliot Ingber

Guitarist

The Mothers of Invention

...
Verified via Photo

Elliot can be seen in the back of this article photo playing Frank Zappa’s Gibson ES-5 Switchmaster.

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Gibson Custom ES-5 Switchmaster Hollowbody, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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