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Average Price: $9,996

High-end/Boutique

$500

$1201+

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Budget

Standard

High-end

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Description

The Gibson Custom L-5 CES Electric Guitar stands as a testament to the artistry and craftsmanship that Gibson is renowned for. This semi-hollowbody electric guitar seamlessly merges classic design with modern playability, making it a favorite among jazz aficionados and versatile musicians alike. Known for its rich, warm tones, the L-5 CES is engineered to deliver a broad spectrum of sound, from deep, resonant lows to articulate, sparkling highs.

Crafted with a carved spruce top and maple body, this instrument exudes a luxurious aesthetic while contributing to its distinctive tonal quality. The mahogany neck and ebony fretboard offer unmatched comfort, allowing for smooth transitions across its 20 frets. The guitar's twin humbucking pickups ensure a clean, robust output, perfect for both live performances and studio recordings.

For those who seek a blend of tradition and innovation in their musical toolkit, the Gibson Custom L-5 CES provides both in abundance. Whether you're exploring jazz, blues, or rock, this guitar is primed to elevate your sound with its sophisticated design and superior sound projection.

Key Features:

  • Semi-hollowbody design for warm, resonant tones
  • Carved spruce top and maple body
  • Mahogany neck with an ebony fretboard
  • 20 frets for a wide range of musical expression
  • Twin humbucking pickups for robust output
  • Iconic trapeze tailpiece and Grover tuners
  • Ideal for jazz, blues, and rock genres

Product specs

Brand Gibson
Model Custom Shop L-5 CES
Finish Ebony, Natural, Slow Iced Tea Fade, Sunburst, Wine Red
Year 1993 - 2015
Made In United States
Categories Hollow Body Guitars
Body Material Maple
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
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
Series Gibson Custom Shop
Top Material Maple
Wood Top Style Plain

FAQs

What kind of music genres is the Gibson Custom L-5 CES Electric Guitar best suited for?

The Gibson L-5 CES is renowned for its rich, warm tones, making it ideal for jazz and blues. Its hollow body and humbucker pickups offer a versatile sound that can also suit rock and pop styles.

What are the tonal characteristics of the Gibson Custom L-5 CES pickups?

The L-5 CES features dual humbucker pickups, known for their smooth, warm tones with a full-bodied sound. They provide excellent clarity and sustain, making them perfect for clean jazz tones and smooth overdriven sounds.

Is the Gibson Custom L-5 CES Electric Guitar suitable for live performances?

Yes, the L-5 CES is highly regarded for live performances due to its robust build and excellent acoustic projection. Its hollow body design offers a resonant sound that fills venues, while the humbucker pickups ensure clear amplification.

What is the neck profile of the Gibson Custom L-5 CES, and how does it affect playability?

The Gibson L-5 CES features a comfortable set-neck construction with a rounded neck profile, facilitating smooth playability. This design is favored by jazz guitarists for its ease of chord transitions and soloing.

How does the Gibson Custom L-5 CES compare to other hollow body guitars?

The Gibson L-5 CES stands out for its craftsmanship and tonal quality, offering a richer, more resonant sound than many other hollow body guitars. Its premium materials and custom shop construction provide superior playability and durability.

Musician's Friend

Musician's Friend

Gibson Custom L-5 CES Electric Guitar

Video thumbnail for Gibson Custom L-5 CES Electric Guitar by Musician's Friend

Gibson Custom L-5 CES Electric Guitar

Musician's Friend

Musician's Friend

Video thumbnail for [MusicForce] Gibson Custom Archtop L-5 CES Demo - Guitarist 조창현 'But Not For Me' by Music Force Official

[MusicForce] Gibson Custom Archtop L-5 CES Demo - Guitarist 조창현 'But Not For Me'

Music Force Official

Music Force Official

Video thumbnail for Gibson Custom Wes Montgomery L-5 CES Electric Hollowbody, Ebony by Musician's Friend

Gibson Custom Wes Montgomery L-5 CES Electric Hollowbody, Ebony

Musician's Friend

Musician's Friend

Video thumbnail for Gibson Custom L-5 CES Hollowbody Electric Guitar Antique Natural by Musician's Friend

Gibson Custom L-5 CES Hollowbody Electric Guitar Antique Natural

Musician's Friend

Musician's Friend

Video thumbnail for Gibson Custom Shop L-5 CES  •  SN: 10225003 by Wildwood Guitars

Gibson Custom Shop L-5 CES • SN: 10225003

Wildwood Guitars

Wildwood Guitars

Video thumbnail for Gibson Custom Wes Montgomery L-5 CES Electric Hollowbody by Musician's Friend

Gibson Custom Wes Montgomery L-5 CES Electric Hollowbody

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Musician's Friend

Video thumbnail for Gibson Custom L-5 CES Electric Hollowbody, Ebony by Musician's Friend

Gibson Custom L-5 CES Electric Hollowbody, Ebony

Musician's Friend

Musician's Friend

Video thumbnail for Gibson Custom L-5 CES Hollowbody Electric Guitar Antique Natural by Musician's Friend

Gibson Custom L-5 CES Hollowbody Electric Guitar Antique Natural

Musician's Friend

Musician's Friend

Reviews

PROS

  • Iconic sound featured on many classic recordings

  • Sets the standard for archtop guitars

  • Exceptional warm, rounded tones and rich chordal note definition

  • Highly dynamic response suitable for octave playing

  • Beautiful craftsmanship and attention to detail

  • Consistent high quality without frequent adjustments

  • Ideal for jazz enthusiasts with a high-end collection

CONS

  • Large size may be cumbersome for some players

  • High value makes it intimidating to use for gigs

  • Limited use of rear pickup for some players

4.5 out of 5

Based on 0 Reviews and 5 Ratings

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Artist usage

Add artist
See how John Mayer uses Gibson Custom L-5 CES Electric Guitar

John Mayer

Guitarist

John Mayer Trio

...
Verified via YouTube

John Mayer can be seen playing a Gibson L-5 Electric Guitar starting at 0:28 of this video. This specific Gibson custom that John Mayer owns comes in an all natural light wood color.

See how Nile Rodgers uses Gibson Custom L-5 CES Electric Guitar

Nile Rodgers

Singer, Guitarist

Mark Knopfler’s Guitar Heroes

...
Verified via Facebook

Nile Rodgers posted this photo on his facebook page. The post says, "This Gibson L5 Custom is one damn fine guitar and it sounded amazing in this space at Drexel"

See how Zachary Cole Smith uses Gibson Custom L-5 CES Electric Guitar

Zachary Cole Smith

Singer, Guitarist

DIIV

...
Verified via YouTube

In this Noisey documentary on Krautrock Smith covers a song and uses a Gibson Les Paul Custom. Look at the 15:50 mark.

See how Andy Fairweather Low uses Gibson Custom L-5 CES Electric Guitar

Andy Fairweather Low

Guitarist

Mick Fleetwood and Friends

...
Verified via YouTube

In this Eric Clapton Tour Rehearsal, Andy Fairweather Low is using a Gibson L-5 CT VSB.

See how Pamungkas uses Gibson Custom L-5 CES Electric Guitar

Pamungkas

Singer, Guitarist

...
Verified via Photo

In an Instagram post, Pamungkas is seen using a Gibson Custom L-5 CES Electric Guitar during an online gig. The caption reflects on the unique experience of performing virtually and thanks fans for their support.

See how Bobby Womack uses Gibson Custom L-5 CES Electric Guitar

Bobby Womack

Guitarist, Music Producer

Artists United Against Apartheid

...
Verified via Vintageguitar

What kind of guitars were you using back then? I was using the Cadillac of guitars – a big Gibson L-5 hollowbody. And sometimes a Gretsch. They were both perfect for what I did with Sam. Sam would do “You Send Me,” or “Twistin’ The Night Away.”

I was a rhythm guitar player. Eventually, I started getting into Strats and Telecasters. For amps I always used a Fender Twin. My favorite guitar, to this day, is a 65-year-old Guild acoustic.

See how Hershel Yatovitz uses Gibson Custom L-5 CES Electric Guitar

Hershel Yatovitz

Guitarist

...
Verified via Hershelyatovitz

According to Vintage Guitar interview, Yatovitz used 2001 Gibson L-5CES Electric Guitar.

See how Rambo Amadeus uses Gibson Custom L-5 CES Electric Guitar

Rambo Amadeus

Singer, Guitarist

...
Verified via Music LP-Underground

Rambo Amadeus is confirmed to use a Gibson Custom L-5 CES Electric Guitar, as reported by Jerko Jakšić on the website Music LP-Underground in the article titled "MLP-U - Rambo Amadeus - Split, Judino Drvo / 07. Ožujka-2019."

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 L-5 CES Electric Guitar, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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