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Description

Unleash your creativity with the Gibson ES-5 Electric Guitar, a timeless piece that has defined the sound of countless genres since its introduction. This semi-hollowbody electric guitar is perfect for musicians who crave the rich, resonant tones that only this type of instrument can deliver. Designed with both form and function in mind, the ES-5 combines classic aesthetics with modern playability, offering an unparalleled musical experience.

The guitar features three P-90 single-coil pickups, providing a versatile range of tones from warm jazz to biting blues. The separate volume and tone controls for each pickup allow for exceptional sound customization, making it a versatile choice for any musician. Its robust maple body and top, along with a smooth mahogany neck, ensure both durability and comfort for extended play sessions. The rosewood fingerboard facilitates fluid finger movement, enhancing the overall playing experience.

Whether you're on stage or in the studio, the Gibson ES-5 stands out for its ability to produce a dynamic sound that resonates with rich harmonics and sustain. Its stylish design and high-quality craftsmanship make it not only a pleasure to play but also a visual delight.

Key Features:

  • Semi-hollowbody construction for rich, resonant tones
  • Three P-90 single-coil pickups for versatile sound options
  • Separate volume and tone controls for each pickup
  • Maple body and top with a mahogany neck
  • Rosewood fingerboard for smooth playability
  • Iconic design with classic Gibson aesthetics
Ernie Ball

Ernie Ball

Ernie Ball: The Bonamassa Experience: 1951 Gibson ES-5

Video thumbnail for Ernie Ball: The Bonamassa Experience: 1951 Gibson ES-5 by Ernie Ball

Ernie Ball: The Bonamassa Experience: 1951 Gibson ES-5

Ernie Ball

Ernie Ball

Video thumbnail for Guitar of the Day: Original 1950 Gibson ES-5 | Norman's Rare Guitars by Normans Rare Guitars

Guitar of the Day: Original 1950 Gibson ES-5 | Norman's Rare Guitars

Normans Rare Guitars

Normans Rare Guitars

Video thumbnail for Original 1950 Gibson ES-5 Blonde | Guitar of the Day by Normans Rare Guitars

Original 1950 Gibson ES-5 Blonde | Guitar of the Day

Normans Rare Guitars

Normans Rare Guitars

Video thumbnail for 1954 Gibson ES-5 Sunburst | Guitar of the Day - Yates McKendree by Normans Rare Guitars

1954 Gibson ES-5 Sunburst | Guitar of the Day - Yates McKendree

Normans Rare Guitars

Normans Rare Guitars

Video thumbnail for VIDEO - Gibson ES 5 - USA 1949 by PREMIER GUITARS

VIDEO - Gibson ES 5 - USA 1949

PREMIER GUITARS

Video thumbnail for 1950 Gibson ES 5 - Sunburst / GuitarPoint Maintal / Vintage Guitars by GuitarPoint

1950 Gibson ES 5 - Sunburst / GuitarPoint Maintal / Vintage Guitars

GuitarPoint

GuitarPoint

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Gibson ES-5 Electric Guitar.

Features and functionality

  • The Switchmaster model is noted for its distinctive 4-way switch, which some users suggest would benefit from vertical orientation for better usability.

    Source
  • The ES-5 features three P-90 pickups, with users noting a preference for using all pickups at full volume for a powerful, harmonic-rich tone.

    Source

User experience

  • Some owners feel the switch orientation on burst finishes is less intuitive compared to natural/blonde finishes.

    Source
  • Owners appreciate the ES-5's "gentleman’s choice" of P-90 pickups, with admiration for the guitar's full-bodied sound when all pickups are engaged.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • The guitar is recognized as "of an era," suggesting its appeal lies in its vintage aesthetic and historical significance.

    Source

Comparisons

  • Some enthusiasts compare the ES-5 with the Epi Zephyr Blues Deluxe, discussing potential mods like reverse winding the middle pickup for tonal variety.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • Suggested modifications for similar models include a 6-way or 10-way rotary selector switch, potentially incorporating a piezo floating bridge pickup for expanded tonal options.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The ES-5 is celebrated for its ability to produce a full range of harmonics when all controls are set to maximum, appealing to players seeking a rich, dynamic sound.

    Source

Critic Reviews

The Gibson ES-5 | Vintage Guitar® magazine

vintageguitar.com

The Gibson ES-5 Electric Guitar stands as a timeless icon with its innovative three P-90 pickups and elegant design, elevating it to the upper echelon of Gibson models. This vintage masterpiece boasts a unique control system that was ahead of its time, allowing for versatile tone blending. However, while the ES-5's multiple pickups were groundbreaking, they eventually became excessive for some players, leading to its discontinuation. Despite this, it remains a historical highlight in Gibson's lineup, though sadly, some have been cannibalized for parts. For those seeking a piece of electric guitar history, the ES-5 is in a class of its own.

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Artist usage

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See how Paul McCartney uses Gibson ES-5 Electric Guitar

Paul McCartney

Singer, Bassist

The Beatles

...
Verified via MusicRadar
Year: 1949

“Then there was another similar find. When I was going through the guitars I found - well, I knew we had it! - but a 1949 Gibson ES-5 lefty, which again is just so rare. It’s a really weird guitar because I think it’s a precursor to the Switchmaster.”

“It’s got three pickup controls, but only one tone, it doesn’t have the switches in it or anything. We spent a lot of time with it plugged in kind of messing with the controls trying to get the right tone out of the three pickups without any individual tone. But you get a very particular sound, it’s just warm and jazzy. Again, Paul will think ‘I want a nice warm tone’ and that’s the ES-5.”

See how George Harrison uses Gibson ES-5 Electric Guitar

George Harrison

Singer, Guitarist

The Beatles

...
Verified via Photo

George played Gibson ES-5 (probably not switchmaster) during the Jackie Lomax sessions in 1968 and Get Back sessions in 1969.

See how Mark Knopfler uses Gibson ES-5 Electric Guitar

Mark Knopfler

Singer, Guitarist

Mark Knopfler’s Guitar Heroes

...
Verified via Photo

In 1990, Mark used a Gibson ES-5 on the 1990 UK tour of The Notting Hillbillies.

See how B.B. King uses Gibson ES-5 Electric Guitar

B.B. King

Guitarist

Various Artists for Children's Promise

...
Verified via Photo

B.B. King used the Gibson ES-5 Electric Guitar, a model popularized by T-Bone Walker, as evidenced by a user-uploaded photo.

See how Wayne Sermon uses Gibson ES-5 Electric Guitar

Wayne Sermon

Guitarist, Keyboardist

Imagine Dragons

...
Verified via MusicTech

In this interview, Wayne Sermon mentions using the Gibson ES-5.

See how T-Bone Walker uses Gibson ES-5 Electric Guitar

T-Bone Walker

Guitarist

T-Bone Walker Quintet

...
Verified via Photo

T-Bone Walker predominantly used a Gibson ES-5 Electric Guitar throughout his career, known for its unique out-of-phase wiring that produced a bright, shimmering tone. This characteristic sound is captured in the image provided by Gibson.

See how Scotty Moore uses Gibson ES-5 Electric Guitar

Scotty Moore

Guitarist

The Blue Moon Boys

...
Verified via Photo

Scotty Moore can be seen using a Gibson ES-5 Electric Guitar during the recording session for "Hound Dog" and "Don't Be Cruel," which took place on July 2nd, 1956, as evidenced by a photograph from the session. It's unknown if he borrowed the guitar or owned it at the time.

See how Carl Perkins uses Gibson ES-5 Electric Guitar

Carl Perkins

Singer, Guitarist

Tennessee Three

...
Verified via Photo

In early '56, after the massive success of "Blue Suede Shoes", Carl Perkins purchased an $800 blonde Gibson ES-5 maple-top with three P-90 pickups with separate tone and volume controls for each. He also got himself one of the hand built EchoSonic amps from Ray Butts out of Cairo, Illinois for $250 down and $250 on delivery.

Carl Perkins' Gibson ES-5 is currently on display at the Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame in Cleveland.

Quote taken from: http://www.the-jime.dk/Rockabilly_Guitar/Carl_Perkins_Guitars_and_Amps.htm

See how 朝日 廉 (Asahi Ren) uses Gibson ES-5 Electric Guitar

朝日 廉 (Asahi Ren)

Singer, Guitarist

ネクライトーキー (Necry Talkie)

...
Verified via Photo

he started using this guitar during the "FREAK" tour

See how Lowell Fulson uses Gibson ES-5 Electric Guitar

Lowell Fulson

Guitarist

...
Verified via Photo

Lowell Fulson is seen playing a Gibson ES-5 Electric Guitar in a photo on Exblog, identified by the caption "d0162873_9342377.jpg."

See how Don Everly uses Gibson ES-5 Electric Guitar

Don Everly

Singer, Guitarist

The Everly Brothers

...
Verified via Photo

In the provided photo, Don Everly can be seen playing a Gibson ES-5 Electric Guitar, which he used during radio programs and in the early days of the Everly Brothers.

Album Usage

The Gibson ES-5 Electric Guitar has been featured on the following albums:

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

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