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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
Videos
Ernie Ball
Ernie Ball: The Bonamassa Experience: 1951 Gibson ES-5
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
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The Switchmaster model is noted for its distinctive 4-way switch, which some users suggest would benefit from vertical orientation for better usability.
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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.
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User experience
Value and pricing
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The guitar is recognized as "of an era," suggesting its appeal lies in its vintage aesthetic and historical significance.
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Comparisons
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Some enthusiasts compare the ES-5 with the Epi Zephyr Blues Deluxe, discussing potential mods like reverse winding the middle pickup for tonal variety.
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Mods and upgrades
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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.
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Critic Reviews
Based on 0 Reviews and 0 Ratings
Artist usage
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“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.”
George played Gibson ES-5 (probably not switchmaster) during the Jackie Lomax sessions in 1968 and Get Back sessions in 1969.
B.B. King used the Gibson ES-5 Electric Guitar, a model popularized by T-Bone Walker, as evidenced by a user-uploaded 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.
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.
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
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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