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Average Price: $8,600
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$500
$1201+
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Description
The Gibson L-5 encapsulates the essence of jazz's golden era, offering a semi-hollowbody electric experience that is both sonically rich and visually elegant. This instrument is steeped in history, crafted originally by the legendary Lloyd Loar, and continues to be a symbol of prestige among musicians. Its design, featuring F-holes and a beautifully bound fingerboard, gives it a classic look that resonates with tradition while remaining relevant in modern music.
The L-5 is cherished for its versatility, making it a favorite for jazz, blues, and even rock enthusiasts. Its semi-hollowbody construction adds warmth and depth to your sound, allowing for a broad tonal palette that can be both mellow and bright. With an impeccable setup and smooth playability, this guitar is perfect for both seasoned professionals and aspiring musicians looking to elevate their performance.
The L-5's enduring appeal is further highlighted by the roster of legendary musicians who have wielded it, including Maybelle Carter, Lee Ritenour, and Wes Montgomery. Whether you're performing onstage or recording in the studio, the Gibson L-5 is a timeless choice for those who demand quality and distinction in their music.
Key Features:
- Semi-hollowbody electric guitar
- F-holes for enhanced acoustic projection
- Bound fingerboard with block inlays
- Versatile sound suitable for jazz, blues, and rock
- Inspired by the craftsmanship of legendary luthier Lloyd Loar
- Notable players include Maybelle Carter, Lee Ritenour, and Wes Montgomery
Product specs
| Brand | Gibson |
| Model | L-5 |
| Finish | Natural, Sunburst |
| Year | 1939 - 1958 |
| Made In | United States |
| Categories | Archtop Acoustic Guitars |
| Active Preamp | No |
| Back Material | Maple |
| Body Shape | Archtop |
| Color Family | Brown, Tan |
| Finish Pattern | Sunburst |
| Finish Style | Gloss |
| Fretboard Material | Ebony |
| Model Family | Gibson L-5 |
| Neck Material | Maple |
| Number of Frets | 20 |
| Number of Strings | 6-String |
| Pickup | None |
| Right / Left Handed | Right Handed |
| Series | Gibson Kalamazoo Factory Era |
| Sides Material | Maple |
| String Type | Steel |
| Top Material | Spruce |
FAQs
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What type of music is the Gibson L-5 best suited for?
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The Gibson L-5 is highly regarded for jazz music due to its warm, rich tone and excellent projection, making it a favorite among jazz guitarists.
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Does the Gibson L-5 have any pickups?
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The Gibson L-5 in this model range does not come with pickups, making it a purely acoustic archtop guitar.
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What materials are used in the construction of the Gibson L-5?
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The Gibson L-5 features a spruce top, maple back and sides, and an ebony fretboard, contributing to its distinctive sound and aesthetic appeal.
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How many frets does the Gibson L-5 have?
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The Gibson L-5 is equipped with 20 frets, allowing for a wide range of playing possibilities.
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What is the body shape of the Gibson L-5?
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The Gibson L-5 has an archtop body shape, which is known for its elegant design and superior acoustic properties.
Videos
Carter Vintage Guitars
1941 Gibson L-5 played by Brian Setzer
1941 Gibson L-5 played by Brian Setzer
Carter Vintage Guitars
Gibson L5 vs. Gibson 175
guitarviewHD
Les Paul's Gibson L-5 | What I Learned | Tim Pierce |
Tim Pierce Guitar
Guitar of the Day: 1991 Gibson L5 CES | Norman's Rare Guitars
Normans Rare Guitars
Gibson L5-CES - The Granddaddy of Jazz Guitars
PREMIER GUITARS
1974 Gibson L-5 CES played by Hudson Davis
Carter Vintage Guitars
Reviews
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Gibson L-5.
Comparisons
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The Eastman AR372CE is compared to vintage Gibson ES-175s, noted for its lightweight, resonant build with a thin lacquer finish.
Source -
Walkin’ Archtop Tribute 175 is described as virtually indistinguishable from a real ES-175, offering top-notch build quality and "that sound."
Source -
Vintage Ibanez 2355 guitars are noted for providing a sound comparable to mid-70s ES-175s despite being significantly cheaper.
Source
User experience
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Several users highlight the Eastman's Kent Armstrong HPAG-1 pickups, stating no complaints about the sound despite some aficionados quibbling.
Source
Critic Reviews
Based on 0 Reviews and 0 Ratings
Artist usage
Add artist
In an interview featured in Guitar One magazine from April 2001, John Frusciante mentions the Gibson L-5 in the top middle paragraph, indicating that it could have been used on a record during that period. He says:
...In addition to the SG, the main electric guitar that I used was a red 1966 Fender Mustang that I bought for practicing. There's also a Gibson L-5 at my house that I might have used for something, but I can't remember.
He’s played hundreds of makes and models, but Davies was first best known for playing a Gibson Flying V. In early ‘60s “pop” circles, the V was a rare spot and his embracing of Gibson’s radical design was hugely influential, even if he only bought the V because another guitar (originally destined for The Beatles’ George Harrison) he’d just acquired got stolen in transit to the U.S.A. Davies has also played many Les Pauls (Standards, Deluxes, P-90 Goldtops, Artisans) and L-5 and L-6 models too.
This instrument belongs to Zac Brown of Zac Brown Band and is now available to you through a partnership with Chicago Music Exchange.
In the YouTube video titled "My Go-To Guitars with Andy Fairweather Low," at 3:53, Andy Fairweather Low is seen showcasing a Gibson L-5 guitar, confirming its inclusion in his guitar collection.
Melissa can be seen holding a Gibson L-5 throughout this video of Norman's Rare Guitars.
In the video titled "My Vintage Guitar HORROR Story" on YouTube, R.J. Ronquillo discusses his newly acquired 1946 Gibson L-5, confirming its use in his musical endeavors.
This is Mother Maybelle with her L-5. It was used in most of her concerts that she played guitar in.
In an Instagram post by Tim Lerch, he mentions, "Here I'm playing this great old song on a great old Gibson L5N along with some singing and whistling just for fun," confirming his use of the Gibson L-5N.
In the image provided, Robert White, positioned on the left, is seen using a Gibson L-5 guitar.
In a review of Bill Connors' solo album "Return," Jim Newsom writes, "The sound Connors gets from his hollow-body Gibson L-5 guitar is clean and unadulterated, his articulation, even in speed demon unison passages with pianist Bill O’Connell, pure and crisp," confirming Connors' use of the Gibson L-5.
Album Usage
The Gibson L-5 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 L-5, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
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