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Description
The Gibson L-5 Wes Montgomery guitar embodies the spirit of jazz with its masterful craftsmanship and tonal brilliance. Paying homage to the legendary guitarist, Wes Montgomery, this semi-hollowbody electric guitar is a testament to both vintage aesthetics and modern playability. Crafted with a premium spruce top and high-grade maple back and sides, this guitar offers an unparalleled resonance and warmth, making it a quintessential "jazzbox" for any serious musician.
The L-5 Wes Montgomery features a sleek five-piece neck, combining premium maple with high-grade walnut streamers, offering a smooth feel and exquisite playability. Topped with a 20-fret ebony fingerboard adorned with classic pearl block inlays, it's a neck that beckons you to explore every note with ease.
At the heart of this instrument is a single '57 Classic humbucker in the neck position, delivering that iconic PAF tone—rich, warm, and balanced. Whether you're laying down silky jazz chords or expressive solos, this pickup captures the essence of the late '50s sound, revered by guitarists worldwide.
Every detail, from the gold hardware to the period-correct L-5 tailpiece, has been meticulously crafted to ensure this guitar not only performs at the highest level but also stands as a piece of art. Complete with Schaller M6 tuners and Gibson's traditional flower pot inlay on the headstock, the L-5 Wes Montgomery is both an homage to the past and a tool for today's jazz virtuosos.
Key Features:
- Premium spruce top with high-grade maple back and sides
- Single '57 Classic humbucker for authentic PAF tone
- Five-piece neck with premium maple and high-grade walnut
- 20-fret ebony fingerboard with pearl block inlays
- Gold hardware, Schaller M6 tuners, and period-correct L-5 tailpiece
- Includes Custom Shop hardshell case and Certificate of Authenticity
Product specs
| Brand | Gibson |
| Model | Custom Shop L-5 Wes Montgomery |
| Finish | Ebony, Natural, Sunburst, Wine Red |
| Year | 1993 - 2016 |
| Made In | United States |
| Categories | Hollow Body Guitars |
| Artist | Wes Montgomery |
| 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 |
| Neck Construction | Set-Neck |
| Number of Frets | 20 |
| Number of Strings | 6-String |
| Pickup Configuration | H |
| Right / Left Handed | Right Handed |
| Series | Gibson Artist Collection, Gibson Custom Shop |
FAQs
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What makes the Gibson L-5 Wes Montgomery model unique compared to other L-5 guitars?
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The Gibson L-5 Wes Montgomery model is distinguished by its single humbucking pickup, which is mounted at the neck position, offering a warm, smooth jazz tone that Wes Montgomery favored. This setup contributes to its iconic sound, ideal for jazz enthusiasts.
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Is the Gibson L-5 Wes Montgomery suitable for genres other than jazz?
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While the Gibson L-5 Wes Montgomery is tailored for jazz with its warm, mellow tones, it can also be versatile for blues and other genres that benefit from a rich, full-bodied sound. However, its design and tonal characteristics are primarily optimized for jazz.
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What is the neck profile of the Gibson L-5 Wes Montgomery like?
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The Gibson L-5 Wes Montgomery features a rounded neck profile, providing a comfortable grip for players who prefer a thicker neck, which is typical for vintage-style jazz guitars.
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Does the Gibson L-5 Wes Montgomery have a solid or laminate top?
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The Gibson L-5 Wes Montgomery features a solid spruce top, which contributes to its rich tonal quality and resonance, making it a preferred choice for jazz musicians seeking a full, dynamic sound.
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How does the Gibson L-5 Wes Montgomery handle feedback at high volumes?
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As a hollow body guitar, the Gibson L-5 Wes Montgomery can be prone to feedback at high volumes. It's best used in controlled environments or with feedback-reducing techniques to maintain clarity and tone.
Videos
László Pintye
Gibson L5 Wes Montgomery 1996
Reviews
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Gibson L-5 Wes Montgomery.
Features and functionality
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DeArmond pickups, monkey stick, or McCarty pickguard are recommended to avoid drilling for a jack, maintaining the guitar's integrity.
Source
Use cases and applications
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A small cardioid mic aimed directly at the guitar is suggested for capturing its natural sound without altering the instrument.
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Based on 0 Reviews and 0 Ratings
Artist usage
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Ángel Parra is confirmed to have the Gibson L-5 Wes Montgomery guitar in his collection, as seen in a post on his Instagram account. In the caption, Parra mentions, "la bellísima guitarra es de 1974 y es modelo L5 (Wes Montgomery)," indicating its presence in his personal collection, though it has not yet been used in live performances. Original post here: https://www.instagram.com/p/C4eYmcOOPAP/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=344a5844-5ce6-4513-8e46-f732f9094764&img_index=2
Gibson L-5 Wes Montgomery – He appears to be using this guitar in 1997 in the video below with Joshua Redman https://youtu.be/HYeYL1idcQk
Genre Usage
Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.
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