Pricing and availability

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Average Price: $9,996

High-end/Boutique

$500

$1201+

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Standard

High-end

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Description

The Gibson L5 CES is not just a guitar; it's a legacy in your hands. Initially introduced as an acoustic marvel in 1922, this instrument has evolved into a seminal choice for jazz and blues musicians, boasting a rich history with legendary players like Wes Montgomery and Eric Clapton. Today, the Gibson Custom Shop L-5 CES stands as a testament to Gibson's commitment to craftsmanship and sonic excellence.

Crafted with a high-grade spruce top and maple back and sides, this semi-hollowbody electric guitar offers a harmonious blend of warmth and clarity. The maple/walnut neck, paired with an ebony fingerboard, ensures smooth playability and a luxurious feel, making each performance an experience to remember. Equipped with dual '57 Classic humbucking pickups, the L5 CES delivers a versatile tonal palette that effortlessly adapts to jazz, rock, blues, and beyond.

The guitar's elegant aesthetic is highlighted by its distinctive Venetian cutaway, pearl inlays, and gold hardware, all encased in a multi-ply binding. Meanwhile, a Plek Pro setup optimizes the fretboard for precise intonation, ensuring that each note resonates with impeccable clarity. Whether you're strumming chords or weaving intricate solos, the Gibson L5 CES offers a sound that's both iconic and unmistakably yours.

Key Features:

  • High-grade spruce top and maple back and sides for rich, resonant tones
  • Maple/walnut neck with 20-fret ebony fingerboard and pearl block inlays
  • Dual '57 Classic humbucking pickups for versatile soundscapes
  • Venetian cutaway with elegant pearl inlays and gold hardware
  • Premium Plek Pro setup for enhanced playability and intonation
  • Includes Custom Shop hardshell case and Certificate of Authenticity

FAQs

What type of wood is used in the construction of the Gibson L5 CES?

The Gibson L5 CES features a high-grade spruce top with a full archtop body, maple back, and rims, providing a rich, resonant tone.

What pickups are equipped on the Gibson L5 CES, and what tones can they produce?

The Gibson L5 CES is equipped with dual '57 Classic humbuckers, known for their warm, vintage tone, suitable for jazz and blues styles.

Is the Gibson L5 CES suitable for jazz music?

Yes, the Gibson L5 CES is highly regarded for jazz due to its archtop design and '57 Classic humbuckers, which deliver a warm, rich sound ideal for jazz tones.

What is the neck profile of the Gibson L5 CES?

The Gibson L5 CES features a maple neck with an ebony fingerboard, providing a smooth playing experience with a comfortable, traditional neck profile.

Does the Gibson L5 CES include a case?

Yes, the Gibson L5 CES comes with a Custom Shop case, ensuring protection and safe transport for the guitar.

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 Guitar of the Day: 1991 Gibson L5 CES | Norman's Rare Guitars by Normans Rare Guitars

Guitar of the Day: 1991 Gibson L5 CES | Norman's Rare Guitars

Normans Rare Guitars

Normans Rare Guitars

Video thumbnail for Gibson L5-CES - The Granddaddy of Jazz Guitars by PREMIER GUITARS

Gibson L5-CES - The Granddaddy of Jazz Guitars

PREMIER GUITARS

PREMIER GUITARS

Video thumbnail for 1974 Gibson L-5 CES played by Hudson Davis by Carter Vintage Guitars

1974 Gibson L-5 CES played by Hudson Davis

Carter Vintage Guitars

Carter Vintage Guitars

Video thumbnail for My Romance, Gibson Super 400 CES vs. Gibson L5 CES by Fred Archtop

My Romance, Gibson Super 400 CES vs. Gibson L5 CES

Fred Archtop

Fred Archtop

Video thumbnail for Gibson L-5 CES from 1979 in black presented by Vintage Guitar Ol. & Tobias Hoffmann by Vintage Guitar Oldenburg

Gibson L-5 CES from 1979 in black presented by Vintage Guitar Ol. & Tobias Hoffmann

Vintage Guitar Oldenburg

Vintage Guitar Oldenburg

Video thumbnail for Gibson L-5 CES from 1989 by Vintage Guitar Oldenburg

Gibson L-5 CES from 1989

Vintage Guitar Oldenburg

Vintage Guitar Oldenburg

Video thumbnail for 2015 Gibson L-5 CES Natural Custom Shop "Crimson Edition", Part1 by GregsGuitars

2015 Gibson L-5 CES Natural Custom Shop "Crimson Edition", Part1

GregsGuitars

GregsGuitars

Video thumbnail for Gibson L 5 CES by Angel City Guitars

Gibson L 5 CES

Angel City Guitars

Angel City Guitars

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Gibson L5 CES.

Features and functionality

  • The L5 CES from the early 1980s features tuners with built-in cranks that are typical of late 70s to early 80s models.

    Source
  • The L-5 CES's solid carved wood construction enhances acoustic tone but increases feedback risk, while mounted pickups mitigate this issue.

    Source

Build quality

  • The presence of a neck volute and "witch hat" knobs are characteristic of guitars from the Norlin Era (1970-1985).

    Source

Other

  • The decorative fretboard end is standard on the L5-CES and similar to that on the SJ-200, adding a touch of elegance without affecting value.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • It's suggested to replace non-stock truss rod covers with genuine Gibson parts to maintain authenticity and potentially avoid issues with counterfeit identification.

    Source

Comparisons

  • Ibanez Artcore models are suggested for those leaning towards an electric sound, offering a variety of options under $900.

    Source
  • Eastman archtops, though more expensive due to labor-intensive carving, provide a closer acoustic experience with options under $2000.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • Custom L-5 builds using Warmoth.com bodies are feasible for under $2000, offering a personalized alternative.

    Source

5.0 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 1 Rating

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ad_mr

Nice guitar

Pretty good guitar, i already had one!

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Grant Geissman uses Gibson L5 CES

Grant Geissman

Guitarist

Chuck Mangione

...
Verified via Vintage Guitar® magazine

"I used my ’68 Gibson L-5 and a script-logo MXR Phase 90. We went direct through the board. It’s a very clean sound. Engineer Mick Guzauski had a lot to do with the way that record sounded. It was pristine. He knew how to EQ things just right."

See how Jovanotti uses Gibson L5 CES

Jovanotti

Rapper, Music Producer

...
Verified via YouTube

For "Baciami Ancora" music video, Jovanotti used a black Gibson L5. At 1:36 he is visible playing the particular guitar.

See how J. Geils uses Gibson L5 CES

J. Geils

Guitarist

The J. Geils Band

...
Verified via Photo

In this photo J. Geils is seen with a Gibson L5 CES.

See how Dave Stryker uses Gibson L5 CES

Dave Stryker

Guitarist, Composer

Dave Stryker Quartet

...
Verified via Vintage Guitar® magazine

“I have a bunch of jazz boxes I pull out every once in a while – a nice Gibson L-5, a ’52 ES-350… I’m like all guitar players. You’ve got to be careful not to expand the collection too much.”

See how Jerry Miller uses Gibson L5 CES

Jerry Miller

Guitarist

Moby Grape

...
Verified via Vintageguitar

Miller's longtime (since the early 1960s) guitar is a Gibson L-5 CES Florentine guitar which he calls "Beulah".

**https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jerry_Miller

See how Franny Beecher uses Gibson L5 CES

Franny Beecher

Guitarist

Bill Haley & His Comets

...
Verified via Telecaster Guitar Forum

cowboytwang of Telecaster Discussion Page Reissue testified to Beecher's use of the L5 CES. He even posted a picture of "[him] and Franny (and the rest of the Comets)."

I got to do a gig with the Comets a few years ago, and Franny used my old Fender Super, and he sounded great. He was playing a beautiful blonde Gibson L5 CES that he said he bought new in '52.

The L5 is also mentioned on page 100 of Sound and Glory: The Incredible Story of Bill Haley, the Father of Rock 'N' Roll and the Music That Shook the World.

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 L5 CES, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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1957 Gibson Les Paul Junior
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1
Gibson ES-355 Electric Guitar
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1
Gibson Explorer Electric Guitar
Gibson Explorer Electric Guitar Solid Body Electric Guitars
1
Gibson Les Paul Junior
Gibson Les Paul Junior Solid Body Electric Guitars
1
Gibson Les Paul Special
Gibson Les Paul Special Solid Body Electric Guitars
1
1958 Stratocaster
1958 Stratocaster Solid Body Electric Guitars
1
Gibson ES-347 Electric Guitar
Gibson ES-347 Electric Guitar Semi-Hollowbody Electric Guitars
1

Community setups

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gekomax

gekomax

Gear IQ 136

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