Pricing and availability

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Average Price: $3,300

High-end/Boutique

$400

$1001+

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Budget

Standard

High-end

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Description

The Gibson L5-S is a remarkable fusion of craftsmanship and innovation, bringing the celebrated L-5 jazz guitar lineage into the solid body realm. Designed for professional musicians and discerning collectors alike, this electric guitar embodies Gibson's commitment to quality and tonal excellence. Featuring a solid maple body, the L5-S is known for its sustain and clarity, offering a sound profile that's both rich and articulate. This guitar is equipped with Gibson's renowned humbucker pickups, delivering a versatile range of tones suitable for jazz, rock, and blues enthusiasts.

The neck is crafted from mahogany, providing a warm tonal foundation, while the ebony fingerboard ensures smooth playability. The L5-S also sports a 24.75-inch scale length, offering a comfortable playing experience that allows for easy bending and effortless chord transitions. Aesthetics are not overlooked, with elegant binding and inlays adding a touch of sophistication.

Whether you're on stage or in the studio, the Gibson L5-S stands out as a reliable and stunning instrument, capable of delivering exceptional performances. Its blend of vintage heritage and modern design makes it a beloved choice for guitarists seeking a distinct and powerful sound.

Key Features:

  • Solid maple body for enhanced sustain and clarity
  • Gibson humbucker pickups for versatile tonal options
  • Mahogany neck with an ebony fingerboard
  • 24.75-inch scale length for comfortable playability
  • Elegant binding and inlays for classic aesthetics

Product specs

Brand Gibson
Model L5-S
Finish Antique Sunburst, Cherry, Cherry Sunburst, Fireburst, Natural
Year 1972 - 1980
Made In United States
Categories Solid Body Electric Guitars
Body Material Maple
Body Shape Single Cutaway
Body Type Solid Body
Bridge/Tailpiece Type Stop-Bar
Color Family Brown, Orange, Red, Tan
Finish Pattern Sunburst
Finish Style Gloss
Fretboard Material Ebony
Model Family Gibson L-5
Model Sub-Family Gibson L-5 S
Neck Construction Set-Neck
Neck Material Maple
Number of Frets 22
Number of Strings 6-String
Pickup Configuration HH
Right / Left Handed Right Handed
Scale Length 24.75"

FAQs

What type of pickups does the Gibson L5-S have?

The Gibson L5-S is equipped with a dual humbucker (HH) pickup configuration, offering a rich and warm tone suitable for a variety of music styles.

What is the neck profile of the Gibson L5-S like?

The Gibson L5-S features a set-neck construction with a maple neck, providing a smooth playing experience and enhanced sustain, ideal for both rhythm and lead guitarists.

Is the Gibson L5-S suitable for jazz music?

Yes, the Gibson L5-S, with its solid maple body and dual humbuckers, delivers a warm and full-bodied tone, making it well-suited for jazz and other genres requiring rich tonal depth.

How does the Gibson L5-S compare to the Gibson L-5 hollowbody?

The Gibson L5-S is a solid-body version of the L-5 hollowbody, offering a more compact and thinner design while retaining the luxurious appointments and tonal versatility of its hollowbody counterpart.

What finishes are available for the Gibson L5-S?

The Gibson L5-S is available in several finishes, including Antique Sunburst, Cherry, Cherry Sunburst, Fireburst, and Natural, each providing a distinct aesthetic appeal.

The Trogly's Guitar Show

The Trogly's Guitar Show

One of Gibson's Strangest Ideas of the 70s | 1976 Gibson L5-S Cherry Sunburst Review + Demo

Video thumbnail for One of Gibson's Strangest Ideas of the 70s | 1976 Gibson L5-S Cherry Sunburst Review + Demo by The Trogly's Guitar Show

One of Gibson's Strangest Ideas of the 70s | 1976 Gibson L5-S Cherry Sunburst Review + Demo

The Trogly's Guitar Show

The Trogly's Guitar Show

Video thumbnail for 1973 Gibson L-5S played by JD Simo by Carter Vintage Guitars

1973 Gibson L-5S played by JD Simo

Carter Vintage Guitars

Carter Vintage Guitars

Video thumbnail for 1978 Gibson L5-S Custom Figured Maple Cherry Burst at Dream Guitars by Dream Guitars

1978 Gibson L5-S Custom Figured Maple Cherry Burst at Dream Guitars

Dream Guitars

Dream Guitars

Video thumbnail for 1973 Gibson L-5S | CME Vintage Demo | Ehmed Nauman by Chicago Music Exchange

1973 Gibson L-5S | CME Vintage Demo | Ehmed Nauman

Chicago Music Exchange

Chicago Music Exchange

Video thumbnail for Gibson L5S Flamed Cherry Sunburst 1974 played by Leif de Leeuw | Demo by TFOA Demos

Gibson L5S Flamed Cherry Sunburst 1974 played by Leif de Leeuw | Demo

TFOA Demos

TFOA Demos

Video thumbnail for 1973 Gibson L5S Flamed Maple | GuitarPoint by GuitarPoint

1973 Gibson L5S Flamed Maple | GuitarPoint

GuitarPoint

GuitarPoint

Reviews

PROS

  • Exceptional craftsmanship, offering a premium feel and playability

  • Delivers versatile tones from clean chimey sounds to roaring overdrive

  • Unique low impedance pickups provide articulation and clarity

  • Rare and distinctive, offering exclusivity among electric guitars

  • Suitable for multiple genres, excelling in blues, jazz, and rock

  • Excellent playability, though requires clean technique for best results

CONS

  • Heavy, necessitates a wide strap for comfortable playing

  • Cosmetic issues may require additional maintenance or restoration

  • Expensive, making it an acquired taste for some players

  • May need a fret job and epoxy work over time

Owner Insights

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

Features and functionality

  • The L5-S originally came with low impedance pickups, which excel with effects and processing but require a boost for metal genres.

    Source

Build quality

  • Some models feature a two-piece figured and bookmatched top, while others may have a plain, less matched three-piece top.

    Source

Comparisons

  • Known for its noiseless output, the L5-S can push long cable runs without tone loss, unlike some other guitars of its era.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • Originally priced at $1249 USD in 1973, these guitars were considered top-of-the-line but did not sell well due to marketing missteps.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • Despite initial criticism, the L5-S has a beautiful, chimey clean sound and rich overtones that enhance pedal use.

    Source

User experience

  • Owners report that the L5-S was a poor seller, but those who have them appreciate their versatility and unique sound profile.

    Source

5.0 out of 5

Based on 0 Reviews and 1 Rating

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Artist usage

Add artist
See how Keith Richards uses Gibson L5-S

Keith Richards

Singer, Guitarist

The Rolling Stones

...
Verified via Photo

In this photo, one can see Richards using a Gibson L5-S.

See how Randy Rhoads uses Gibson L5-S

Randy Rhoads

Guitarist

Ozzy Osbourne

...
Verified via Photo

In this Instagram photo Randy Rhoads can be seen onstage playing Gibson L5S

See how Ronnie Wood uses Gibson L5-S

Ronnie Wood

Guitarist

Mark Knopfler’s Guitar Heroes

...
Verified via Photo

On Ronnie Wood's website, the caption under this photo read, "the Gibson L5 S (often mistaken for a Les Paul) Ronnie's is unusual as it has only a single pick-up"

See how Jeff Lynne uses Gibson L5-S

Jeff Lynne

Singer, Guitarist

Traveling Wilburys

...
Verified via Ftmusic

On FaceTheMusic.com, it is stated in album liner notes that Lynne played a Gisbon L5-S.

See how Paul Simon uses Gibson L5-S

Paul Simon

Singer, Guitarist

U.S.A. for Africa

...
Verified via Photo

Paul used this guitar during the 1980, most notable for The Tower Theater concert, where he can be seen with it at around 3:11 minute mark.

See how Jorma Kaukonen uses Gibson L5-S

Jorma Kaukonen

Singer, Guitarist

Jefferson Airplane

...
Verified via Photo

Jorma Kaukonen can be seen holding a Gibson L5-S.

Here's a Hot Tuna concert captured on video with Jorma playing this guitar until "I Wish You Would" performance.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IiniZha6PQM

See how John Shanks uses Gibson L5-S

John Shanks

Guitarist, Composer

Bon Jovi

...
Verified via Johnshanks

This guitar was featured on the "guitars" section on his official website.

See how Iñaki Antón uses Gibson L5-S

Iñaki Antón

Guitarist, Music Producer

Extremoduro

...
Verified via YouTube

Esta guitarra apareció en el directo de tve del programa zona franca en 1995. Más adelante, Iñaki le di esta guitarra a Robe y se puede volver a ver en la gira de "Bienvenidos al temporal".

See how Piyu uses Gibson L5-S

Piyu

Guitarist, Music Producer

Padi

...
Unverified

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-S, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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