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Average Price: $1,295
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Description
Discover the classic charm and unique sound of the Gibson L6-S Custom, produced between 1973 and 1980. This solid body electric guitar is renowned for its versatility and innovative design, making it a favorite among musicians who appreciate both vintage allure and modern playability. The L6-S Custom was the first Gibson guitar to feature a 24-fret fingerboard, offering extended range and creative possibilities for guitarists.
Crafted from a solid maple body, the L6-S Custom delivers a bright and articulate tone, making it suitable for a variety of musical styles. The guitar's dual humbucking pickups are wired to a six-way rotary selector switch, providing an impressive array of tonal options. This feature allows guitarists to effortlessly transition from smooth jazz chords to searing rock solos. The maple neck, paired with an ebony fingerboard, ensures smooth playability and a comfortable grip for any playing style.
The Gibson L6-S Custom's robust hardware includes a tune-o-matic bridge and a stopbar tailpiece, ensuring stability and precision in every performance. Its unique electronics configuration and construction make it an ideal choice for professional musicians seeking a reliable instrument with a distinctive voice.
Key Features:
- Solid maple body and neck for bright, articulate tones
- 24-fret fingerboard for extended range
- Dual humbucking pickups with six-way rotary selector switch
- Tune-o-matic bridge and stopbar tailpiece for enhanced stability
- Ebony fingerboard for smooth playability and comfort
Product specs
| Brand | Gibson |
| Model | L6-S Custom |
| Finish | Cherry Sunburst, Ebony, Maple, Natural, Natural Satin, Silverburst, Tobacco Sunburst |
| Year | 1973 - 1980 |
| Made In | United States |
| Categories | Solid Body Electric Guitars |
| Body Shape | Single Cutaway |
| Body Type | Solid Body |
| Bridge/Tailpiece Type | Stop-Bar |
| Color Family | Black, Brown, Red, Silver, Tan |
| Finish Pattern | Sunburst |
| Finish Style | Gloss |
| Fretboard Material | Ebony, Maple |
| Model Family | Gibson L6-S |
| Model Sub-Family | Gibson L6-S Custom |
| Neck Construction | Set-Neck |
| Neck Material | Maple |
| Number of Frets | 24 |
| Number of Strings | 6-String |
| Pickup Configuration | HH |
| Right / Left Handed | Right Handed |
| Scale Length | 24.75" |
FAQs
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What kind of tones can I expect from the pickups on the Gibson L6-S Custom 1973 - 1980?
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The Gibson L6-S Custom features a dual humbucker (HH) pickup configuration, providing a versatile range of tones from warm, smooth jazz sounds to more aggressive rock and blues tones, making it suitable for a variety of musical styles.
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How does the neck profile of the Gibson L6-S Custom affect playability?
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The Gibson L6-S Custom has a set-neck construction with a maple neck, offering a smooth and comfortable playing experience, especially for fast playing and complex chord progressions, thanks to its 24-fret design.
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Is the Gibson L6-S Custom suitable for beginners?
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While the Gibson L6-S Custom offers professional-grade features and sound quality, its versatile tone and comfortable neck make it accessible for dedicated beginners who are serious about improving their skills.
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What are the finish options available for the Gibson L6-S Custom 1973 - 1980?
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The Gibson L6-S Custom from 1973 to 1980 is available in several finishes, including Cherry Sunburst, Ebony, Maple, Natural, Natural Satin, Silverburst, and Tobacco Sunburst, allowing for personal aesthetic preference.
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How does the Gibson L6-S Custom handle different music genres?
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The Gibson L6-S Custom's versatile pickup configuration and solid body design make it well-suited for a wide range of genres, from jazz and blues to rock and metal, offering flexibility for various musical styles.
Videos
The Trogly's Guitar Show
More Info Than You Ever Wanted to Know About The L6-S | Gibson Custom, Deluxe, Special History/Demo
Reviews
PROS
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Exceptional versatility with the 6-way rotary Varitone selector for diverse sound options
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Unique and rare finishes, such as the Silverburst and Cherry burst, make it collectible
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Designed by Bill Lawrence, known for innovative guitar designs
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Maple body and ebony fretboard provide a distinct, high-quality playing experience
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Harmonious balance of sound, offering great midrange tones even with less distortion
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Narrow neck at the nut is comfortable for smaller hands
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Tar back pickups deliver a unique tonal character
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Harmonicas bridge simplifies perfect intonation
CONS
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Some users may find the 6-way rotary switch complex to navigate initially
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Paint jobs, while unique, may show wear due to previous heavy use
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Gibson L6-S Custom 1973 - 1980.
Features and functionality
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The L6-S Custom features a six-way rotary selector with unique switching options, including both pickups in series and parallel out of phase with a capacitor for enhanced tone.
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Original models use sealed ceramic Bill Lawrence Humbuckers, which differ significantly from the 2011 reissue's 490R/498T split coil pickup switching.
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The L6-S Custom was initially called the L6-S, with the "Custom" label added later when the simpler L6-S Deluxe was introduced.
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Comparisons
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The out-of-phase tone with a capacitor is likened to the Stratocaster's #2 and #4 switch positions, offering a fuller tone rather than the typical nasal sound.
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Use cases and applications
Build quality
Setup and maintenance
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Owners caution that the original pickups have fragile wires, making repairs difficult if damaged.
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Mods and upgrades
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Some owners have replaced original pickups with PRS Dragon pickups and switched to a PRS 5-way switch for enhanced versatility.
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Value and pricing
Critic Reviews
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Genre Usage
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