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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

What kind of tones can I expect from the pickups on the Gibson L6-S Custom 1973 - 1980?

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.

How does the neck profile of the Gibson L6-S Custom affect playability?

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.

Is the Gibson L6-S Custom suitable for beginners?

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.

What are the finish options available for the Gibson L6-S Custom 1973 - 1980?

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.

How does the Gibson L6-S Custom handle different music genres?

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.

The Trogly's Guitar Show

The Trogly's Guitar Show

More Info Than You Ever Wanted to Know About The L6-S | Gibson Custom, Deluxe, Special History/Demo

Video thumbnail for More Info Than You Ever Wanted to Know About The L6-S | Gibson Custom, Deluxe, Special History/Demo by The Trogly's Guitar Show

More Info Than You Ever Wanted to Know About The L6-S | Gibson Custom, Deluxe, Special History/Demo

The Trogly's Guitar Show

The Trogly's Guitar Show

Video thumbnail for 1973 Gibson L6S - Natural / GuitarPoint Maintal / Vintage Guitars by GuitarPoint

1973 Gibson L6S - Natural / GuitarPoint Maintal / Vintage Guitars

GuitarPoint

GuitarPoint

Video thumbnail for 1973 Gibson L6-S Guitar Demonstration by Classic Rock Transcriptions

1973 Gibson L6-S Guitar Demonstration

Classic Rock Transcriptions

Classic Rock Transcriptions

Video thumbnail for 1973 Gibson L6S - "The World of Vintage Guitars" by No.1 Guitar Center

1973 Gibson L6S - "The World of Vintage Guitars"

No.1 Guitar Center

No.1 Guitar Center

Reviews

PROS

  • Exceptional versatility with the 6-way rotary Varitone selector for diverse sound options

  • Unique and rare finishes, such as the Silverburst and Cherry burst, make it collectible

  • Designed by Bill Lawrence, known for innovative guitar designs

  • Maple body and ebony fretboard provide a distinct, high-quality playing experience

  • Harmonious balance of sound, offering great midrange tones even with less distortion

  • Narrow neck at the nut is comfortable for smaller hands

  • Tar back pickups deliver a unique tonal character

  • Harmonicas bridge simplifies perfect intonation

CONS

  • Some users may find the 6-way rotary switch complex to navigate initially

  • 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

  • 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

  • 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

  • Paul Stanley of Kiss and Carlos Santana are notable users, highlighting the L6-S's versatility across rock genres and its historical significance in 70s music.

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  • Rich Williams of Kansas used the L6-S, highlighting its role in classic rock.

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Build quality

  • The late-70s L6-S Midnight Special often had a bolt-on neck, contrasting the set necks of earlier models.

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  • Some models have block inlays, which are less common but don't significantly impact value.

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Setup and maintenance

  • Owners caution that the original pickups have fragile wires, making repairs difficult if damaged.

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Mods and upgrades

  • 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

  • In better condition, L6-S models are often valued below $1200, but the condition greatly affects the price.

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  • Dealers typically offer between $650-850, but private sales might reach $1200-1300 in very good condition.

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User experience

  • Owners describe the L6-S as a "fantastic rock guitar" when set up well, despite their relative unpopularity in the 70s.

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Critic Reviews

More Voices Than Hank Azaria - Premier Guitar

premierguitar.com

The Gibson L6-S Custom stands out as a versatile instrument, admired for its innovative design and tonal flexibility. With a unique 6-way rotary switch and Lawrence's Super Humbucker pickups, it offers a range of sounds that appeal to various genres. Players love its comfortable neck and balanced body, making it a joy to play. However, some criticisms arise regarding its weight and the complexity of its controls, which might not suit every guitarist's preference. Despite these drawbacks, its rich history and quality craftsmanship solidify its status as a beloved piece from Gibson's Norlin era. For those seeking a distinct sound and vintage flair, the L6-S Custom is a compelling choice.

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