Gibson L6S

$1,295.00 Price Tier: High-end

4.5 (5)

1 Critic Review

2 Reviews

Find out who is using Gibson L6S

1 community setup

4 wishlisted

12 saved

Page last updated Jul 01, 2026

Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 1 store. Prices updated July 1, 2026.

Store

Reviews

Price

5.0 (23)

$1,295.00 31 available Used

View Deal

Average Price: $1,295

High-end/Boutique

$400

$1001+

Price Tier

In the Solid Body Electric Guitars category, Gibson L6S is priced in the High-end/Boutique range. This premium gear is built to very high standards and offers premium features.

Budget

Standard

High-end

^* Product prices and availability are updated by Equipboard every 24hrs and are subject to change. Equipboard may receive compensation for purchases made at participating retailers linked on this site. This compensation does not affect what products or prices are displayed, or the order of prices listed. For more information, please refer to our affiliate disclosure.

Description

Edit description

The Gibson L6S is a classic solid-body electric guitar that stands out with its unique combination of versatility and vintage charm. Originally introduced in the 1970s and designed with input from the legendary Bill Lawrence, this guitar remains a favorite among musicians seeking a distinctive sound and reliable performance. The L6S is equipped with a pair of Gibson's specially-designed humbuckers, providing a wide tonal range that suits a variety of musical styles, from rock and blues to jazz and funk.

A distinguishing feature of the L6S is its all-maple construction, offering a bright, articulate tone that cuts through any mix. The guitar's slim neck profile and a 24-fret rosewood fingerboard make it incredibly comfortable to play, catering to both intricate solos and robust rhythm sections. Its six-position rotary switch is a standout feature, allowing players to explore different pickup combinations and tap into a plethora of sonic possibilities.

The L6S is a testament to Gibson's commitment to quality and innovation. Whether you're performing on stage or recording in the studio, this guitar provides the flexibility and reliability that professional musicians demand.

Key Features:

All-maple body and neck for bright, articulate tones
24-fret rosewood fingerboard for extended range and playability
Gibson-designed humbuckers for a wide tonal palette
Six-position rotary switch for versatile pickup combinations
Sleek, comfortable slim neck profile
Vintage-inspired design with modern performance capabilities

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 tone can I expect from the Gibson L6S pickups?: The Gibson L6S features a dual humbucker pickup configuration, offering a versatile tonal range from warm, full-bodied sounds to bright, cutting tones, making it suitable for various music genres.
Is the Gibson L6S suitable for advanced guitar players?: Yes, the Gibson L6S is suitable for advanced players, offering a 24-fret neck and a set-neck construction that provides excellent sustain and playability for complex solos and advanced techniques.
What is the neck profile like on the Gibson L6S?: The Gibson L6S features a maple neck with a comfortable profile that is designed to accommodate fast playing and intricate fingerwork, ideal for both rhythm and lead guitarists.
How does the Gibson L6S handle different music genres?: The Gibson L6S is versatile, thanks to its humbucker pickups and solid body construction, making it well-suited for rock, jazz, blues, and more, providing clear articulation and dynamic response.
Is the Gibson L6S a good option for live performances?: Yes, the Gibson L6S is a great choice for live performances due to its robust build, reliable tuning stability, and the ability to produce a wide range of tones that cut through a mix.

Videos

Add video

GuitarPoint

1973 Gibson L6S - Natural / GuitarPoint Maintal / Vintage Guitars

GuitarPoint

This Guitar Changed My Life! Gibson L6S

Tony Camponovo

Michael Lemmo demos a 1974 Gibson L6-S

All Guitar Network

Gibson L6S | A Very, Very Careful Review

Rick Romanelli

1973 Gibson L6S - "The World of Vintage Guitars"

No.1 Guitar Center

Gibson L6S Natural 1976 played by Leif de Leeuw | Demo

TFOA Demos

Reviews

Add review

PROS

Highly versatile Varitone selector for a wide range of musical styles
Rare and unique paint jobs, such as the Silverburst and Cherry burst
Designed by Bill Lawrence, featuring iconic tar back pickups
Easy intonation with the harmonica bridge
Ebony fretboard offers a smooth playing experience
Lightweight yet durable construction
Classic 70's tones, perfect for rhythm guitar
Narrow neck ideal for smaller hands
Action is among the best, providing a great playing feel
Holds significant vintage appeal and collector's value

CONS

Some models have insecure neck joints
Limited production makes them hard to find

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Gibson L6S.

Features and functionality

0 0

The L6-S includes a versatile switching system allowing in/out phase and series/parallel configurations, with a master volume, master tone, and passive mid-cut control.
Source
0 0

The L6-S Custom's six-way rotary selector with a "chicken head" knob offers unique pickup combinations, including series/parallel and phase-corrected tones, enhancing tonal versatility.
Source
0 0

The 'studio' format includes 490r and 498t pickups, which owners feel complement the all-maple body by enhancing its twangy character.
Source

User experience

0 0

Owners note a slim neck profile comparable to a late '50s or early '60s Les Paul but about 10% smaller, which can feel jarring if accustomed to other guitars.
Source
0 0

The reissue models are noted for a more traditional Gibson neck and headstock design, appealing aesthetically to long-time Gibson fans.
Source

Comparisons

0 0

The guitar's neck feel is compared to a Fender rather than a typical Gibson, with high-output ceramic humbuckers providing a unique tonal character.
Source

Mods and upgrades

0 0

Some users recommend replacing the original bridge pickup due to its distinct but unpopular tone, and swapping the varitone switch for a standard three-way toggle.
Source
0 0

A Bigsby tremolo system is a popular modification on the L6-S, replacing the original setup to add vibrato functionality without heavily altering the guitar's original appearance.
Source
0 0

Owners often find the stock pickup selector too clunky and prefer replacing it with a more streamlined three-way toggle switch, eliminating coil splitting.
Source

Build quality

0 0

The varitone switch is a known weak point; finding a discount on models with a broken switch is possible, suggesting a common issue with this component.
Source
0 0

The L6-S features a one-piece maple body and a three-piece set neck, providing durability and a solid feel, with variations in fingerboard materials like rosewood, maple, or ebony.
Source

Use cases and applications

0 0

The L6-S Custom was used by notable musicians like Carlos Santana and Prince, highlighting its versatility across different music genres and performance settings.
Source
0 0

Owners describe the L6S as highly versatile, capable of adapting to various playing styles, making it an ideal primary guitar for diverse musical settings.
Source

Value and pricing

0 0

Models with a signed backstory, such as one purportedly signed by Tommy Chong, can add sentimental and potential market value despite lacking documentation.
Source

Other

0 0

The L6-S Midnight Special with its unique Cream with Sparkles finish reportedly had only 160 units produced, making it a rare collector's item.
Source

Critic Reviews

Catch of the Day: Circa 1975 Gibson L6-S - Fretboard Journal

fretboardjournal.com

The Gibson L6-S, a product of its time, stands out for its all-maple aesthetic and versatility thanks to a six-position tone selector. While it offers a wide tonal range, the pickups are critiqued for their brittle sound. Designed by Bill Lawrence under budget constraints, it lacks the refinement of premium models. Its unique design and affordability make it a viable option for budget-conscious gigging musicians seeking something different. However, don't expect it to become a collector's item.

neutral

Full Review

Add review

4.5 out of 5

Based on 2 Reviews and 5 Ratings

5 star

4 star

3 star

2 star

1 star

adamdalby

164

almost 9 years ago

Lovely vintage guitar

My dads vintage 1979 Gibson L6S has finally joined my collection, although the neck joint doesn't look very secure its a beautiful and plays like a dream!