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1980 Gibson guitar, bass and banjo catalogue
Page 9 - L-5CES


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Gibson 1980 guitar and bass catalogue. Page 9. Details of the Gibson L-5CES.

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1980 Gibson guitar, bass and banjo catalogue - page 9 - L-5CES


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Gibson Custom Shop L-5 CES
Gibson Custom Shop L-5 CES Electric Guitar

Tone and beauty for artistic performance!

The depth and mellowness of the Gibson L-5 CES is winning acclaim for this fine jazz guitar from the most discriminating artists. The tonal quality of the acoustic guitar and the advantages of an electric are combined in one instrument. Very few carved guitars are built each year because of the scarcity of the wood required and the handcrafting involved. The building of the L-5s is overseen by Jim Hutchins, a Gibson Builder since 1963. The process has remained relatively unchanged since the 1950s, including the hand-tuning of the top and back. Guitarists sing the praises of the comfortable vintage neck; the fast, easy action; and the rich beauty of the carved spruce top. Other features on the Gibson guitar include a figured, carved maple back with solid maple rims; a pearl inlaid ebony fingerboard; and beautiful multi white-black binding. With the creation of the L-5 in the 1920s, the modern archtop guitar was invented and it has set the standard for all carved guitars that have followed. (Click on "Private Reserve" at left to see more gorgeous pics.)

Gibson Custom Shop L-4 CES
Gibson Custom Shop L-4 CES Mahogany Electric Guitar Natural

All of Gibson's century-long experience crafting high-quality archtop instruments can be felt when you lay your hands on this delicious, full-bodied jazz machine. The precision-carved solid spruce top emits a sonorous, silky, deep, rich tone. Full binding with a sharp multi-ply binding on the top combines with a multilayer pickguard, goldtop-style knobs, pearl parallelogram inlays on the ebony fretboard, a substantial gold-plated brass tailpiece, and an ABR-1 bridge with pearl inlays in the ebony base to make this one astoundingly gorgeous electric guitar with vintage appeal. But the real beauty rings through when you plug it in. 2 - '57 Classic Humbuckers with individual volume and tone controls generate a phenomenally smooth sound with a thick midrange, more tonal options than you might expect, and great response to the top's vibrant resonance. The Gibson L-4 CES has a carved solid mahogany rims and back, one-piece mahogany neck.

Gibson Thunderbird IV
Gibson Thunderbird IV Bass

The Thunderbird IV debuted in 1963 with the original Firebird guitar series. The most highly respected of all Gibson basses, it was reissued in 1987 with original reverse body styling and TB Plus ceramic magnet humbuckers. Its thunderous output is enhanced by a 9-ply mahogany-and-walnut neck that extends through the body. Mahogany wings, an ebony fretboard, and black chrome hardware provide stunning dark looks. 34" scale, black top-hat knobs with inserts, Schaller tuners, and 3-way adjustable tailpiece. Includes Gibson hardshell case.

Gibson Thunderbird IV Active Bass Zebra Wood
Gibson Thunderbird IV Active Bass Zebra Wood

The Thunderbird IV debuted in 1963 with the original Firebird guitar series. The most highly respected of all Gibson basses, the Thunderbird was reissued in 1987 with original reverse body styling and new, special-design pickups. This limited edition T-Bird features a gorgeous zebrawood body as well as two TB Plus ceramic magnet humbuckers to dish out the rumble necessary for heavy rock and blues.