Gibson L5-S
Solidbody electric guitar

The fingerboard of the L5-S is inlaid with beautiful, select abalone that gives this instrument an outstanding stage presence of its own
Taken from the 1975 Gibson solid body catalogue (above)

Gibson L5-S - As pickups stack up, Gibsons on top An L5-S in an advert for Gibson pickups: Laid Back, BJB Jazz, True Blues, Dirty Fingers, Super Humbucking, Original Humbucking

Some variations of the Gibson L5-S guitar. From left to right 1) 1973 - Cherry sunburst. Note the gold plated low impedance 'recording' style pickups 2) 1975 - Still Cherry Sunburst but with humbuckers rather than recording pickups 3) Fireburst finish 4) 1980 Natural L5-S with the TP6 tailpiece.

The L5-S was a particularly fine guitar; the first high end jazz solid body. As the name suggests it was related to the L5 archtop electric acoustic - sharing many features; single-cutaway body (though less sharp horn), ebony fingerboard with block inlays, flowerpot headstock inlay, L-5 tailpiece with contrasting silver on gold and the multilayer binding throughout. Another similar model was the L6-S which was a simplified version of the same guitar, launched in 1974.

Features: Carved curly maple body, with ornate multilayer binding, laminated maple neck, ebony fingerboard with abalone block inlays, gold-plated hardware throughout (pre-78 tailpiece has contrasting silver centrepiece, later changed to a gold plated TP-6). "L5" engraving, two gold plated pickups with seperate volume and tone, three way selector switch. Width at nut 1 11/16", scale 24 3/4".

It was Gibsons most prestigeous olid body (and therefore expensive, with a couple exceptions). Prices were typically 30-40% more than the other high end Gibson solid bodies; the Les Paul Recording, LP Custom and SG Custom. The exceptions were in 1979/1980 when the very fine Flying VII and active Les Paul Artist models were available; both were between $50 and $100 more, and were deleted almost as quickly as they had arrived.

Famous users include Ron Wood and Keith Richards of the Rolling Stones, Pat Martino and Paul Simon

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Gibson Faded Flying V

New faded finish gives it the look of a seasoned performer.

When the original V came out in '58, it was ahead of its time. When it was reissued 9 years later, it became a favorite of progressive rockers and still is to this day. This Faded Flying V has all the features and specs of the '67 model and the look of a guitar that has been loved and cared for since those early days.

Gibson Steve Howe Signature ES-175 Guitar Vintage Sunburst

Based on the '64 ES-175 that was Steve's first good guitar and the one to which he has returned throughout his long career, this stunning signature model features everything he loves best: maple top, back, and sides, split-parallelogram mother-of-pearl inlays on a rosewood fretboard, full body and neck binding, inlaid ebony bridge base, unique nickel T-trapeze, and 2 '57 Classic humbuckers. Independent volume and tone controls with a 3-way toggle. Deep, rich tone rings out from a full hollowbody with a deep cutaway for easy high-fret access.

Gibson Faded SG Special

The Special has always represented a combination of looks, functionality, and value, and the new Faded SG Special maintains this tradition. Under its attractive faded finish, it is the traditional SG, with mahogany body and neck, tune-o-matic/stopbar bridge, and alnico 490 pickups. Its faded finish gives it the look of an axe that started its rockin' days in the '60s.

Gibson Thunderbird IV Active Bass Zebra Wood

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 Les Paul SG Custom Historic Electric Guitar

With its classic white finish and complement of gold hardware, mother-of-pearl inlays and neck and peg head binding, the SG Custom is a pleasure to behold. Faithful to the original, it also features a sculpted mahogany body and Gibson's great slim-taper mahogany neck. The 3 '57 classic humbuckers offer a combination of soaring leads, funky mid tones, and fat rhythm sounds. Also includes a 22-fret ebony fingerboard, tune-o-matic bridge with stopbar tailpiece, 24-3/4" scale, and a 1-11/16" nut width. Includes Gibson hardshell case.

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 SG Reissue 4-String Bass Heritage Cherry Sunburst Chrome Hardware

The small, fast bass. Gibson's classic dual-pickup SG bass from the '60s is back! It has the 30-1/2" short scale of the original, as well as its slim, fast neck. Mahogany body and neck. It features a vintage-style TB Plus neck humbucker and a mini-humbucker at the bridge for wide tonal range. Includes hardshell case.

Also available in Ebony