1977 Gibson L5-S Custom "NATURAL MAPLE BLONDE" + OHSC

1977 Gibson L5-S "Natural Blonde" Custom + Original Gibson Hardshell Case.
Natural Blonde Maple Finish
Made in USA (1977)

Adult owned only. Children-free, Pet-free. Smoke-free household.

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Up for sale is an extremely rare Gibson L5-S in Natural Maple Blonde finish.

Excellent overall vintage condition. Some standard superficial scratches, marks, minor dings, pickguard swirls from playing over the years. Some slight vintage patina & oxidation on metal hardware and corners of humbucker pickups. Small sticker residue on lower section on back of headstock. Can be easily removed. NO HEADSTOCK CRACK.

No outdoor playing or gigging. Kept inside original Gibson hardshell case when not played. Only upgrade done are modern strap locks. Other than that - This guitar is ALL ORIGINAL. NO MODIFICATIONS. FACTORY STOCK.

The L5-S came out in Cherryburst Red and Tobacco. But the Natural Blonde finish is the most rare of the releases - very low production # quantity were released.

VERY STURDY BUILD QUALITY. This includes the body, neck and headstock. The Gibson L5-S was the top-of-the-line guitar when it was first released. It was marketed to be the alternative of the Gibson L5 hollowbody. Gives you a mix and combination of both hollowbody + solid body Gibson tones. It is the perfect guitar for players who enjoy Jazz, Blues, Soft-Rock. But the dual humbucker pickups also gives you the ability to play heavier music such as rock, metal, punk. VERY VERSATILE SOUNDING GUITAR.

Beautiful abalone block inlays with ebony fingerboard. 3-Piece Solid Flame Maple Beck with tortoise side dots. The multi-layer binding has aged nicely from solid white to now a beige-ish vintage hue. The maple flames on front/back of body looks incredible in the light.

Unique and uncommon "Flowerpot" design inlay on headstock. Original Gold Gibson Tuners. One of the highest quality tuners I've seen on any guitar. Stays in tune very nicely.

Very comfortable slender neck profile. A good comparison is a Late 70's/ Early 80's Gibson Les Paul Custom or Gibson Byrdland type neck profile. Great neck for standard Chord Grips or soloing up and down the registers.

Gibson TP-6 tailpiece with logo "L5s" imprinted. 6 Saddle adjustable "Harmonica" style bridge with all original gold hardware.

Standard 3-way Gibson style toggle switch (Neck/Middle/Bridge). Pairs very nicely with any quality tube amp.. preferably a Fender Deluxe Reverb or Princeton Reverb. Handles guitar pedals very well, but playing it raw and clean through a tube amp sounds excellent.

This is a very high quality vintage Gibson guitar that is suitable for both serious players and guitar collectors. Definitely not a guitar you see every day. If you are into those more unique style historical vintage Gibson gear, then this is the perfect guitar for you.

Comes with:
- 1977 Gibson L5-S "Natural Maple Blonde"
- Original Gibson Hardshell Case
- MISC (Picks, Guitar Cable, Vintage Slide)

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Payment must be completed 24 hours upon purchase.

Mandatory signature confirmation delivery.

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Gibson L-5S Electric Guitar: A Blend of Tradition and Innovation

The Gibson L-5S is a unique and iconic electric guitar that combines the craftsmanship and tonal qualities of Gibson's renowned L-5 series with the playability and versatility of a solid-body electric. Introduced in the 1970s, the L-5S stands out as a semi-hollow body guitar with a rich jazz heritage while being adapted for more modern musical styles.

Key Features

1. Body and Design

• Body Shape:

  • The L-5S features a solid, single-cutaway body, which is a departure from the more traditional hollow-body L-5. This gives the guitar a more focused tone and eliminates the feedback issues often associated with hollow-bodies at high volumes.
  • The body is made of mahogany with a carved maple top, which is typical for Gibson's high-end models, providing a balance of warmth and brightness.

• Top:

  • The top of the L-5S is carved maple, a wood that contributes to the guitar's bright, articulate sound while maintaining a smooth tonal quality. The carved maple top is a hallmark of many of Gibson’s jazz and archtop models.

• Neck:

  • The L-5S has a set neck construction, which enhances sustain and resonance. The neck is made of mahogany, providing warmth and richness to the overall sound.
  • The fingerboard is typically made of ebony, offering a smooth and fast playing surface, with 22 frets and block inlays.

• Scale Length:

  • The L-5S features a 24.75-inch scale length, which is standard for Gibson guitars and contributes to its smooth, comfortable playability.

2. Electronics

• Pickups:

  • The L-5S is equipped with two humbucking pickups, which are known for their smooth, full-bodied tone with reduced noise and hum. These pickups are versatile and can handle a wide range of musical genres, from jazz to rock to blues.
  • The pickups are mounted on the guitar's solid body, providing a more focused and punchy sound compared to traditional hollow-body jazz guitars.

• Controls:

  • The L-5S has a typical Gibson control setup:
    • Two volume and two tone knobs for each pickup.
    • Three-way toggle switch to select between the bridge, neck, or both pickups.

3. Hardware

• Bridge:
  • The guitar is equipped with a Tune-O-Matic bridge, known for its excellent intonation and sustain, which is a staple on many Gibson guitars.
• Tailpiece:
  • It also features a stopbar tailpiece, adding to the guitar’s sustain and resonance.
• Tuners:
  • The L-5S uses vintage-style tuners for precise tuning adjustments and tuning stability.

Tone and Playability

The Gibson L-5S offers a unique tonal blend of warmth and clarity, thanks to its solid body and high-quality construction. The combination of a carved maple top and mahogany body results in a guitar that is both articulate and rich in overtones.

• Jazz and Blues: The humbucking pickups provide a smooth, creamy tone that is perfect for jazz, blues, and other genres that require a warm, round sound.
• Rock and Pop: The L-5S is versatile enough to handle more aggressive playing styles, with the ability to cut through the mix and provide a punchy, crisp tone when needed.
• Sustain and Resonance: The set neck and solid body construction contribute to exceptional sustain, allowing the guitar to sing with long, sustained notes.

History and Legacy

• Introduction: The Gibson L-5S was introduced in 1972 as part of Gibson's effort to combine the qualities of a traditional jazz guitar with the playability and versatility of a solid-body electric. It was essentially a more modern take on the legendary Gibson L-5 archtop.
• Influence: The L-5S was favored by a variety of musicians, particularly in the jazz and fusion genres, due to its ability to deliver both classic jazz tones and more contemporary electric guitar sounds.
• Discontinued: Production of the L-5S was relatively short-lived, and the model was discontinued in the early 1980s, making it a rare and collectible guitar today.

Notable Players

The Gibson L-5S has been used by several notable musicians, particularly those in jazz and fusion:

• Pat Metheny: Known for his use of the L-5S in both jazz and fusion contexts, Metheny is one of the most famous players associated with the model.
• Chuck Berry: While Chuck Berry is more famously associated with Gibson’s semi-hollow body guitars, he also used the L-5S at times, especially for its versatility and ability to handle rock and blues styles.
• Larry Carlton: The renowned session guitarist and jazz musician has been seen playing the L-5S, known for its ability to deliver smooth, warm tones.

Why Choose the Gibson L-5S?

1. Versatility: The L-5S offers a unique blend of tonal qualities, making it suitable for a wide range of musical genres, from jazz and blues to rock and fusion.
2. Playability: The set neck and comfortable scale length make the L-5S a joy to play, with smooth action and excellent sustain.
3. Iconic Design: The L-5S combines the classic Gibson archtop look with the solid-body construction, creating a visually striking guitar that stands out on stage or in the studio.
4. Collectibility: As a discontinued model, the L-5S has become a rare and highly collectible guitar, sought after by both players and collectors.

Why Consider the Gibson L-5S?

• If you’re looking for a high-quality, versatile guitar with a rich history and unique tonal qualities, the L-5S is an excellent choice. Whether you’re a jazz player seeking a modern electric guitar with classic tonal characteristics or a rock player looking for a versatile instrument with excellent sustain, the L-5S can deliver.