Specs:
• Model: L-5 CES, Crimson Division
• Finish: Natural
• Body: Carved Spruce Top with Figured Maple Back and Sides
• Neck: Figured Maple
• Fingerboard: Ebony
• Inlays: Split Block Inlays
• Scale Length: 25.5"
• Frets: 20
• Pickups: Gibson ’57 Classic Humbucker Set
• Controls: 2 x Volume, 2 x Tone, 3-Way Toggle
• Bridge: Floating Bridge
• Tailpiece: L-5 / Super 400 Style Tailpiece
• Hardware: Gold
• Case: Original Gibson Custom Shop Hardshell Case
• Country: USA
• Year: 2014. Crimson-era L-5 CES examples from this period are documented as Gibson Custom Shop builds, and dealer examples from 2013–2015 show the same overall high-end archtop format and ’57 Classic pickup spec.

Personal Thoughts:
This is a seriously special Gibson and very much the sort of guitar that sits above the normal “nice archtop” conversation. The Crimson Division name is worth mentioning because it was Gibson Custom’s higher-end specialist arm for very refined, often archtop-led builds, launched in 2012 as a more workshop-style division focused on hand-selected woods, intricate appointments and small-team craftsmanship. Although people often associate Crimson most strongly with carved archtops, it also appeared on select solidbody customs as well. That is a big part of why these guitars carry a bit more intrigue than a standard Custom Shop piece.

On top of that history, it is also just a beautiful L-5 CES. Natural is exactly the right finish for a guitar like this because it lets the carving, wood choice and overall build quality do the talking. The ’57 Classics are a very sensible fit too, giving the guitar a warm, open and refined voice that suits the L-5 platform well. A clean Crimson Division L-5 CES is the sort of instrument that appeals both as a serious player’s archtop and as a collector-grade Gibson from a slightly more unusual chapter of the Custom Shop story.

Condition Report:
Mint condition. Presents exceptionally well overall, with no noteworthy wear to mention.

Part Exchange Welcome:
Part exchange welcome, video demos are available via our YouTube channel at Squealing Pig Guitars, personal consignment service available via our site at 10% rate.