For sale is my wonderful 1952 Gibson L5 CES. If you are looking at this, you probably already know the warm and woody sound of solid top archtop guitars. This one is no exception; It plays and sounds fantastic and has amazing resonance.  Early 50s L5 CES are favored as they have a slightly thicker top making them much less prone to feedback and also a slightly thinner body depth (3 + 1/8th) that makes them a bit more comfortable to play.  This guitar is in great condition but has had some modifications that allow me to offer it at the listed price.   

Here is what I know about it: Professional refinish in a beautiful three tone sunburst that really brings out the flame on the back and sides. Professional refret with plenty of life left. P90s are Duncan Antiquity and sound amazing. Bridge is modern ABR1 that I had aged to match the rest of the hardware. The bridge base is ebony and Gibson L5 from the 70s. The tailpiece is original but it has been resprayed. Structurally, there are no cracks or repairs. No 14th fret hump, no top sag, good heel joint without any previous neck reset. Original tuners turn smoothly and keep great tune. Original wiring harness (pots, covers, grey tiger caps). Original tall barrel knobs that have aged well. Good working truss rod with plenty of turns left. Original truss rod cover. When I bought the guitar, it had been converted to fit humbuckers but I reversed it back to p90s and had slightly oversized p90 spacer rings custom made to cover the entire pickup opening. The guitar will still accommodate humbuckers if desired and I will include dog ear p90 to humbucker adaptors in the case. The binding is intact and has aged well but has multiple areas of cracks and perhaps a minor binding re-glue at the top near the cutaway. The original white oval ring is visible through the lower F hole, the serial number has been defaced but the FON number dates it to very early 1952. Newer L5 pickguard as the original gassed out. Original Lifton “California Girl” case with pink lining is structurally sound but the outside has been repainted.

Although it looks amazing, this guitar has had a long a colorful history. It has the unmistakable sound, feel, and smell of choice wood, Gibson 1950s craftsmanship, and 70 years of aging. This is a prime example of Gibson's "Golden Era" of archtops and easily outperforms any L5 from the last 50 years that I've ever played. It will most certainly continue to appreciate with time. I'm sad to see it go but this beautiful instrument belongs in the hands out a more active player. 

This guitar was recently appraised by Gruhn’s in Nashville at 8k and I will include a copy of the appraisal with the sale.  

I am confident you will enjoy this guitar and want to treasure it for years but if upon receiving it, it just doesn’t speak to you, you CAN send it back to me the following business day for a full refund minus the shipping fees and 8% restocking fee.