Lees Summit, MO, United States
About this listing
1997 Gibson Custom Shop Historic WES MONTGOMERY L-5 Sunburst One Pickup Signature Model Archtop Electric Guitar!
Here is a beautiful and fine archtop from the Gibson Custom Shop. It's a 1997 Gibson Wes Montgomery L-5 in classic Vintage Sunburst. What more do you need than one neck pickup? This is one of Gibson's most elegant jazz guitars, built to honor the legendary Wes Montgomery with timeless appointments and that unmistakable warm, rich L-5 tone.
This one has everything you'd hope for in a high-end Gibson archtop: highly figured maple back and sides, a hand-carved spruce top, ebony fingerboard and bridge, the iconic flowerpot headstock inlay, fancy L-5 tailpiece, and multi-ply binding everywhere. At just 7.7 lbs., it's also a very comfortable guitar to hold for long playing sessions.
The condition is Excellent overall with one important thing to note. Like many Gibsons from this era, the original tortoise celluloid pickguard is beginning to gas off. We recommend keeping it separated from the guitar, as the gases can tarnish the nearby gold hardware, which you'll see in our photos. Other than that, it's in beautiful condition with only a few light marks from careful use.
The guitar appears to be all original, with the possible exception of the blank Gibson truss rod cover. It plays effortlessly, sounds wonderful both acoustically and plugged in, and has clearly been very well cared for over the years.
It comes complete with the original Gibson hardshell case and original paperwork as shown.
The Details
Condition: Excellent
Originality: Original except for a possible replacement Gibson truss rod cover
Finish: Vintage Sunburst
Notes: Original celluloid pickguard is beginning to gas off; otherwise an exceptionally clean example
Playability & Sound
This Wes Montgomery L-5CES delivers exactly what you'd expect from one of Gibson's finest jazz guitars. The single neck humbucker produces a warm, full-bodied tone with incredible clarity, while the carved spruce top gives the guitar excellent acoustic projection and responsiveness. The neck is comfortable, the action is low, and the guitar is equally inspiring whether played unplugged or through a clean jazz amplifier.
Specifications
Brand: Gibson Custom Shop
Model: Wes Montgomery L-5CES
Year: 1997
Finish: Vintage Sunburst
Top: Hand-Carved Spruce
Back & Sides: Highly Figured Maple
Fingerboard: Ebony
Bridge: Ebony
Tailpiece: L-5 Engraved Tailpiece
Headstock Inlay: Flowerpot
Controls: Master Volume and Tone
Nut Width: 1.70"
Neck Depth: 0.82" (1st Fret) / 0.95" (10th Fret)
Weight: 7.7 lbs.
Case: Original Gibson Hardshell Case
Accessories: Original Paperwork
Why Buy From Kansas City Vintage Guitars?
We specialize in high-quality vintage and modern guitars for collectors and serious players alike. With over 25 years in the guitar business, we focus on accurate descriptions, originality, and transparency.
Expert Packing: We take pride in packing guitars safely and securely.
Fully Insured Shipping: Your instrument is covered door-to-door.
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Thanks from KC Vintage Guitars!
Price$8,500
+ $79 Shipping
Predicted to Sell Soon
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