Ultra-Rare 1998 Gibson Custom L-5 ces in Ebony - one of 20 built in Black that year. This guitar was presented to a long-time Gibson Employee who worked in the Nashville Custom shop upon her retirement in 1998; Carolyn Blackwell. She did not play and sold the guitar the following year to an individual who owned it until 2024. I spoke with him and he properly stored it in his home and reported that he did not play it. Presently it is in nearly "un-played" pristine condition. I have have plugged it in to a 1969 Marshall Plexi and played a few cords - intonation and tone is amazing. I have spoken with Gibson and they authenticated that the guitar was not shipped to a store, but was listed as "promo" in their internal data base in 1998, lending credence to the reported provenance. As you know, this is a Hutchins era build and is worthy of being played even though the owners up to this point have merely appreciated it's investment quality! Feel free to reach out with any questions.