The L5-S was Gibson’s most prestigious solid‑body guitar of the 1970s. Produced from 1973 Gibson only shipped 1,813 of this guitars before it was discontinued in 1985.

The L5‑S is not simply a solid‑body L‑5, but it does share binding and ornamentation, headstock inlay, Ebony fingerboard and a High‑end positioning in Gibson’s line-up. That, however is where the similarities to the archtop L-5 ends. The L5-S has a thinner, solid‑body format with a carved maple body, Maple set neck and 2 humbucker pickups controlled by 2 volume knobs, 2 tone knobs, and a 3-way pickup selector switch. The pickups on this 1978 model are the much sought after, Bill Lawrence designed Tarback humbuckers giving the L5-S that warm articulate tone. The hardware is all gold finished including the Sealfast tuners, Schaller “harmonica” bridge and the TP‑6 fine‑tuning tailpiece.

This beautifully maintained 1978 L5-S has a Cherry Burst finish and is in superb condition. There is a little tarnishing to the edges of the pickup covers, small cracking to the binding inside the cutaway and one small mark in the finish to the rear at the access panel cover (see last 4 pictures). Overall this is a superb example of a premium vintage Gibson guitar and comes complete with its original Gibson hard case.

Shipping within mainland UK using fully insured 24-hour courier service @ £40.00.

Shipping to US/Canada, using UPS, is £185.00. Shipping to EU is £70.00

Customers outside of UK/EU/US/Canada should contact Vintage Rare & Retro Guitars for a shipping quotation. Free pick-up is always available at our Gullane shop.