1998 GIBSON L5-CT (CUTAWAY/THINLINE MODEL)

SOLID HAND-CARVED AAA FLAME FIGURED CHERRY BLACK/SIDES

PRODUCTION #: 2 (APRIL 16, 1998 RELEASE)

THIS IS THE 2nd PRODUCTION BUILT L5-CT GUITAR FROM YEAR 1998

BUILT IN U.S.A. (BOZEMAN PLANT, MT) 🎸🇺🇸

Adult owned only. Pet-free, smoke-free, children-free household. Guitar has been stored in original Gibson hardshell case when not played. 💎

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Up for sale is an EXTREMELY CLEAN 1998 Gibson L5-CT in stunning figured Cherry Red Finish. This isn’t just another archtop; it’s a time capsule from the golden era of late-’90s Gibson craftsmanship — when every curve, fret, and finish was done with care that bordered on obsession.

The Gibson L5-CT is just a rare guitar... period. Not many of these models were widely produced in general when compared to the rest of the Gibson lineup. Mainly because it was tedious to make, took ALOT of time/precision to craft the guitar, and to be frank... it was just an expensive guitar to sell and market in general. The L5-CT isn't really geared towards the general public or average player. This guitar is for a true jazz/blues aficionado, professional grade musician or a high-end vintage guitar collector.

TBH... the Cherry Red finish is breathtaking and looks absolutely beautiful in person... deep, rich, and glowing like aged wine. It’s the kind of color that looks just as powerful under stage lights as it does in a collector’s display. The craftsmanship is unmistakably Gibson Custom Shop of the ‘90s: hand-carved spruce top, flame maple back and sides, and a 5-piece maple neck topped with an ebony fingerboard that feels smooth as glass.

This particular Gibson L5-CT is in overall EXCELLENT CONDITION. Has some minor play wear on the surface of the guitar. Some very faint surface scratches and dings on front/back/sides of guitar from standard playing. Very difficult to see in photographs or in person unless pointed out. Some light vintage surface checking has started forming on the body/neck and behind the headstock area from natural age. Looks super nice and the gives it a nice vintage touch.

Some slight oxidation on the gold hardware on the bottom custom "L5" tailpiece. The oxidation has changed part of the gold hardware into a very unique "rainbow" style colorway on the tailpiece. Pretty interesting color scheme in my opinion. Some wear, marks, scratches on pickguard from playing with a pick and fingers.

This L5-CT instrument hasn't been kept inside the case, stored under the bed and never played. It's been played very carefully inside a controlled home setting. Absolutely no type of abuse or misuse for this guitar. No outdoor gigging or traveling, no exposure to smoke, alcohol or any type of stuff related to that.

Visually, it’s a showstopper. The Cherry Red finish has aged to perfection with a deep, wine-like hue that glows under light. Gold hardware, pearl inlays, and the iconic L5 tailpiece seal the deal — this guitar doesn’t whisper luxury, it radiates it. Whether you’re a collector hunting for a pristine piece of Gibson history or a player who wants to own a guitar that commands respect before you even hit a note — this L5-CT is that one.

🛠️ Specs:🛠️

Model: Gibson L5-CT (Cutaway Thin)

• Year: 1998
• Finish: Cherry Red
• Top: Hand-carved solid spruce
• Back & Sides: Highly figured maple
• Neck: 5-piece maple with walnut stringers
• Fingerboard: Ebony with pearl BLOCK inlays
• Scale Length: 25.5”
• Pickup: Floating Gibson humbucker (neck position)
• Controls: Volume, Tone (standard 2 volume/2 tone)
• Bridge: Adjustable ebony bridge
• Tailpiece: L5 engraved gold tailpiece
• Hardware: Gold-plated
• Binding: Multi-ply top and back, bound fingerboard and headstock
• Case: Original Gibson brown hardshell case with pink interior/veil

The L5 lineage has graced the hands of legends like Wes Montgomery, Scotty Moore, and Lee Ritenour — but the CT model gives it a modern twist: a thinner body depth for improved comfort and feedback control, without sacrificing that unmistakable carved-wood resonance. Whether you’re comping jazz chords, bending blues notes, or floating through lush clean runs, this guitar sings with warmth, authority, and endless sustain.

Overall, this isn’t a guitar you buy — it’s one you keep. The 1998 Gibson L5-CT represents the end of an era where tonewoods, craftsmanship, and artistry aligned to create something truly timeless. Whether you’re on stage, in the studio, or adding to a world-class collection, this L5-CT delivers the kind of magic that reminds you why you fell in love with guitars in the first place.

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Comes with:

- 1998 GIBSON L5-CT "CHERRY RED"
- ORIGINAL GIBSON BROWN HSC W/ PINK INTERIOR/VEIL

- STICKERS, PICKS, ETC.

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Payment must be completed 24 hours upon purchase.

Reverb shipping protection added for guitars over $1500.

Mandatory signature confirmation delivery.

❤️ Will be shipped with love and care :) ❤️

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E.S.G. APPROVED.