The ES-5 was introduced in 1949 as an electric version of their popular Gibson L-5 acoustic archtop guitar. It was the first model of the ES-series to offer three pickups, using three different volume knobs (one for each pickup), and one master tone, to offer players improved control over their tone. In 1955 the model became the ES-5 Switchmaster, which incorporated Humbuckers in place of the P90s, a four-position selector switch, along with a new six-knob configuration, incorporating a volume and a tone knob for each pickup. The ES-5 was produced until 1962, and it remained out of production until a 1995 reissue from the Gibson Custom division. The most note player of the ES-5 was T-Bone Walker – his ES-5 is currently up for sale for £1.5m – this one is slightly cheaper……

This 2014 Gibson Custom Shop Crimson model is based on the later Switchmaster model. The top, body and neck are all highly flamed Maple, with a Rosewood fretboard with block inlays. The gold hardware looks fantastic against the flame Maple and includes the Grover tuners. The guitar is in near mint condition, with only some slight tarnishing to the pickup covers stopping us giving it mint status. Gibson Custom Crimson is the pinnacle of Gibson Custom Shop with specially selected elite luthiers making hand crafted one-of-a-kind and small batch guitars.

Setup with a set of Thomastik round wound BeBop 13s, the guitar sounds and plays superbly – these Humbuckers make a wonderful sound with the middle pickup setting being our favourite. Comes complete with its original Gibson Custom fitted hard case.

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

Shipping to EU is £70.00

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