Saint Louis, MO, United States
About this listing
The Gibson Custom Shop 1957 L-5 CES Reissue in Vintage Sunburst VOS is an extraordinary tribute to one of the most celebrated archtop guitars in Gibson history. Recreated with remarkable attention to period detail, this magnificent hollowbody combines traditional craftsmanship, elegant appointments, and the unmistakable sophistication of the original L-5 design. Its carved AAA spruce top is paired with carved AAA curly maple back and solid AAA curly maple sides, creating a visually stunning instrument with the resonance, projection, and acoustic character expected of a world-class archtop. Finished in Vintage Sunburst VOS nitrocellulose lacquer, the guitar features beautifully aged visual character, multi-ply cream body and headstock binding, and a multi-ply tortoise pickguard.
The three-piece maple and walnut neck follows the authentic 1957 L-5 profile and is joined to the body using traditional dovetail construction. Its ebony fingerboard features a 12-inch radius, 20 reissue medium jumbo frets, elegant mother-of-pearl block inlays, and multi-ply white binding. The 25.5-inch scale length and 1.69-inch Corian nut provide a familiar, comfortable playing platform, while the iconic open-book headstock showcases the mother-of-pearl flowerpot and Gibson logo. Gold-plated Kluson Sealfast tuning machines with Keystone buttons complete the traditional appointments.
Powering this exceptional instrument are a pair of unpotted Custombucker Alnico 3 pickups, faithfully capturing the warmth, clarity, and expressive dynamics associated with vintage PAF-style humbuckers. Independent volume and tone controls provide extensive tonal shaping, while the traditional three-way toggle selector offers bridge, combined, and neck pickup configurations. The electronics are complemented by gold pickup covers, black mounting rings, and gold top-hat control knobs with dial pointers. A gold ABR-1 Tune-o-matic bridge mounted on a rosewood base, paired with an L-5 trapeze tailpiece, completes the classic hardware configuration.
Weighing 7 lbs. 9 oz., this 1957 L-5 CES Reissue is a remarkable expression of Gibson Custom Shop artistry and historical authenticity. From its carved AAA tonewoods and intricate mother-of-pearl inlay work to its meticulously recreated hardware and vintage-inspired electronics, every detail reflects the elegance and musical heritage of this legendary model. Complete with a Gibson Custom Shop Certificate of Authenticity and reissue hardshell case, this exceptional L-5 is a distinguished instrument for the serious player and collector alike.
Additional specifications include:
Top Carved AAA spruce
Body Material AAA curly maple
Back Carved AAA curly maple
Binding Multi-ply cream top, back, and headstock, multi-ply white fretboard
Body Finish VOS nitrocellulose lacquer
Body Shape L-5
Body Styles Hollow body
Side Solid AAA curly maple
Fingerboard Material Ebony
Fingerboard Radius 12 in. | 304.8 mm
Fret Count 20
Frets Reissue Medium Jumbo
Inlays Mother-of-pearl block
Joint Dovetail
Neck Material 3-piece maple and walnut
Nut Material Corian
Nut Width 42.86mm / 1.69in
Profile Authentic 1957 L-5
Scale Length 647.7mm / 25.5in
Bridge Pickup Unpotted Custombucker Alnico 3
Controls 2 volume, 2 tone
Neck Pickup Unpotted Custombucker Alnico 3
Output Jack 1/4"
Pickup Selector 3-way toggle
Bridge ABR-1 Tune-O-Matic with rosewood base
Control Knobs Gold Top Hats with dial pointers
Finish Gold
Mounting Rings Black
Pickguard Multi-ply bound tortoise
Pickup Covers Gold
Plastic Parts Mixed
Strap Buttons 1
Switch Tip Amber
Tailpiece Trapeze L5
Truss Rod Cover 2-ply black
Tuner Plating Gold
Tuning Machines Kluson Sealfast with Keystone buttons
Accessories Certificate of Authenticity
Case Reissue hardshell
Headstock Open book
Headstock Inlay Mother-of-pearl flowerpot and Gibson logo
Strings Gauge .012, .016, .024, .032, .042, .052
57L5CESVOVSGH1
7 lbs 9 oz
A76092
For more information on this Gibson instrument, please contact us.
Price$10,999
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from Saint Louis, MO
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