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Gibson Custom Shop L-5 CES Natural 2003

Custom Shop L-5 CES · #20343001
BrandGibson Custom Shop
TypeElectric Guitars
Serial No.20343001
PhotographyActual Photos
Archive ID37659
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The Story

L-5 CES Natural 2003

Here is a pre-owned L-5 CES guitar, built by Gibson Custom in 2003 with a natural finish to show off all of the beautiful grain in the maple back, sides, and neck. The guitar has some lacquer checking at the fret ends and on the cantilever. The inside label is signed by Jim Hutchins, who was a Gibson luthier for 45 years.

Gibson's L-5 CES was originally produced as an acoustic in the early 1920s and quickly became the choice instrument for big band players and guitar heroes such as Wes Montgomery. Over the years, the model has seen some changes but has always maintained its place in guitar history, considered by many to be the definitive archtop guitar. Its appearance is both imposing and graceful, with a stylish single cutaway, block inlays, and artfully crafted headstock.

Includes: Hardshell Case, Certificate of Authenticity

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The Specifications

As it left The Music Zoo Tech Bench.
  • 7 lbs, 12 oz.
  • Natural Finish
  • Spruce Top
  • Flame Maple Back and Sides
  • Maple and Walnut Neck
  • Ebony Fretboard
  • ES Rounded Profile Neck
  • 25.5" Scale Length
  • 1-11/16" Neck Width at Nut
  • .820" Neck Profile at Nut
  • .940” Neck Profile at 9th Fret
  • Gibson '57 Classic Humbuckers
  • Schaller M6 Tuners
  • ABR-1 Bridge with Ebony Base
  • Multi-Ply White Body Binding
  • Single-Ply White F-Hole Outlines
  • L-5 Trapeze Tailpiece
  • Gold Hardware

Brand Spotlight

The Gibson Custom Shop story, from The Music Zoo.