Though built during Gibson’s “Norlin era”, this 1976 L5CES still possesses many of the features that made its predecessors the most sought after jazz guitar of all time. Played by George Barnes, Pat Martino, Russel Malone, Herb Ellis, Wes Montgomery and other heavy hitters, it carries forward the fully carved Maple construction, all-gold hardware, multi-ply binding, and general air of luxury.

This example, one of just 139 shipped in its model year (per archtop.com) features a full-width 1 11/16" nut, 25.5” scale as per usual, a C shaped, three piece maple neck as was the standard in the late 60’s and 70’s, and the highly regarded gold Kluson Sealfast tuners that disappeared from later production.

Visually, this guitar is in impeccable condition, with the Cremona sunburst lacquer finish holding up to nearly factory speck after 50 or so years. Maybe one or two tiny marks, but nothing that you wouldn’t see on a new guitar after being on the floor for a year or two.

The pickup covers have been replaced sometime in the past, and the pickguard has begun to crackle and shrink as most celluloid does, though it’s still firmly installed.

The frets are low, but still playable, and this guitar has a nice chunky sound, exactly what you’d want from an L5. All original hardware besides the pickup cover, including ebony bridge and saddle.

Comes with a hard shell case, period and most likely original.