1971 Gibson L-5CESN Arch-Top Electric Guitar Used

One of the cleanest and most original Kalamazoo-era L-5 CES models Gryphon has offered in a long while, and it’s blonde and is being sold by the original owner! The only changes this guitar has seen in 50+ years is a professional refret and a replacement pickguard. The tarnish and plating issues with the T-Top pickup covers is from the original celluloid pickguard “off-gassing” as it began to deteriorate. The refret is a distinct plus, as it gives the player a slightly wider set of frets since the frets now go over the binding (instead of stopping just short of the binding). The neck is a full 1 11/16″ wide at the nut, and perfectly straight, so with these frets it plays effortlessly with very low string action.

Note the very light-colored maple back and sides, as Gibson was using German maple during this period and these models are known for good acoustic tone as well. This L-5CESN is free of cracks and has its original finish throughout. Playing wear to the finish is minor, just a few small dings to the top and some shallow shirt-button squiggles to the lacquer on the back. Gold plating on the Kluson SealFast tuners is excellent, and the original case with Gibson logo on the lid has also seen careful handling. While this L-5 shows very little wear, it’s not because it sat unused in a closet for all those years. Instead, its remarkable condition is from being played and cherished equally by the original owner.