1974 Gibson L-5CES Arch Top Electric Guitar- Used

Here’s a fantastic example of a mid-’70s dual-humbucker L-5CES. The CES, or Cutaway Electric Spanish, is essentially Gibson’s fully carved L-5 archtop outfitted with the electronics of the era. This example sounds every bit as good as it looks, with its original humbuckers delivering a wonderfully beefy, but still clear and articulate sound.

This is a one-owner L-5 and remains all original with the exception of the pickguard and pickup covers. The original celluloid guard began to deteriorate and off-gas, causing the pickup covers and mounting screws to oxidize. The guard and covers were subsequently replaced by Gary Brauer.

The original frets show surprisingly little wear, suggesting its longtime owner had a pretty light touch. It has certainly been played, with some light finish dings and scuffs here and there, but for a 50-year-old Gibson, it’s in exceptional condition. There’s only some light lacquer checking, mostly on the back, and, perhaps most impressively, the multi-ply binding remains tight and intact with none of the cracking or shrinkage so commonly seen on Gibsons from this period.

It comes with its original hardshell case and some great case candy, including Gibson’s original instructional booklet, a packet of Gibson flat picks, and even the original case key.