1978 Gibson L-5CES, Serial Number 70188053
Since its debut in 1923, the L-5™ has stood as Gibson’s premier archtop, evolving over the decades into the CES (Cutaway Electric Spanish) model by the 1950s. By the late 1970s, the L-5CES had become a mainstay for jazz, blues, and country players who valued its rich acoustic resonance and smooth electric response.
This Gibson Certified Vintage 1978 L-5CES came to us from the family of the original owner following his passing and is an especially resonant and lively instrument. It remained stored in its case for some time, during which the original celluloid pickguard off-gassed and lightly tarnished the gold hardware. The hardware has been gently cleaned but not replaced, and a high-quality replica 5-ply bound pickguard was installed in place of the deteriorated original. Outside of the pickguard and mounting screw, the guitar remains fully original.
This L-5CES shows expected signs of use from a working player, including scattered nicks, dings, and playwear. Included with the guitar are copies of photos of the original owner, adding a nice personal touch to this classic instrument. Includes its original black and pink Gibson hardshell case.
Specifications
Body Specs
Body Specs
Back Maple
Binding 3-ply Top and Back, Single-ply Headstock, 5-ply Fretboard
Body Finish Gloss Nitrocellulose Lacquer
Body Material Maple
Body Shape L-5
Body Styles Archtop
Side Maple
Top Spruce
Neck Specs
Neck Specs
Fingerboard Material Ebony
Fingerboard Radius 304.8mm / 12.0in
Fret Count 20
Frets Original Jumbo
Inlays Mother of Pearl Block
Joint Glued In, Set Neck
Neck Material 5-ply Maple
Nut Material Original Composite
Nut Width 42.72mm / 1.68in
Profile Slim D
Scale Length 647.7mm / 25.5in
Electronics Specs
Electronics Specs
Bridge Pickup T Top Humbucker 754k
Controls 2 Volume, 2 Tone
Neck Pickup T Top Humbucker 743k
Output Jack 1/4"
Pickup Selector 3-way Toggle
Hardware Specs
Hardware Specs
Bridge Ebony Adjustable
Control Knobs Witch Hat
finish Gold
Mounting Rings Black
Pickguard 5-ply Bound Celluloid (New Replica)
Pickup Covers Gold
Plastic Parts Black
Saddle Material Ebony
Strap Buttons Brass
Switch Tip Cream Plastic
Switchwasher Black Bumper
Tailpiece L-5
Truss Rod Adjustable
Truss Rod Cover 2-ply Bell
Tuner Plating Gold
Tuning Machines Kluson Sealfast with Metal Keystone Button
Misc Specs
Misc Specs
Accessories Letter of Appraisal, Certificate of Authenticity, and New Limited Lifetime Warranty
Model: GCVP0088
Case Original Black and Pink Gibson Hardshell
Headstock Gibson Open Book
Headstock Inlay Gibson Logo and Torch in Mother of Pearl
Strings Gauge Flatwound 12-52
Gibson Certified Vintage 1978 Gibson L-5CES, Sunburst,
Gibson Certified Vintage 1978 Gibson L-5CES, Sunburst,
Sorry, the Gibson Certified Vintage 1978 Gibson L-5CES, Sunburst, is no longer available. We've left this page up for reference only.
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1978 Gibson L-5CES, Serial Number 70188053
Since its debut in 1923, the L-5™ has stood as Gibson’s premier archtop, evolving over the decades into the CES (Cutaway Electric Spanish) model by the 1950s. By the late 1970s, the L-5CES had become a mainstay for jazz, blues, and country players who valued its rich acoustic resonance and smooth electric response.
This Gibson Certified Vintage 1978 L-5CES came to us from the family of the original owner following his passing and is an especially resonant and lively instrument. It remained stored in its case for some time, during which the original celluloid pickguard off-gassed and lightly tarnished the gold hardware. The hardware has been gently cleaned but not replaced, and a high-quality replica 5-ply bound pickguard was installed in place of the deteriorated original. Outside of the pickguard and mounting screw, the guitar remains fully original.
This L-5CES shows expected signs of use from a working player, including scattered nicks, dings, and playwear. Included with the guitar are copies of photos of the original owner, adding a nice personal touch to this classic instrument. Includes its original black and pink Gibson hardshell case.
Specifications
Body Specs
Body Specs
Back Maple
Binding 3-ply Top and Back, Single-ply Headstock, 5-ply Fretboard
Body Finish Gloss Nitrocellulose Lacquer
Body Material Maple
Body Shape L-5
Body Styles Archtop
Side Maple
Top Spruce
Neck Specs
Neck Specs
Fingerboard Material Ebony
Fingerboard Radius 304.8mm / 12.0in
Fret Count 20
Frets Original Jumbo
Inlays Mother of Pearl Block
Joint Glued In, Set Neck
Neck Material 5-ply Maple
Nut Material Original Composite
Nut Width 42.72mm / 1.68in
Profile Slim D
Scale Length 647.7mm / 25.5in
Electronics Specs
Electronics Specs
Bridge Pickup T Top Humbucker 754k
Controls 2 Volume, 2 Tone
Neck Pickup T Top Humbucker 743k
Output Jack 1/4"
Pickup Selector 3-way Toggle
Hardware Specs
Hardware Specs
Bridge Ebony Adjustable
Control Knobs Witch Hat
finish Gold
Mounting Rings Black
Pickguard 5-ply Bound Celluloid (New Replica)
Pickup Covers Gold
Plastic Parts Black
Saddle Material Ebony
Strap Buttons Brass
Switch Tip Cream Plastic
Switchwasher Black Bumper
Tailpiece L-5
Truss Rod Adjustable
Truss Rod Cover 2-ply Bell
Tuner Plating Gold
Tuning Machines Kluson Sealfast with Metal Keystone Button
Misc Specs
Misc Specs
Accessories Letter of Appraisal, Certificate of Authenticity, and New Limited Lifetime Warranty
Model: GCVP0088
Case Original Black and Pink Gibson Hardshell
Headstock Gibson Open Book
Headstock Inlay Gibson Logo and Torch in Mother of Pearl
Strings Gauge Flatwound 12-52
