❌SOLD❌ Gibson L5CES Archtop Electric Guitar Demonstrator, Crimson 2013

Here we have a very unusual item! This is a Gibson L5CES in Crimson finish, sold as new with all warranties, but discounted because it is a demonstrator model. This guitar has never been sold, but has been shown at various Gibson events.

The Gibson L5 dates back to 1922 and the work of Lloyd Loar. Introduced as a ‘Master Model’ with a 16 inch body, the L5 was immediately adopted by serious guitarists. In 1934, it grew to 17 inches wide, and in 1939 the L5 cutaway model appeared, first as the L5P for ‘Premiere’ and in 1948 as the L5C. For 1951, a pair of P-90 pickups were added and the L5CES was born. In 1954 Alnico pickups were used, and in 1957 the new Gibson Humbucking pickups became standard. The L-5CES is still in production, though now only in very limited quantities or on special order. Currently it is built at the Nashville Custom Shop. Unfortunately it’s not visible on the current Gibson website.

The Gibson L-5CES is a big guitar, built for use on the largest bandstands. The 17 inch wide body features a carved Spruce top and a carved Flame Maple back. The sides are matching Flame Maple, and the neck is a five-piece design using three Flame Maple sections with a pair of Walnut strips between the joins. The bridge and bound fingerboard are Ebony.

This guitar was built at the Gibson Nashville Custom Shop, most likely during 2013. It has very slight wear from its public appearances, and includes its Certificate of Authenticity – in a Crimson leather folder matching the Crimson lacquer finish. It plays as new, and there are no markings or corrosion on the gold plate metal components.  The most visible marking is a small rectangular area on the pickguard where the original Gibson sticker was placed. 

The original Gibson arched top hard shell case, made in Canada, is included.

NOTE:  This guitar is available, but is not on display.    If you are in our shop and are interested, please ask a staff member and we’ll get it for you.