Gibson Guitars - 1950 ES-5 - Sunburst - Used
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It's a special occasion when a piece of electric guitar history walks through the door so stunningly well-preserved. This 1950 Gibson ES-5 is an early example of Gibson’s top of the line electric model of the post-war era, arriving here in a condition that belies its 70 plus years of age.
Debuting just a year prior in 1949 as the electric counterpart to the L5, this ES-5 boasts a 17-inch wide laminate flame maple body that delivers a tremendous sound, but the real magic happens when you plug it in. Equipped with its three original P90 pickups, this instrument offers a tonal palette that was revolutionary for 1950, delivering everything from a warm, woody jazz tone to that tear-jerking blues lead associated with T-Bone Walker, with a separate volume knob for each pickup allowing for endless blending possibilities.
The aesthetics of this model really steal the show with the vibrant sunburst finish displaying a gorgeous checking to the nitro finish. The laminated flame maple body is highlighted by multi ply binding throughout that has yellowed and aged over the years acting as a perfect complement to the gold hardware which is in stunning condition with hardly any patina. A Brazilian rosewood fingerboard and mother-of-pearl parallelogram inlays finish it off feeling like vintage royalty.
Perhaps most impressive is the integrity of this example. All original, retaining its original electronics and hardware. It has been incredibly well cared for, with the only notable blemish being a single dent on the cutaway (see photos), a solitary mark on an otherwise impressively clean landscape. There is a fair amount of wear on the original frets, but it is even wear and the guitar plays well. Includes the original hardshell case and a vintage Bobby Lee "No-Mishap Guitar Strap."
- Hollow Single Cut Body with Sunburst finish
- Laminated Flame Maple body
- Brazilian Rosewood Fingerboard with Mother-of-Pearl parallelograms inlays
- 3-piece Maple Neck with C-Shape profile
- 1 11/16" Nut width
- 24 3/4" Scale Length
- Floating Brazilian Rosewood Bridge & Trapeze tailpiece
- 3 Original Gibson P90 Pickups
- 3 Volume and Master Tone Controls
- 7.33lbs
- Original Hardshell case
- Serial# A5615
