1973 Gibson L-5S Restoration

[Gilpy]

Thanks everybody for the nice comments!
The L-5s is a model that I think most of us have heard of but few have played. There aren't a lot of them out there. The construction is kind of strange, with all that bling on a solid body and the wide bindings. I think the original model with the low impedence pickups has to be one of the most misguided (and ugly) Gibsons ever.
But I'm happy to say that this particular one is a real joy to play and sounds great. The workmanship and detail is excellent all around. The neck is just a perfect medium Gibson neck, and it's kind of cool to look down and see those big inlays and fancy binding. I like old guitars, and I can feel the history in this one.

[Gilpy]

Great stuff. The Gotoh Stealth tuners are hilarious.

Thanks! that's exactly the effect I was going for!

[2bornot2bop]

Skills!

[Jimmy blue note]

There's nothing better than an instrument that you've made a part of you. One of a kind and stunning.
Now play it until it unlocks every musical mystery there is. Have fun! Well done!

[telephone]

I just picked up this '75 L-5S on the cheap, for obvious reasons. My plan is to do exactly the same as OP. If anyone has a line on the correct tailpiece, hit me up.

[Hammertone]

Burn it! Burn the witch!

[rpjazzguitar]

A tuneable stud-type tailpiece was stock on the later L5S's. I don't know exactly when it changed from the earlier trapeze. My guess is that the mid 70's models still had the trapeze.

I've had both, and I preferred the trapeze. The extra string length softens the feel a bit. And, the medallion looks great.

OTOH, the stock tuners could be imprecise and I used the tailpiece tuners a lot.

I don't recall any problem with the mid 70's model's sound. But, I replaced the neck pu on the 84, changing from the original superhumbucker to a 57 classic, iirc. I thought I heard some harshness in the original pu. I think that change did help.

Neither guitar was much trouble, but I do recall needing a replacement for the output jack - and the usual item doesn't fit in the cavity. I don't recall finding one.

[Gilpy]

[QUOTE=telephone;1473239]I just picked up this "75 L-5S on the cheap, for obvious reasons. My plan is to do exactly the same as OP. If anyone has a line on the correct tailpiece, hit me up.



Nice guitar! Should be an interesting project. I really like these guitar restoration threads. What are your plans for this? It would be great if you could post pictures of the process.

I’m still enjoying mine. It now has Throbak pickups and an altered control layout.

[icr]

There are four L5 tailpieces on E bay right now.

What I did was to look for a cheap L5 copy with a replica tailpiece; just to get the tailpiece. This one was on Guitar Center used page for $300. In my case, the guitar attached to the tailpiece turned out to make a good basis for an L5 CES copy.

[Gilpy]

I measured my L-5 tailpiece. Unfortunately it is an inch longer than the L5s tailpiece, so wouldn’t work.

[customxke]

There are four L5 tailpieces on E bay right now.

What I did was to look for a cheap L5 copy with a replica tailpiece; just to get the tailpiece. This one was on Guitar Center used page for $300. In my case, the guitar attached to the tailpiece turned out to make a good basis for an L5 CES copy.

L5S tailpieces are not as long as L5 tailpieces, and the end piece that screws into the rim is also shorter.

[telephone]

Nice guitar! Should be an interesting project. I really like these guitar restoration threads. What are your plans for this? It would be great if you could post pictures of the process.

Thanks! I remember when you got yours. Thoroughly enjoyed your approach - wished I could find one in similar shape. That time has come. I was initially resolved to ditch the middle pickup but now I'm considering keeping it. I mean, the damage is already done, and I'm a sucker for the middle pickup sound. My plan is basically the same as what you did; black top/natural back, sides, neck, re-fret, correct tailpiece. It's a classy look. Also, this one is a couple ounces under 9 lbs. I'll be sure to update progress as it develops.

[Woody Sound]

[QUOTE=Gilpy;1473308]

I just picked up this "75 L-5S on the cheap, for obvious reasons. My plan is to do exactly the same as OP. If anyone has a line on the correct tailpiece, hit me up.

If there are no legacy holes around the end pin, that IS the original tp.

[telephone]

It’s a ‘75. There are holes from the original tailpiece. The TP-6, which isn’t even in the correct location, was added after the area underneath was plugged.

[Woody Sound]

It’s a ‘75. There are holes from the original tailpiece. The TP-6, which isn’t even in the correct location, was added after the area underneath was plugged.

Ah, now I see the square piece of wood!

[Woody Sound]

This turned out to be a really nice guitar. It weighs exactly 8lbs...not bad. The neck is one of the best ever and the guitar has a lot of acoustic resonance.

Interesting, the two I owned were like solid granite.

[Bob_Ross]

I think the original model with the low impedence pickups has to be one of the most misguided (and ugly) Gibsons ever.

Oh, man...couldn't disagree more: One of my If I Ever Win The Lottery guitars would be an original year (was it '72 or '73?) L-5S in cherry sunburst, with the gold low impedance pickups and the trapeze tailpiece. I think it's one of the most gorgeous instruments Gibson ever made!

And I think every subsequent change thay made to the L-5S - low impedance pickup covers went from gold to black plastic, then the pickups went to gold high impedance humbuckers, then the trapeze tailpiece went to the TP-6 stud tailpiece -- was a move in the opposite direction from "gorgeous".

But in any case: holy shit is that restoration impressive! Congrats on salvaging a potential dumpster diva and turning it into a bona fide player!