Gibson L-5CES 1960/70

[MCampellone]

Another one of my recent restoration projects - serial number dates this L-5CES to 1970 but there's an orange label inside so the build may have actually started in late '69 - original patent number pickups (with new covers) and original controls with intact wiring harness - tuners and bridge are new - pickguard is a very nice repro - tailpiece is original, re-plated. The top and neck have been re-finished - a couple of visible cracks near the jack have been repaired with internal reinforcement and finished over - a pea-size dent in the neck has been filled and may be visible or invisible depending on refraction of the surrounding wood. The fingerboard has been re-fretted and the guitar plays very well, and with the exception of a couple of small battle scars still showing, the guitar looks great. A newer Gibson case is included.
Asking 9K
I have more pics available and details of the restoration can be seen on page 2 of my "guitar rescue" thread.

Anyone interested, please contact me at [email protected] - I'm having trouble staying logged in on the forum

[vinnyv1k]

Gorgeous - my favorite Gibson sunburst. GLWTS Mark

[Topper Roth]

Spectacular-looking, Mark!

[DawgBone]

Damn that looks good!!!

[Steve Z]

Nice!

Here’s a link to the referenced post describing the repairs with pics of the repairs in progress. Very impressive work.

1955 Gibson ES-130 - "Guitar Rescue"

[MCampellone]

Just wanted to clarify something - the title of this thread should read Gibson L-5CES 1969/70 - I couldn't find a way to edit the title so just making clarification here.

[Mick-7]

o.k., but does the statement on the label - "guaranteed against faulty workmanship" - still apply?

[MCampellone]

Nice!

Here’s a link to the referenced post describing the repairs with pics of the repairs in progress. Very impressive work.

1955 Gibson ES-130 - "Guitar Rescue"

Thanks for posting that link, Steve : )

[lawson-stone]

I just had a religious experience seeing that guitar. Or a romantic experience. I so admire your determination to redeem guitars most people would have given up on. Well done.

[58flame]

That's the exact same handwriting that is on the orange label of my Super 400CES from the same time period.

[Stringswinger]

I just had a religious experience seeing that guitar. Or a romantic experience. I so admire your determination to redeem guitars most people would have given up on. Well done.

Romantic experience? I can see that. After looking at those pictures, I felt like having a cigarette. And I haven't smoked in 30 years!

[lawson-stone]

Romantic experience? I can see that. After looking at those pictures, I felt like having a cigarette. And I haven't smoked in 30 years!

I felt like I needed a glass of bourbon... and I don't even drink!

[Jimmy Mack]

Looks like THE GUITAR I wanted to buy in 1972! Price was circa $800, new, ordered from Gibson.

I didn't know the dealer, and I needed something quicker for the gig I had landed. Didn't want to plunk down a deposit on "a dream", so I looked elsewhere.

But what a beautiful guitar!

[Mick-7]

Looks like THE GUITAR I wanted to buy in 1972! Price was circa $800, new, ordered from Gibson.

A neat calculator, albeit not quite up to date:
Inflation Calculator | Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis

Says $800 in 1972 = $6160 in 2025, enter about $820 to get today's equivalent - if I'd only known.

[skykomishone]

A neat calculator, albeit not quite up to date:
Inflation Calculator | Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis

Says $800 in 1972 = $6160 in 2025, enter about $820 to get today's equivalent - if I'd only known.

Really!
I wanted one too, in 1972, but ended up with a '72 ES175D because of the $$$. I still have it. Really nice guitar here Mark.

[MCampellone]

L5 is sold.