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Simone Sedda

Up for sale is a stunning example of Gibson’s golden-era jazz archtop: a 1953 Gibson L‑5 CES in its original sunburst finish, featuring the highly desirable Alnico V staple pickups, a carved spruce top, and beautifully flamed maple back and sides. This is a quintessential instrument for jazz players and vintage collectors alike — rich in tone, history, and style.

This early L‑5 CES comes from the era that defined electrified archtop tone, and delivers all the warmth, punch, and acoustic complexity that make these models so revered.



Specs:

Model: Gibson L-5 CES
Year: 1952-1954 (most likely 1953) (Serial A17320)
Top: Carved solid spruce
Back/Sides: Carved flamed maple
Neck: Maple, bound ebony fretboard
Inlays: Pearl block
Pickups: Original Alnico V staple pole pickups
Finish: Factory sunburst
Hardware: Gold-plated, all original
Case: Original hardshell case included
Condition:

All-original electronics and hardware
Frets and fingerboard in excellent shape
Finish shows expected vintage checking and patina
The original celluloid pickguard is showing signs of deterioration, which is common for vintage models. It has started to off-gas and may eventually need replacing or restoring. The case has a mark from this, but the guitar body has not been effected by this
The truss rod has not been tested — neck is currently straight and action is very playable, but no adjustments have been attempted
The original Alnico V staple pickups offer articulate, nuanced tone — warm and round with just the right amount of bite. The guitar resonates acoustically with depth, and plugged in it delivers that unmistakable vintage jazz voice.
As can be seen in the photos, unfortunately the only thing missing is the trussrod cover on the headstock, if this is found I will update the ad.

As shown in the pictures, the previous owner added a wedge underneath the fretboard to avoid doing a neck reset. Therefore the bridge height is quite high, but the guitar plays excellently because of this alteration. This modification most likely could be reversed by a professional luthier and a normal neck reset could be done instead.


This 1953 L‑5 CES is a gem from a sought-after era, and an excellent example of Gibson’s master craftsmanship. Vintage L‑5s from this period are increasingly hard to find in clean, original condition. A true player’s instrument and collector’s piece.

Feel free to message with any questions, or if you'd like additional photos, video, or sound clips.

Excellent - Including: Electric guitar - Guitar Case

Gibson - L5-CES -  - Electric guitar - United States

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No reserve price

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Closing date

12 July

tomorrow

11 July

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today

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14 July

13 July

Location

Germany

Italy

France

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Taiwan

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Japan

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United Kingdom

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Single malt whisky

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Advertising figure

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Lighted sign

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Country of origin

Scotland

Speyside

Highlands

Islay

Lowlands

Campbeltown

Ireland

England

Isle of Skye

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Bottle size

70cl

700ml

75cl

1 Litre

750ml

50cl

20cl

2 Litres

35cl

75.7cl

180ml

1.14 Litres

1.5 Litres

1.75 Ltr.

33.3cl

37.5cl

Material

Leather

Metal

Plastic

Wood

Glass

Condition

Excellent condition: barely used with minimal signs of wear

As new - unused

Period

1970s

1980s

1990s

2020s

2000s

2010s

1960s

1950s

2020+

1990-2000

2000-2010

Style

Contemporary

Design

Colour

Multicolour

Brown

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Green

Turquoise

Alcohol Percent List

57.1%

47.2%

47.8%

48.3%

50.8%

58.4%

45.8%

48.5%

46.5%

51.4%

58.7%

Alcohol % unknown

45.7%

48.4%

After 2000

1900-2000

Original/ Replica

Original/official

Tested and working

Bottler

Suntory

Signatory Vintage

Nikka

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Gibson - L5-CES - - Electric guitar - United States

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