This is a SUPERB example of the RARE Gibson ES-5N pre Switchmaster made in 1954 complete with original Lifton brown case this one has the very rare and desirable (really helps the tone) spruce top that you only see in late 1954 and 1955. It is also a beautiful Natural or blonde version (ES-5N) and has a factory original ebony fingerboard - well it looks like ebony but might be a really dark rosewood. All together a superb, beautiful and quite stunning example at a reasonable price!

Please have a good look at the photos you will see for yourself the excellent condition this guitar is in. There are just a few marks here and there plus a very old side crack repair that is around 4” long on the bottom that you can only really see under black light and is very difficult to photograph. There is also a small piece of binding missing on the edge of the headstock (see photos). Everything, as far as I can tell is original, including tuners, electrics, hardware and finish and it really is a beauty.

Included is a lovely, original Lifton brown/reddish hardshell case that does have a few marks on the outside but is still good condition and although a couple of the feet are missing from the underside it is still structually sound.

Very rare model too - most of the ES 5’s were sunburst and most had a maple top so it is a good find. I only know of one other for sale at the moment.

If you do want to play it I can assure you it will not disappoint. It has a nice low action with plenty of life left on the frets. It is fitted with medium guage flat wound strings and judging by the lack of fret wear this strings like this have been on it for most of it’s life. All 3x original P-90’s are nicely balanced with exceptional clarity and bite. Serial number is A 18355 on a white label which dates to 1954.

This is the same model that BB King used to play by the way….