Gibson / L5 CES N / 1977 / Blonde / Guitar
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Blonde archtops are a bit of a weakness here at ATB Guitars and this one is no exception, the 1977 Gibson L5 CES NT
The premier instrument in the Gibson canon, the L5 has been through many changes since its introduction in 1922. The carved spruce top and solid maple sides, mainstay constructional materials, made it the aspirational instrument with a sweet tone.
This guitar belonged to a musician from New Jersey called Ernie Trionfo, a highly respected guitarist and guitar repairer. As you can see from the pictures, this guitar has been used. The pick guard must have degraded years ago, as evident by the corrosion on the pickup covers, and has meant that the guitar has been played without it for a while. Having said that the wear is not extensive and the rest of the top, back and sides are in great shape. The combination of spruce and lightly figured maple makes for a wonderful combination.
The three piece neck too is glossy and has steered clear of any knocks, the woods obviously chosen for their exquisite flame. The ebony of the fretboard really adds to the look of these guitars, framed by the binding and set off wonderfully by the mother of pearl block inlay. The frets are correct and have some life left in them. the crowning glory of this guitar is the ornate headstock where again, signs of care are evident.
The hardware has suffered a little over time with a little corrosion or discolouration visible on the tailpiece, tuners and pickup covers. Some of this could be attributed to the again to the pickguard reacting with the gold plating.
Electronically there has been no rewinds or repairs to the pickups. Elsewhere the solder joints look undisturbed.
The guitar comes with a black tolex hardshell case with red lining which looks like it is probably the original case.
This guitar really does credit to its long illustrious past. Acoustically this guitar has that classic arch top tone, maybe a little darker. Plugged in the Patent Number pickups really translate that sound well with such a smooth finish. As classy as it looks!
The is package is very special. Blonde is another classic Gibson combination that really showcases the woods used in the manufacture. Its a beauty…!
ATB Guitars, UK 
Hello we’re ATB Guitars.
We are one of Europes leading sellers of vintage and rare guitars. We only sell vintage Gibson and Fender electric guitars from 1950 until 1975 and have an extensive inventory to browse in our bricks and mortar store in Cheltenham, UK or in our online web store.
Payment and p/x:
All prices are in UK GBP £ Sterling. Payment can be made by Paypal, bank transfer, cash, or money order cashiers cheque etc.
Should you not be absolutely delighted with your purchase you may return it to Cheltenham, at your own expense, within 7 days from the date of delivery for a full refund. The item must not have been altered or tampered with in any way, and it must arrive in the same condition as it left us.
Postage and shipping:
We ship within the UK by Royal Mail Recorded (small items under 2Kg), TNT or UPS and Worldwide by Royal Mail Airmail Signed For (small under 2Kg) Parcelforce, UPS or FedEx. All shipping prices include expert packing, cartons and packing materials but not insurance which is typically around 2% of items value. Currently approx shipping rates for a single guitar are as follows:
UK excluding Northern Ireland and Highlands £29
Most of mainland Europe £49
U.S.A. £129
Asia £149 - £190
Rest of World including S. America £149 - £275
