Originally introduced in 1949, the ES-5 was one of the most deluxe archtops offered by Gibson at the time, and was intended to be an electric version of their esteemed L-5C. The ES-5 is often more commonly known as the "Switchmaster," and it is these 1955-1961 models that were used by the likes of Frank Zappa and Steve Howe, featuring six control knobs and a four position selector switch. This 1959 Gibson ES-5N is an exceptional example, with a highly figured maple top and back and 3 PAF hum buckers, and one of only 33 natural finish models produced that year.
Constructed from a highly flamed laminate Maple top with Maple back and sides, the ES-5 was the first electric Spanish model to feature 3 pickups, offering a huge range of tonal possibilities at the time. This guitar features 3 PAF hum buckers, the much revered pickup that replaced the P90 on a number of Gibson models in 1957. The lore associated with these pickups speaks for itself, but safe to say this guitar sounds as good as any vintage hum bucker you could imagine, with a grit and dynamic clarity that is unparalleled. The 4 position switch on these 'Switchmaster' models further offers a range of tonal options that create a unique palate when compared to other arch tops of the period. Paired with the 17" wide body, it is hard to think of a better guitar for pure Jazz tone, with a clean, defined and rich sound that is unlike many other Gibson arch top models. The 2 piece Maple neck features a comfortable profile that is not as chunky as later '50s Gibson necks, and is finished with a deluxe pointed end fingerboard with five ply binding and pearl inlays. Without question, the ES-5 is one of the most prestigious arch tops ever produced by Gibson.
This guitar is in very good, all original condition, with the sort of minor play wear and patina you would expect to see from a 70 year old instrument that has been very well looked after. All hardware is original, including the double looped tailpiece and Grover tuners. The pots are retained within their original enclosed casing, and as such are not datable, but appear correct and original to the guitar. The underside of the PAF pickups shows some solder work which may be factory original, but equally may be the result of some previous PAF investigation. The solder is uniform on each pickup, and the covers and rings are as they should be. While we can't say for sure whether the covers have been off, we can say that the pickups have never been rewound, as there is no evidence they have ever been removed from the guitar. The guitar is both internally and externally original, and includes its original brown Lifton hard case.
This guitar has been given a full service and set up by our luthiers at the Vintage Instrument Workshop, and includes a 3 year warranty.
