Gibson
1997 Gibson Custom Shop Historic WES MONTGOMERY L-5 Sunburst One Pickup Signature Model Archtop Electric Guitar
1997 Gibson Custom Shop Historic WES MONTGOMERY L-5 Sunburst One Pickup Signature Model Archtop Electric Guitar
In stock
Couldn't load pickup availability
No Sales Tax (excl. MO):
No Sales Tax (excl. MO):
Sales Tax:
- No sales tax for all US states except Missouri
- Missouri Residents (only) must pay 6% sales tax.
Payment Options:
Payment Options:
Payment Information:
- We accept PayPal, Credit Card, bank wire transfer, bank checks, personal checks (must wait to clear). We offer discount pricing for bank transfers or other no-fee methods.
- 20% down payment holds an instrument for 30 days.
- If you'd like to check out via other methods, please email or call. Thank you!
Layaway:
Layaway:
- 20% down payment holds an instrument for 30 days.
- Other options are available by request. 30-90 days is possible.
- Down payments are non-refundable.
- If a layaway item is returned, the down payment is not refunded.
Shipping Information:
Shipping Information:
Shipping Information:
FREE SHIPPING ON ALL DOMESTIC ORDERS (lower 48)! We usually ship via FedEx. We ship worldwide via FedEx air, contact us for exact shipping price. Europe is usually around $229. Australia $299… We ship to almost every country in the WORLD! International buyers must contact us prior to purchase.
Packing:
All guitars are packed with exceptional care. Let's face it, packages are going to get thrown around and if not properly packed, they will break. We have shipped thousands and thousands of guitars of all values and know the importance of a good job packing.
Insurance:
All packages are fully insured in transit.
Please allow 24 hours for your package to acclimate. Not doing so could result in finish cracks. This is especially important in the Winter months.
Return Policy:
Return Policy:
48 hour inspection period, buyer pays shipping both ways and must be returned in the same condition as sent, no exceptions. 5% restocking fee to cover costs.
Condition Ratings:
Condition Ratings:
Condition Rating Descriptions:
Mint: blemish-free and not modified
Excellent: used instrument with minor cosmetic defects (light scratches, pick marks)
Very Good: used instrument with cosmetic defects (scratches, finish dings, buckle rash)
Good: used instrument in working order with significant cosmetic defects (scratches, dings, pick marks, buckle rash, binding cracks)
Fair: used instrument with imperfections that affect the function of the instrument
Poor: used instrument with imperfections that generally require repair
Non-Functioning: used instrument that does not work
Contact KC Vintage Guitars:
Contact KC Vintage Guitars:
1997 Gibson Custom Shop Historic WES MONTGOMERY L-5 Sunburst One Pickup Signature Model Archtop Electric Guitar!
Here is a beautiful and fine archtop from the Gibson Custom Shop. It's a 1997 Gibson Wes Montgomery L-5 in classic Vintage Sunburst. What more do you need than one neck pickup? This is one of Gibson's most elegant jazz guitars, built to honor the legendary Wes Montgomery with timeless appointments and that unmistakable warm, rich L-5 tone.
This one has everything you'd hope for in a high-end Gibson archtop: highly figured maple back and sides, a hand-carved spruce top, ebony fingerboard and bridge, the iconic flowerpot headstock inlay, fancy L-5 tailpiece, and multi-ply binding everywhere. At just 7.7 lbs., it's also a very comfortable guitar to hold for long playing sessions.
The condition is Excellent overall with one important thing to note. Like many Gibsons from this era, the original tortoise celluloid pickguard is beginning to gas off. We recommend keeping it separated from the guitar, as the gases can tarnish the nearby gold hardware, which you'll see in our photos. Other than that, it's in beautiful condition with only a few light marks from careful use.
The guitar appears to be all original, with the possible exception of the blank Gibson truss rod cover. It plays effortlessly, sounds wonderful both acoustically and plugged in, and has clearly been very well cared for over the years.
It comes complete with the original Gibson hardshell case and original paperwork as shown.
The Details
- Condition: Excellent
- Originality: Original except for a possible replacement Gibson truss rod cover
- Finish: Vintage Sunburst
- Notes: Original celluloid pickguard is beginning to gas off; otherwise an exceptionally clean example
Playability & Sound
This Wes Montgomery L-5CES delivers exactly what you'd expect from one of Gibson's finest jazz guitars. The single neck humbucker produces a warm, full-bodied tone with incredible clarity, while the carved spruce top gives the guitar excellent acoustic projection and responsiveness. The neck is comfortable, the action is low, and the guitar is equally inspiring whether played unplugged or through a clean jazz amplifier.
Specifications
- Brand: Gibson Custom Shop
- Model: Wes Montgomery L-5CES
- Year: 1997
- Finish: Vintage Sunburst
- Top: Hand-Carved Spruce
- Back & Sides: Highly Figured Maple
- Fingerboard: Ebony
- Bridge: Ebony
- Tailpiece: L-5 Engraved Tailpiece
- Headstock Inlay: Flowerpot
- Controls: Master Volume and Tone
- Nut Width: 1.70"
- Neck Depth: 0.82" (1st Fret) / 0.95" (10th Fret)
- Weight: 7.7 lbs.
- Case: Original Gibson Hardshell Case
- Accessories: Original Paperwork
Why Buy From Kansas City Vintage Guitars?
We specialize in high-quality vintage and modern guitars for collectors and serious players alike. With over 25 years in the guitar business, we focus on accurate descriptions, originality, and transparency.
- Expert Packing: We take pride in packing guitars safely and securely.
- Fully Insured Shipping: Your instrument is covered door-to-door.
- Worldwide Service: We buy and sell guitars across the globe.
- Trusted Vintage Dealer: Known for honest, detailed listings.
Thanks from KC Vintage Guitars!
Sell Your Guitar
-
EMAIL US
kcvintage@gmail.com -
CALL US
(816)506-0860 -
CHAT WITH US
Use the chat feature below!
