Vintage Gibson ES-5 Switchmaster - USA 1958

A flagship of early Gibson electric guitar innovation, the ES-5 Switchmaster is the first commercially available guitar to come with three pickups. The 17” wide body and 25.5” scale length echoing the Gibson L5, along with the cutting edge three pickup design made the ES-5 the ultimate electric guitar in function and form.  

This '58 ES-5 was originally outfitted with PAF humbuckers, but is now sporting a set of Seymour Duncan Seth Lover-designed PAF style humbuckers. While it’s unfortunate that the original pickups are no longer present, these vintage-voiced replacements stay true to the essence of early Gibson humbucker tone, delivering warm, articulate lows, rich mids, and smooth, singing highs. The ES-5’s hollow-body construction and premium 1950s craftsmanship still shine through, making this a resonant, dynamic, and deeply expressive instrument—a true vintage classic with timeless sound.

The playability of this guitar cannot be overstated. The perfectly straight neck, level frets and low action make for easy and tremendously enjoyable playing experience. Many archtop guitars of this era have necks which are considered quite thin by modern standards (we’ve seen a number of vintage Gibson L5s with quite thin necks). For most players, the C profile neck of this ES-5 is very comfortable. The neck shape and string spacing on this guitar leave good spacing for both lead and chord work.  

This guitar has been meticulously cared for. The finish is in excellent condition with minimal signs of wear. The binding is in excellent shape and the tuners, pickups, bridge and tailpiece have only slight tarnishing. Both the guitar and original case show minimal signs of age.

This guitar does not disappoint and is a favourite here at Premier Guitars. 

Features:

Action at 1st fret: 0.25mm

Action at 12th fret: 2.0mm

Neck depth at 1st fret: 23.6mm

Nut Width: 42.73mm

12 fret width: 52.85mm

Weight: 3.27kg / 7.22lb

25.5” scale length 

Med/thick C profile neck 

12” Radius 

17” Body 

Medium-thick C profile neck 

3 x Seymour Duncan PAF-Style Humbucking pickups 

3x Volume, 3x Tone control, 4-way switch 

Fixed ES-5 Trapeze Tailpiece 

22 Vintage Frets 

Ebony Fretboard with MOP Block Inlays