Gibson ES-5 Switchmaster – USA 1959



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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.  

1959 is the holy grail year for Gibson, and that can be shown in the eye watering prices that Les Pauls from this year command. This guitar is a testament to the golden age of Gibson, with stunning sunburst finish, fast and comfortable medium-thick C profile neck and, most notably, 3 original Gibson PAF humbuckers. 

Features: 

25.5” scale length 

Med/thick C profile neck 

12” Radius 

17” Body 

Medium-thick C profile neck 

3 x PAF Humbucking pickups 

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

Fixed ES-5 Trapeze Tailpiece 

22 Vintage Frets 

Ebony Fretboard with MOP Block Inlays 

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 also comes with a second hard shell case, so you don’t have to risk damaging the original.  

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