Northwest Vintage Guitars presents an incredible top of the line Jazz Box in this 1981 Gibson L-5 CES Custom with original Tim Shaws and those cool flip out tuners.   The L-5 CES is generally regarded as the ultimate Archtop Jazz Guitar with it's rich, warm, and woody tone.   The 17" bout contributes nicely to the tone providing a powerful projection and soothing punch.  There's a pleasant harmonic richness that's so satisfying.   The Tim Shaw PAF pickups are part of that equation with their vintage accurate PAF tonality.  The Shaws were Gibson's first attempt to recreate the vintage 50's PAF tone and used in select Gibson guitars from 1980-1986.  They are highly prized and cherished by collectors.  Solid Spruce top, Solid Maple sides and back, and a bound Ebony fretboard.  24.75" scale, 9.5" radius, 7.56 lbs.  It Comes safely packed in the original hard case with all working hinges and latches. 

The nut measures 1.73", neck depth is .81"-.98" at the 1st and 12th frets respectively.  It's a nice slim taper C profile. She's wearing D'Addario Chromes 11-52 Flatwounds that have already been broken in.  Action is a low spec 4/64"-3/64" set up for Jazz style and a light touch.  It will buzz if you play hard, but raise the action to factory spec and you're all good to lean into it.  The neck is straight, the truss rod turns in both directions, and the relief is currently set for optimum playability.  The frets have been polished and the fretboard is cleaned and conditioned.   85% fret life remaining.  There are a few scratches and dings as pictured.  It remains in excellent playable condition with no dead spots. 

We only consider local trades in person.  Most questions can be answered with a quick read of our info page.  This item is offered on our website and other online marketing platforms and subject to prior sale.  Please check our website for additional photos.

Buy with confidence. We offer a 7 day money-back return on all used guitars - all our guitars are guaranteed and a full refund will be issued if not received in the condition it was described and pictured.  We do allow “buy & try” preference returns and the buyer pays shipping charges.  Please read our shop policies for more information.   All our guitars are deep cleaned and have received a professional service and setup - an average of a $200 value. You will not get a filthy guitar from us.  If you are particular about cosmetic appearance, please message us for more details.  Additionally, all our guitars are shipped fully insured, and we will assist with any claims that may arise.  See the details on our Storefront.

Please ensure your address and phone number on this platform is the correct shipping address and contact info before purchasing.  We cannot change addresses, phones, or names after purchase.  Some shipping charges may be due before shipping if the actual shipping is more than advertised.  Platform rules prohibit dealing around the platform through messages so please don’t use messages on this platform to ask us to contact you outside of the platform.     

We are located in the Pacific Northwest USA and are exclusively online.