Gibson L-5 CES

Originating in 1922 and electrified as the CES in 1951, the L-5 pairs hand-carved spruce and maple with floating or built-in humbuckers for velvety archtop tones. Wes Montgomery, Scotty Moore, and modern swing players rely on its authoritative comping voice and elegant appointments.

• Introduced: 1922 acoustic roots; Cutaway Electric Spanish variant in 1951
• Signature traits: 17-inch carved body, Venetian cutaway, floating bridge
• Notable players: Wes Montgomery, Scotty Moore, Lee Ritenour