1959 Gibson ES-5 Switchmaster – Natural

Talk about a stunning Switchmaster; this 1959 Gibson ES-5 boasts some of the coolest features! This model has unique controls all its own, including a four-way slotted switch located on the treble bout, a trio of pickups, and six volume and tone knobs. Each pickup has its own volume and tone controls, and the selector switch allows the player to play out of one or “ALL” of the pickups at once. Each of these PAF pickups still retains its original sticker. The neck features double white bobbins, while the middle and bridge are zebras. As one of Gibson’s more ornate models, this guitar also sports mother-of-pearl block inlays, multiple layers of binding on the body and neck, and the ES-5’s signature tailpiece with a double look design. While it’s no surprise to see flame present throughout this archtop, one of the coolest elements of this guitar is the tight, straight maple grain seen on the back of the body. This is a particularly pretty example, complete with gold hardware and a clean overall look. While headstock “stingers” are pretty common, this beauty also features the ever elusive heel “stinger”, something you really don’t see too often! The finish remains in incredible condition, with the hardware showing some natural wear to its gold plating. Along with its original case, this guitar comes with original owner paperwork, including a receipt and letter tracking Thomas Kern’s purchase of this guitar from the Grinell Brothers in Toledo, Ohio.

Overall Condition: 9