Gibson Custom

collapse expand iconDescription

The Gibson Custom ES-5 Switchmaster Electric Guitar was introduced in 1949 making it the first ES guitar with 3 pickups. It was dubbed the "supreme electronic version" of Gibson's L-5. It has a high-grade maple top, back and rims. The Switchmaster guitar's signature full proportioned body is 17" wide, 21" long, and 3-3/8" deep.

Multi-ply white and black binding accents the ES-5 guitar's top and back. The gold hardware, including an ABR-1 bridge, is also eye catching”especially the artistically designed trapeze-style loop tailpiece.

The ES-5 Switchmaster's neck is high-grade maple and walnut supporting a 20-fret rosewood fingerboard with large pearl block inlays and multi-ply white and black binding. The Gibson ES-5 has a 25 1/2" scale with a 1-11/16" nut and kidney bean tuners on the headstock.

Humbuckers were introduced to the ES-5 in the 1958 version. Faithful to that design, this Gibson Switchmaster's signature electronics include a trio of Gibson's '57 Classic humbucking pickups. Three volume and 3 tone pots and the guitar's distinctive 4-way pickup selector complete the package. Gibson sends out the ES-5 Switchmaster with a Custom Shop case and a certificate of authenticity.

And like all the Gibson Custom guitars, the ES-5 Switchmaster is examined and dressed by one of Gibson's state-of-the-art Plek machines to ensure that it's ready for any playing situation when it leaves the factory.
Gibson Custom ES5 Switchmaster Electric Guitar Classic White
Gibson Custom ES5 Switchmaster Electric Guitar Classic White
Gibson Custom ES5 Switchmaster Electric Guitar Classic White

collapse expand iconFeatures

  • Model name: ES-5 Switchmaster Electric Guitar
  • Body type: full-sized hollow body with f-holes and Florentine cutaway
  • Body wood: laminated maple top, back, and sides
  • Finish: lacquer
  • Color: Classic White
  • Binding: multi-ply
  • Neck joint: set-in
  • Neck wood: maple
  • Neck profile: "C"
  • Fretboard: sculpted bound rosewood
  • Inlay: mother-of-pearl block
  • Bridge: floating ABR-1 Tune-o-matic
  • Tailpiece: trapeze-style with loops
  • Pickups: three Gibson '57 Classic humbuckers
  • Controls: volume/volume/volume/tone/tone/tone
  • Pickup selector: 4-way
  • Tuners: Grover
  • Hardware color: gold
  • Accessories: certificate of authenticity
  • Case: Custom Shop hardshell

collapse expand iconSpecs

  • Scale length: 25-1/2"
  • Number frets: 20
  • Nut width: 1-11/16"
  • Fretboard radius: 12"
  • Dimensions: 17" (w) x 21"(L) x 3 3/8" (D)