If you’ve ever been in the market for a 70’s Gibson, you’ve certainly come across your typical Les Pauls, SG’s, 335’s and Firebird models and their many variations. But the less common models from their “Norlin-Era” have started to gain more interest among collectors and players over the last few years. Sometimes disregarded for not carrying that same legendary status associated with more “classic” models, these instruments have a charm and appeal all to their own for players looking for something a bit different.

The Gibson L-5S is one of these unique instruments from Gibson’s “Norlin-Era” that has transcended the boundaries of time and genre, earning its place in Gibson’s hall of fame as an eccentric and versatile masterpiece. From its inception in the 1970s to its increasing popularity today, the L-5S has remained a symbol of craftsmanship, innovation, and sonic superiority.

The L-5S was first introduced by Gibson in 1972 as an evolution of the original L-5 archtop acoustic guitar, which had been a staple of jazz and swing music since the 1920s. While the original L-5 became one of Gibson’s most popular hollow body designs of all time, the L-5S marked a departure by featuring a thin, solid body design with a carved maple top. These significant changes put the L-5S in a similar category to the Les Paul model, making it ideal for the emerging rock and fusion genres of the time.

One of the most notable features of the L-5S is its unique body shape and high-end appointments, as seen on this ’74 L-5S for sale here at IVG. It sports a slim, single cutaway design with elegant curves, providing excellent access to the higher frets and a comfortable playing experience. The headstock is adorned with “flower pot” inlay like the traditional L-5, as well as an L-5 style tailpiece. The guitar is typically crafted from high-quality tonewoods, with the most common being a highly figured maple body, 5-piece maple neck, and an ebony fingerboard with block inlays. Examples of one, two, or three piece bodies are all known to exist, with the one or two piece construction being the rarest. This combination results in a vibrant rich, warm tone with incredible sustain.

One of the things that sets the L-5S apart from other electric guitars is its sonic capabilities. While it was primarily aimed at jazz and fusion players, it can handle a wide range of musical styles. Upon its introduction, the L-5S was equipped with Gibson’s low impedance pickups, as seen on models like the Les Paul Recording. Shortly thereafter, the company decided to update the L-5S with standard humbuckers, making it more favorable to rock guitarists of the time. The guitar’s solid body design paired with dual humbucking pickups deliver a powerful, well-rounded sound that can be warm and mellow or bright and biting, depending on the player’s preferences and playing style.

The L-5S also boasts a familiar control layout, including volume and tone knobs for each pickup, as well as a three-way pickup selector switch. This allows players to fine-tune their tone and experiment with various pickup configurations to achieve their desired sound. Whether you’re looking for the smooth, velvety tones of jazz, the searing leads of rock, or the clean, articulate sound of fusion, the L-5S has you covered.

Gibson has always been synonymous with craftsmanship and attention to detail, and the L-5S is no exception. Although generally overlooked in its time, each guitar was meticulously handcrafted and have stood the test of time. L-5S guitars built half a century ago can still be found in the hands of modern players who appreciate the ornate, seldom seen model. The beautiful carved maple top, the flawless finish, and eye-catching inlays on the headstock and fingerboard are testaments to the dedication and artistry that went into creating an L-5S.

The guitar’s neck is a work of art in itself, offering a smooth and comfortable playing experience. The L-5S is a somewhat under appreciated example of Gibson’s commitment to quality and the enduring appeal of their instruments, even during the 1970’s.

Over the years, the Gibson L-5S has been wielded by some of the most influential and iconic guitarists in the world. Jazz legends like Pat Martino, Grant Geissman, and John McLaughlin have all been seen with an L-5S, as have rock slingers like Keith Richards and Ronnie Wood of The Rolling Stones. The guitar has even garnered the attention of songwriters like Paul Simon, seen above playing his L-5S. It has certainly left an indelible mark on the music of several generations.

While many other guitars have come and gone, the L-5S continues to be a sought-after instrument for musicians across the spectrum. Its ability to span genres and inspire players to explore new musical horizons is key to its increasing appeal.

In the vast realm of electric guitars, the Gibson L-5S stands as a paragon of versatility, craftsmanship, and tonal excellence. From its origins in the early 1970s to its expanding popularity today, it has remained a symbol of musical artistry and innovation. Whether in the hands of a jazz virtuoso, a rock icon, or a fusion maestro, the L-5S consistently delivers a rich, expressive tone that transcends boundaries and defies categorization. It’s slowly but surely earned its status as a true classic in its own right, and it continues to inspire musicians and collectors alike with its elegance, beauty and exceptional sound.