Gibson brings back the 1957 L-5 CES with a reissue based on 3D scans of original instruments

Gibson Custom launches the 1957 L-5 CES Reissue, a reissue of one of the most influential hollowbody electric guitar models in its history. Handcrafted in Nashville, the instrument recreates the construction, aesthetics and tonal characteristics of the 1957 L-5 CES, one of the most highly regarded versions among musicians and collectors.

The new guitar joins the regular Gibson Custom lineup and is available in Vintage Sunburst and Antique Natural finishes through authorized dealers, Gibson Garage locations and the company's official website.

The history of the Gibson L-5 dates back to the early 1920s, during the Lloyd Loar era, when the model helped define the modern archtop guitar. Over the years, it became a reference instrument for jazz, country, blues and rockabilly musicians.

The electric L-5 CES was introduced in 1951, while the addition of Patent Applied For (PAF) humbucker pickups in late 1957 resulted in one of its most celebrated configurations.

"Orville Gibson invented the carved-top guitar, but it took decades to perfect it", explains Mat Koehler, Senior Vice President of Product at Gibson. Koehler notes that the company chose to reissue the 1957 L-5 CES for the first time because of its versatility and influence across different musical genres.

Koehler also highlights the work undertaken to reproduce the original instrument, including the use of a dovetail neck joint for the first time at Gibson Custom Shop.

Reconstruction using 3D scanning

To develop the 1957 L-5 CES Reissue, Gibson Custom used three-dimensional scans of original instruments from the late 1950s. This technique made it possible to accurately reproduce elements such as the neck profile, body geometry, electronic components and ornamental details.

One of the instrument's key construction features is its fully carved body, consisting of an AAA spruce top, a carved, bookmatched AAA figured maple back and solid AAA figured maple sides.

This combination of tonewoods is designed to deliver tonal depth, resonance and a dynamic response that is sensitive to variations in playing technique, whether the guitar is played acoustically or amplified.

The design features a Venetian cutaway that provides easier access to the upper frets, along with seven-ply top binding and three-ply back binding.

Historic neck design and premium components

The neck features a 25.5-inch scale length and a three-piece construction, with two sections of figured maple and a central walnut strip. It is attached to the body using a traditional dovetail joint.

The Authentic 1957 L-5 neck profile, developed from scans of historic instruments, reproduces the dimensions and playing feel characteristic of the original model.

The ebony fretboard features 20 medium jumbo frets, four-ply binding, mother-of-pearl block inlays and the distinctive bird's beak extension associated with this design.

The headstock, with five-ply binding, features the Gibson logo and an ornamental mother-of-pearl flowerpot inlay, along with the distinctive rear stinger detail.

Notable components include a Corian nut, gold Kluson Sealfast tuners, a Historic Reissue ABR-1 bridge mounted on a rosewood base and a vintage-style L-5 tailpiece engraved with the model name.

The instrument is completed by a five-ply bound tortoiseshell-style pickguard, reflecting the characteristic aesthetics of L-5 guitars from that era.

Custombucker pickups with Alnico 3 magnets

In terms of electronics, the Gibson Custom 1957 L-5 CES Reissue features two unpotted Custombucker pickups equipped with Alnico 3 magnets.

This configuration is designed to reproduce the warmth, clarity, articulation and dynamic sensitivity associated with the most highly regarded Gibson guitars of the late 1950s.

Each pickup has independent volume and tone controls, fitted with gold True Historic Top Hat knobs and dial pointers.

The combination of its acoustic construction and pickup system is designed to deliver an expressive response across styles ranging from traditional jazz to blues, country and rockabilly.

A guitar associated with jazz legends

The Gibson L-5 has long been closely associated with some of the most prominent guitarists in jazz history.

To mark this launch, Gibson has released a video featuring artist Ponpon, who introduces the new reissue in Antique Natural and recounts the story of an L-5 played by Wes Montgomery that later passed into the hands of George Benson and Pat Metheny.

The story connects three generations of guitarists through an instrument that has played a significant role in the evolution of jazz guitar.

Availability and finishes

The Gibson Custom 1957 L-5 CES Reissue comes equipped with .012–.052 gauge flatwound strings and includes a Gibson Custom Shop hardshell case.

The instrument is available in two classic finishes, Vintage Sunburst and Antique Natural, and can be purchased worldwide through authorized Gibson dealers, Gibson Garage locations and the brand's online store.

With this reissue, Gibson Custom expands its Historic Reissue range and brings back one of the most representative L-5 CES configurations, combining traditional manufacturing techniques with modern digital scanning and historic instrument reproduction technologies.