#7000 – Gibson Crimson Custom Shop ES5 Switchmaster – natural – used/2014

When you look back at the history of Gibson Guitars, then it does appear to be somewhat disappointing that you can no longer buy a new arch top/jazz box – Of course there will be a reason for this, but be it lack of demand, or indeed a shortage of quality luthiers to build such guitars, arch tops are still part ‘n’ parcel of their heritage – So today if you are still in the market for a Gibson arch top, then you are limited to the used market – So time for me to introduce you to this used Gibson Crimson Custom Shop ES5 Switchmaster – From 2014 with a natural gloss finish 

At this stage some of you may well be asking the question, what is the Crimson Division – We all know about the Custom Shop options – I have to admit it was a new one to me – Effectively it is, or was, the top end of the Custom Shop department – One of a kind, hand crafted, small batch and art guitars – Hence the elite and most rare of Gibson Guitars, with appropriate luthiers having access to the best of the best figured maple, plus various other tone woods  – Following a Google search it does suggest that the Crimson Division no longer exists – But continue the search and you’ll still find the odd listing for some very tasty and unique Gibson Guitars

Condition wise :- I acquired this ES5 from a deceased estate, but I am led to believe it has had one owner from new – A natural finish has the advantage that it probably does the best job of ‘hiding’ any slight blemish – So a detailed close visit of the nitro gloss finish is required to find signs of use – Such a tour will still reveal just about nothing as to any sign of previous use – Yes you will see the usual tarnish to the gold hardware – Clean frets  – But take it all in and you’d have a job to argue that any other tag, other than nigh on in ‘mint condition’ is acceptable – Easily worth a 9.5 out of 10 – Update and upon giving the ES5 a test drive, following the set up, I did notice that 2 of the amber/gold volume knobs have a slight ‘hairline’ split on them  – Complete with the original case, along with the gold warranty paperwork and the Crimson Custom Shop certificate/wallet

Spec and info for this used 2014 Gibson ES5 Switchmaster :- 

• Whole guitar weighs 8lbs and 7oz
• Highly figured maple top, back and sides – 17″ body
• 3 piece figured maple neck with the black ‘stinger’ rear of headstock
• 20 fret rosewood fingerboard
• Mother of pear inlays
• Medium plus C neck profile – measures .868″ around the top nut end and .965″ around the 9th fret – Can’t measure the profile after the 9th fret as the neck/heel join kicks in
• Rosewood base + ABR bridge
• ‘Loop’ trapeze tailpiece
• Grover Rotomatic machine heads with kidney buttons
• Classic 57 humbuckers – measures 7.6K neck, 7.6K middle and 8.2K bridge
• Unique 4 way selector switch – so option is each pick up and all 3 pick-ups on
• Amber/gold bell knobs – One vol + one tone for each pick-up – hence 6 pots
• Orange Nashville label in the bass side f hole – Additional label with luthier signature in the treble f hole – Sorry but I can’t read the name
• Re-strung up set up with a set of 12-52 gauge strings with a wd 3rd – Obviously I appreciate different players will have different taste as to what suits their needs – So I can adjust as required – Set up with a sensible easy action

Tonal character :- I suppose most of us consider an arch top guitar to be associated with jazz – And there are strong elements to support this when you look at pics/video clips of most of our jazz playing hero’s – But where do you place the ES5 Switchmaster ? – I ask teh question more because of the 3 pick-up and switching system – You also have to consider the movement of jazz to swing, to jump jive, to rock a billy and to rock n roll during the 50’s – Players like T-Bone Walker could often be seen playing an ES5 and I think I can there are various pics and video clips of Chuck Berry playing one as well – So yes it can deliver the traditional warm, smooth jazz voice, via the neck pick up – But more bite, to suit rock n roll and blues is possible via the bridge pick-up – Select the ‘all pick ups on’ option, via the 4 way switch and then dial in the 3 volume control knobs for a blend of all 3 pick ups – For a jazz box, the ES5 is probably more versatile than other arch tops – Yet equally it is hardly a ‘pure’ jazz box – But that is its strength as it is ideal for so many 50’s styles that blend rock n roll, swing, jump jive etc – Some players may find such a guitar to be the only guitar they need – Yet for others, it is one hell of a cool option to add to your collection

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Guitars4You is not another corporate high street guitar store - My selection of premium grade guitars is about quality not quantity. Every guitar has been selected, inspected and approved by me, with particular attention to the set-up and playing performance. Every sale, phone call, email and mail order transaction is handled by me. A journey that is now over 40 years old, has fuelled my knowledge, experience, love, devotion and passion for exceptionally fine guitars.