Gibson Certified Vintage 1949 Gibson ES-5N, Natural

1949 Gibson ES-5N, Serial Number A-3878

This first-year Gibson ES-5N represents a major step in our ongoing drive for innovation during the postwar era. Introduced in 1949 as our new top-of-the-line electric archtop, the ES-5 paired the 17-inch body of our flagship L-5 with a unique new electric formatthree P-90 pickups, each with individual volume controls and a master tone. This was the first model of its kind offered by any major manufacturer, setting a new precedent for sonic versatility and design. Seen in the hands of artists like T-Bone Walker, B.B. King, and Carl Perkins, the ES-5 became a staple for early rock and blues musicians as well as the jazz scene these archtops were originally designed for.

Shipped from Kalamazoo on October 21, 1949, to Freemans Music, this well-loved example has the look, feel, and sound of an instrument that has been making music for nearly eight decades.

This early example features a 5-ply laminated maple body with strong three-dimensional figuring and a beautifully worn natural finish. There are nicks, dings, and lacquer checking throughout, and the neck has developed a soft satin feel from years of play. The neck is a comfortable, chunky late-40s D profile that plays cleanly up and down the fingerboard. The area around the input jackoften prone to stress cracksshows similar wear but remains fully stable. The gold hardware is tarnished throughout but fully functional.

The wiring harness is all original, featuring a trio of P-90 pickupseach strong and balancedcontrolled by individual volume knobs and a master tone. Two of the original tall barrel knobs had been lost to time and have been replaced with a vintage set we were able to source. A gold Bigsby B6 tailpiece and matching Bigsby rocker bridge were installed early in the guitars history, likely in the late 1950s or early 1960s, giving this instrument even more tonal versatility. A gold Gibson strap button from the same period was installed off-center on the back of the heel, and the white plastic endpin has been glued into place.

The guitar received a professional refret and a beautifully crafted replica five-ply pickguard by Glaser Instruments (the original deteriorating celluloid guard is included). The fingerboard binding, which had slightly shrunk away from the new bone nut, was stabilized with small bone shims matching the nutallowing for smooth playability and a clean look.

The original brown Lifton case with green felt lining is well worn but remains fully functional.

A well-preserved and fully serviced ES-5 with all the stage-worn look, feel, and soul you could ask for.

This guitar has received a professional setup and thorough inspection from Gibson Certified Vintage and comes with a Certificate of authenticity, Letter of Appraisal, and new limited lifetime warranty.