Gibson ES-5 Switchmaster 1960

Here’s a bona fide Gibson golden age king of guitars! The 1960 Gibson ES-5 Switchmaster, resplendently original in its sunburst finish, is a stunning example of this rare full-size archtop electric guitar. It is all original, including its highly desirable trio of real PAF humbucker pickups, celebrated for their rich, dynamic tonal response.

With only light wear consistent with its age, the guitar showcases gorgeous lacquer checking on the top and metal hardware that has mellowed gracefully over the years. Weight is 3500g. Accompanied by its original Lifton case—worn but structurally sound with all latches working—and period-correct Gibson case candy, this instrument is an absolute treasure and a highly sought-after classic, particularly in this condition and with its legendary PAF pickups.

ES-5 Model History

Introduced in 1949, the Gibson ES-5 was conceived as the ultimate electric version of the classic Gibson L-5. Originally fitted with three P-90 pickups, the model transitioned in 1957 to the ES-5 Switchmaster, which featured three humbucking pickups and a 4-way switch, offering unparalleled tonal versatility for the time. By the late 1950s, the ES-5 Switchmaster had cemented itself as a premier archtop electric guitar for jazz and blues players. The sunburst finish, exceptional craftsmanship, and cutting-edge electronics made the model a flagship instrument in Gibson’s lineup.

SPECIFICATIONS

• Body: Full-size hollow body, archtop design
• Top: Carved spruce
• Back and Sides: Highly figured maple
• Neck: Solid maple with a comfortable 1960 slim profile
• Fingerboard: Bound rosewood with split parallelogram inlays
• Scale Length: 25.5 inches
• Frets: 20
• Pickups: 3 original PAF humbuckers
• Electronics: 4-way pickup selector switch, individual volume and tone knobs for each pickup
• Bridge: Tune-o-Matic with rosewood base
• Tailpiece: Original gold-plated trapeze tailpiece
• Tuners: Gold Kluson Deluxe tuners
• Finish: Sunburst nitrocellulose lacquer
• Weight: 3500g
• Case: Original Lifton hardshell case with case candy