Gibson L5 SEC

[Lofreqaddict]

I own a 1951 Gibson L5 SEC, which I'm very happy with.

 

Can anybody offer clarification as to why and how the 'SEC' came about?

Google offers very little explanation, instead showing much about the L5 CES.

 

 

Many Thanks

[L5Larry]

I'm not aware of an "SEC" model L-5 in '51, or ever for that matter. Sounds to me like whoever filled in your label had a dyslexic moment.

 

If you think your guitar does indeed differ from an "CES" model, please explain. Photos are always helpful.

 

I would suppose the definitive book on the L-5 would be:

The Gibson L5, It's History and It's Players, by Adrian Ingram

[Jasper6120]

Yup. Gibson called their twin p90 L5 an L5 SEC in 1951. I guess in '52 they decided CES had a better ring to it. '51 That was the first year of the production electrified L5. 3 piece neck, parallel binding running through the cutaway (unlike later models where the binding widens out to compensate for the curve of the arch) and some had about a half inch gap between the end of the fretboard and the pickup. Others and later models had the P90 or Alnico V butted right up close to the end of the fretboard.

 

I'd love to see some photos of your guitar. Actually, more importantly, do you have any detailed photos of the binding as it winds through the cutaway? I know it sounds silly but its something I'm very curious about.

 

Regards

 

Jordan

[VINTAGE GIBSON]

1951 L-5 SEC, here's a view of the binding at the cutaway

check the images at my Facebook page

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Vintage-jazz-guitars/196523420368311?ref=hl

[4Hayden]

1951 L-5 SEC, here's a view of the binding at the cutaway

check the images at my Facebook page

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Vintage-jazz-guitars/196523420368311?ref=hl

Welcome VINTAGE glad to have you here , sharp guitar

 

4H