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L5 CT


AlanC

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Hi guys can you tell me whether the L5 CT is a thin line L5.

Yes, although the term "thinline" is a bit vague. The original 1958-1963 L5CT had a body depth of 2 3/8" (one inch shallower than Gibson's standard full-depth). By comparison with other thin-body guitars, it's deeper. The Byrdland is 2 1/4"; the 335 (and other members of that family) is 1 3/4".

 

Also are there any other differences when compared with an L5 CES?

Yes. Originally, almost all L5CT's were acoustic guitars. Some were custom ordered with built-in pickups (p.a.f.'s, Charlie Christian pickups), but for the most part they were acoustic (akin to a thinner L5C). Many of them also had x-braced tops. The other main difference is that most L5CT's were finished in cherry red, which was selected because George Gobel wanted it to stand out on his color tv show. Full-depth L5's in cherry were by contrast, extremely rare.

 

In later years, the L5CT was re-introduced, and they were also available in sunburst and natural finishes.

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Hi guys can you tell me whether the L5 CT is a thin line L5.

 

Also are there any other differences when compared with an L5 CES?

 

Although the construction and materials are identical between the L-5 and L-5CT, many of the thin ones have 24.75" scales necks instead of the 25.5" that's standard on the full-depth L-5.

 

Not all, though--here are five that have the longer scale:

 

e33c8d67.jpg

 

Danny W.

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Although the construction and materials are identical between the L-5 and L-5CT, many of the thin ones have 24.75" scales necks instead of the 25.5" that's standard on the full-depth L-5.

 

Not all, though--here are five that have the longer scale:

 

e33c8d67.jpg

 

Danny W.

 

Very helpful info guys. The reason I asked is that Gibson are currently selling an L5 CES and an L5 CT but they don't seem to explain the differences. Thanks.

 

 

 

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Very helpful info guys. The reason I asked is that Gibson are currently selling an L5 CES and an L5 CT but they don't seem to explain the differences. Thanks.

 

 

The description currently on the Gibson.com website for an L-5CT is actually that of a standard L-5CES--someone screwed up.

 

Might as well post another thin-body L-5 photo <_< :

 

a6cd1386.jpg

 

Danny W.

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