Here is a 1998 Gibson Custom ES-5, a Nashville-built example of one of Gibson’s most refined and visually striking full hollow archtops. Finished in natural with highly figured flame maple top, back, and sides, it presents a timeless, understated elegance, with gold hardware complementing the overall design in classic Custom Shop style.
This example features the traditional three pickup configuration with three original black P-90s, delivering a wide tonal palette that ranges from warm, rounded jazz voicings through to brighter, more cutting articulate tones with rich harmonic content. It is a highly versatile archtop, retaining the depth, projection, and authority that defines the ES-5 platform while offering more tonal flexibility than many classic hollowbody designs.
The neck has a comfortable, well-balanced profile that feels substantial without being heavy in the hand, making it easy to navigate both chordal work and melodic lines. The original frets remain in excellent condition with plenty of life left, contributing to a smooth, consistent playing feel across the entire fingerboard with low, comfortable action.
Condition is excellent overall with minimal signs of use and no notable issues, presenting as a very clean and well-preserved example. Comes complete with its original hard shell case.
Specifications:
Year: 1998
Country: USA
Model: Gibson Custom ES-5
Finish: Natural
Body: Fully hollow archtop (flame maple top, back & sides)
Neck: Maple
Fingerboard: Rosewood
Scale: 24.75"
Pickups: 3 x original black P-90 single coils
Bridge: Tune-o-matic style
Tuners: Grover
Case: Original hard shell case
