Gibson Released 1957 L-5 CES Reissue Guitar
The manufacturer utilized original 1950s specifications to recreate the iconic jazz guitar.
Updated on Oct. 8, 2026 in Jazz
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Gibson has officially released a new 1957 L-5 CES reissue guitar. This high-end instrument is crafted in the company's Custom Shop using measurements from late 1950s models.
Why it matters
The reissue brings back a historic instrument design that defined the sound of electric jazz for decades. By leveraging historical 3D scans, the company aims to offer collectors and professional musicians an authentic experience of a classic era.
The guitar retails for $11,999 and features a 25.5-inch scale length with 20 medium jumbo frets. Each unit is equipped with unpotted Alnico 3 humbuckers and ships with a Custom Shop hardshell case.
The players
Gibson
This American manufacturer is a historic producer of stringed instruments including acoustic and electric guitars.
The details
The production process features a carved AAA spruce top paired with an AAA curly maple back and sides. To ensure accuracy, craftsmen in the Custom Shop utilized 3D scans and measurements of existing late 1950s instruments, including the use of a traditional dovetail neck joint.
Timeline
The original L-5 guitar was first introduced in the early 1920s.
The model was first electrified in 1951.
Patent Applied For humbuckers were added to the design in 1957.
Gibson released the 1957 L-5 CES reissue in October 2026.
Industry Dynamics
This release reflects the ongoing trend of high-end manufacturers targeting the premium collector market through obsessive technical recreations of mid-century classics. It highlights the continued value of legacy hardware in an era dominated by rapid digital advancement.
The $11,999 price tag positions this instrument as a specialized investment primarily for serious collectors and professional jazz musicians. Interested buyers can access the product through the company's Custom Shop network.
The takeaway
Collectors seeking the exact feel of a 1957 instrument can benefit from the precise 3D-scanned measurements used in this production run. Prospective owners should verify the inclusion of the official hardshell case to ensure secure storage for the high-end instrument.
Further reading
Explore more about the evolution of the genre in the Jazz section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Guitarworld.
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