Gibson ES-5

The ES-5 was intended to be an electric version of their popular Gibson L-5 acoustic jazz model.

[1] The ES-5 was introduced in 1949, and offered several innovative features which have become standard within the industry.

Unlike other multiple-pickup models of its era, the ES-5 used three different volume knobs (one for each pickup and one master tone) rather than a selector switch, to offer players improved control over their tone.

[2] In 1955 the model became the ES-5 Switchmaster, which incorporated a four-position selector switch, along with a new six-knob configuration, incorporating a volume and a tone knob for each pickup.

[3] It remained out of production until a 1995 reissue from the Gibson Custom division.