Gibson’s famous L-5 model had already been produced as an acoustic and electric archtop, but in 1972 it appeared as a solid.

The L-5S, as it was termed, boasted an elegant maple body, a “Cherry Sunburst” finish (other color options were added later), and two low impedance pickups similar to the type previously used on certain late 1960s and early 1970s Les Pauls.

Despite the “Custom” legend on it’s truss-rod cover, the L-5S was actually a regular, production model. It was also one of the comparatively few models still being built at Gibson’s original factory in Kalamazoo, MI.

This L-5S was made in 1978, and was previously the property of Queen vocalist Paul Rodgers.