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1961 Gibson ES-5 Switchmaster #A36092
by Dave Rogers & Jeff DePetro
This rare Gibson archtop was one
of eleven natural ES-5 Switchmasters
made in 1961. The ES-5 (ES standing for
“Electric Spanish”) was renamed the ES-5
Switchmaster in 1956 with the introduction
of the new 4-way pickup selector switch,
labeled “1, 2, 3, ALL” and a Telecaster-style
switch tip. Three individual tone knobs
were added alongside three volume
controls, allowing for precise control of
the three PAF humbucking pickups that
replaced the P-90 pickups used on pre-
1957 models. 1961 also introduced the
sharp single cutaway found on the ES-5
Switchmaster’s body. A maple plywood top
and strong internal bracing was used to
limit feedback and increase durability.
This Switchmaster’s serial number can
be located on an orange label inside the
body’s bass-side bound f-hole. The ES-5
Switchmaster also features a pointed-end
rosewood fingerboard with 5-ply binding,
large block fingerboard inlays, single bound
pegheads with crown peghead inlay, goldplated
components, including a gold Tuneo-
matic ABR bridge and a three-piece neck
consisting of two pieces of maple with a thin
layer of wood between them. This Switchmaster
has a Bigsby vibrato and Grover tuners along
with the brown Lifton hardshell case. Gibson’s
ES-5 Switchmaster was discontinued 1962.
Dave's Guitar Shop
Daves Roger’s Collection Is tended to by
Laun Braithwaite & Tim Mullally
All photos credit Tim Mullally
Dave’s Collection is on dispay at:
Dave's Guitar Shop
1227 Third Street South
La Crosse, WI 54601
608-785-7704
davesguitar.com
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