- Gibson L6-S
The " Gibson L-6S" was a cheaper descendent of the very fine
L5S jazz solid bodyelectric guitar . It was the same shape - very much like a wideGibson Les Paul , but with a 24 fret two-octave neck - the first Gibson guitar to have this.Model history
It was designed by Bill Lawrence (Gibson employee) in 1972, with the remit to make a "multi-sound system" under a very tight budget. The final production guitar was somewhat different from the Guitar he had in mind but "even with these changes, the early production L6-S was still an excellent performer"
The popularity of the L-6S dropped rapidly after 1974, despite high profile endorsements from the likes of
Al di Meola andCarlos Santana . All models were dropped from price lists in 1979. No model has ever been reissued.The L-6S came in three variants; all were
maple -bodied with twin super- humbucking pickups.L-6S Models
L-6S Custom 1973-79
The best known version with total production of over 12000 instrumentsMaple body, and set neck with a choice of maple or ebony fingerboard. Controls include a six position pickup selector, master volume, midrange and 'treble roll-off' controls
L-6S Midnight Special 1974-79
The least known version with total production of around 2000 instrumentsMaple body, and bolt-on maple neck with a maple fingerboard. Controls include a pickup selector, master volume, and tone control. Strung through the body
L-6S Deluxe 1974-79
Still less popular than the Custom, but more popular than the Midnight Special. Total production around 3500 instrumentsThe Deluxe had a set maple neck, with a rosewood fingerboard. Controls include a pickup selector, master volume, and tone control. Strung through the body
Notable L6-S players
External links
* [http://www.vintageguitars.org.uk/gibsonL6S.php Gibson L-6S] – Information, statistics and schematics for the Gibson L-6S.
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