Gibson L6-S Electric Guitars

Gibson L6-S Electric Guitars have been referred to as the most underrated guitar Gibson ever produced. They were made from 1972 to 1976, with the best sales occurring from 1972 to 1974. In spite of endorsement by artists like Al di Meola and Carlos Santana, the guitar never sold as well as other Gibson models, but some Gibson enthusiasts consider it the best guitar they've ever owned.

Gibson L6-S electric guitars were designed in 1972 by Bill Lawrence and were a budget version of the L5-S model. Gibson requested that Lawrence design a guitar with as wide a range of sounds as he could, keeping at the same time his production costs within a certain limit to make it affordable for wider crowd. Using standard hardware, Lawrence designed a highly versatile guitar with two humbucker pickups and selector switches to choose different sound profiles. Gibson L6-S electric guitars were also the first Gibson guitars to feature a 24-fret fingerboard. The cutaway body design of this model allowed easy access to the full length of this extended fingerboard.

The most popular of the Gibson L6-S electric guitars was the L6-S Custom, originally referred to as simply the L6-S. The Custom was the most unique of the three models of Gibson L6-S electric guitars, as well as the closest to Bill Lawrence's original vision. Later models, the Deluxe and the Midnight Special, proved to be more generic models, more closely resembling a standard Les Paul-style hard-body.

The L6-S Custom featured 2 chrome-covered super humbucker pickups, a 6-position selector switch for sound versatility, and a set maple neck. The 24-fret fingerboard was of maple or ebony. In addition to its versatile sound options, Gibson L6-S electric guitars were praised for sustain, sensitivity, and responsive play.

Gibson L6-S electric guitars are a great find for collectors or serious guitarists, often selling for much less than other vintage Gibson models. A superb example of Gibson craftsmanship, this guitar will be a premium instrument for years to come.

You can see current listings for Gibson L6-S Electric Guitars here: