Gibson’s solid-body Wood

Ron Wood L-5S

The Ron Wood L-5S is based on Gibson’s lesser known L-5S guitar, which is fitting since Wood is a bit of an unsung guitar hero.

Ron’s contribution of riffs to the world of rock is impressive to say the least. His entrance into the world’s greatest rock ‘n’ roll band came relatively late. Charlie still calls him the new guy. But that’s only because he was busy making some of the best bar band riffs with Rod Stewart and the Faces. Not to mention Mick Taylor hadn’t quit yet…and Jagger hadn’t asked him yet. The point being that Ronnie was in the Faces before the Stones.

The reason the Stones brought Wood on was because he was one of the premier guitarists of his generation (and that Keith liked to drink with him). But still Ron is not the first guitarist who comes to mind when you list the greats. Just as the L-5S isn’t the Gibson that tops most guitarist’s wish list.

The L-5S was first produced in the 1973, a solid-body electric version of Gibson’s famous arch-top the L-5, which was first produced as far back as 1922.

The L-5S was picked up by many 70s rockers including Ron Wood.  Keith Richards borrowed Ron’s L-5S for his 1982 Expensive Winos tour.

Gibson’s 2015 Ron Wood L-5S is billed as a rockstar’s guitar built in collaboration with a true rock star. It’s a beautiful axe boasting a chambered maple body and Burst Bucker pickups dressed up in Les Paul custom-style ‘Tuxedo Features’. Keeping with the theme, it’ll run you rock star royalties. Pre-napster 1970s royalties, the Ron Wood L-5S is listed at $5,499. The first 50 sold will be come signed by Mr. Wood.