Classic Yamaha L-5ES Square Shoulder Dreadnought Electric Acoustic - w Piezo Pickup - Luxury Series - Premium Quality Japan Mojo - Pro Set Up w Perfect frets/Action/Intonation

$980.00 $1,280.00

Late 70's/ Early 80's Yamaha L-5ES

Square Shoulder Dreadnought Electric Acoustic

From the Famous "Luxury Series"
Premium Quality Japan Mojo!!!
Comes With Original Hardshell Case

Nut: 1.71

Measures .89 at the First Fret and 1.06 Twelfth Fret

Weight: 5 lbs 6 oz's

Ebony Fretboard!

Solid Ezo Spruce Top

Solid Rosewood Back/Sides

Comes with Original Hardshell Case

$$$ It has just been professionally set up and dialed in for optimal tone and playability. It has low action with no buzzing. The frets are in perfect condition and polished to shine like a mirror, it is truly stage or studio ready/worthy. (Including new Strings,  perfect Intonation, truss rod adjustment and low action) Read Our Feedback and Rest Assured, The Dude Abides!

Are you searching for a guitar that combines vintage charm, exceptional playability, and rich, resonant sound? Look no further than this stunning **Yamaha L-5ES**, a rare gem from Yamaha’s revered L-Series, crafted between 1980 and 1981. This electro-acoustic western-style guitar is a testament to Yamaha’s legacy of quality and innovation, offering both acoustic warmth and amplified versatility for discerning musicians. Whether you’re a collector, a performer, or a studio artist, this instrument is ready to inspire. Yamaha acoustic guitars are some of the most sought after and sonorous guitars on the planet. This majestically beautiful, skillfully rendered square-shoulder from Yamaha Japan's revered "L-Series" epitomizes that ethos with gorgeous appointments and top-shelf tone that is fit for a queen (or king). This instrument is a remarkably well crafted piece with a full, piano-like tonality, and a richly complex harmonic timbre. Every aspect of the guitar is masterfully executed and the materials utilized are second to none. The Ezo spruce top manifests into a tonefully articulate and detailed soundboard that exhibits fine detail and warmth, suiting itself well to finger style and flat picked lines. Solid rosewood is utilized in the back and sides, with a beautiful dark hue and tight grain along with solid ebony bridge and fingerboard. Both back and sides are elegantly decorated with detailed marquetry binding and the fretboard is adorned with snowflake inlay. The guitar is in very good to excellent vintage condition after all is it nearly 50 years old. It has a very slight and and small crack on the top that was professionally repaired and very hard to see. It has a few light scratches and small dings but is very clean overall and in perfect playing condition. player friendly condition and playability is absolutely spot on. The guitar has more than a few small dings and small scuffs, just enough to let you know this is a well favored instrument, but nothing nasty or out of the ordinary. It also has a slight crack below the pickguard. (see pics) This is an excellent example and a perfect find for the discriminating performer, or for that very special someone in your life, it's here, it's now, only at The Guitar Dude.


The Yamaha L-5ES is a dreadnought-style acoustic guitar from Yamaha's high-end L series, known for its quality craftsmanship and solid wood construction. It features a solid spruce top, solid rosewood back and sides, and an African mahogany neck. The L-5ES was produced from 1978 to 1983. 


Yamaha L-5ES acoustic-electric guitar:

The Yamaha L-5ES is a vintage acoustic-electric guitar known for its high quality and craftsmanship. The L series, including the L-5ES, is considered among the most sought-after vintage Yamaha guitars. The Yamaha L-series acoustics, including the L-5ES, were crafted in Japan during the late 1970's and early 1980s, a period considered the "Golden Era" for Japanese guitar makers who strived for international recognition. These guitars were known for their exceptional craftsmanship and attention to detail, competing with high-end instruments of the time. The L-5ES represents Yamaha's commitment to creating high-quality acoustic-electric guitars for a variety of playing styles. It's important to note that due to its age, finding an L-5ES in pristine condition might be challenging. Some guitars may exhibit signs of wear, including tarnished hardware, finish inconsistencies, or minor repairs. Despite this, many examples continue to be played and cherished by musicians for their vintage tone and craftsmanship


Key features and specs

  • Production Years: The L-5ES was likely produced around 1980 and possibly into 1981. Note that information regarding specific production years can sometimes be difficult to pinpoint for vintage models, and variations might exist.
  • Body: Dreadnought-style body.
  • Top: Solid spruce top. Some sources specify solid Ezo Spruce for the L-5.
  • Back and Sides: Initially, solid Indian rosewood sides were used, with the back being two-piece solid Indian rosewood. This changed around 1979 to rosewood laminated back and sides, or possibly coral rosewood.
  • Neck: African mahogany neck. C style profile.
  • Fingerboard: Ebony fingerboard (early models). This later changed to Indian rosewood.
  • Bridge: Ebony bridge
  • Tuners: Three-per-side gold tuners.
  • Pickguard: Black pickguard.
  • Inlays: Pearl diamond inlays on the fingerboard.
  • Electronics: Factory-installed piezo pickup system, distinguishing it as an acoustic-electric model within the L-series. The L-5ES utilizes a System41 two-way system that includes a 3-band equalizer, an adjustable midrange frequency control, a microphone tone control, a microphone volume control with phase switch and master volume control. It also has a condenser microphone mounted inside the guitar on the end of a flexible gooseneck to add warmth and allow for greater tonal variation.
  • Scale Length: 636mm short scale specification is a feature of earlier models.
  • Body: Dreadnought-style, with a solid white spruce top and solid Indian rosewood back and sides.
  • Neck: African mahogany neck with a 14/20-fret ebony fingerboard.
  • Sound: Renowned for its rich, warm acoustic resonance and detailed cosmetics. It's described as having a well-balanced sound with good projection, suitable for strumming, fingerpicking, and even jazz playing. 
  • Binding: Cream body binding with herringbone purfling and herringbone back purfling.
  • Rosette: Three-ring herringbone rosette around the soundhole.
  • Other: Handcrafted and considered high-quality with attention to detail


This guitar is professionally set up and dialed in for optimal tone and playability. It has low action with no buzzing or dead spots and is an absolute joy to play. It has been deep cleaned and detailed. All guitars will arrive looking and playing great. The frets have been leveled / dressed / polished and the fingerboard was cleaned. (Unfinished Rosewood and Ebony boards get treated with Fret Doctor - a proprietary all natural oil that is the best on the market) It has brand new strings, the action was adjusted, the intonation is spot on and it plays excellent. All the electronics work flawlessly.


**** We stand behind every guitar we sell and have consistently delivered quality that beats most people expectations, earning us a reputation for quality that is unrivaled. Simply put “good enough” is not good enough for The Guitar Dude’s standards. We try and make every guitar be at its absolute BEST to deliver on our promise. We take great pride in what we do and we are always trying our best. 


* Neck is perfectly straight and the truss rod works with no issues


* Intonation is spot-on


* It has been professionally set up with nice low action & new American made strings.


* If needed, the frets will be dressed leveled & crowned


* All frets are polished prior to shipping when they are set up - They will shine like new!

***Please note that international shipping prices listed are minimum quotes in some cases. Certain countries are more expensive and will require additional shipping costs. Express services such as UPS, DHL & FedEx are also available, Please contact me for a personalized quote.

About Us

The Guitar Dude is a THREE time NAMM Top 100 Dealer in the world  who has been selling some of the best guitars on the planet since 2009. Known for the most Killer Flame Top Gibson 1959 Les Pauls Reissues and classic Fender guitars of all eras. I make beautiful guitar porn, please follow me on Facebook, Instagram, & Twitter. 

Often copied & imitated, but never duplicated.


Like what you see? Let me go to work for you.


I offer the best consignment sales on the planet! Find me online, just look for The Guitar Dude

For in-hand description, to propose a consignment sale or anything else please contact us 


I offer a super relaxed layaway plan on certain guitars, that can be custom built to fit your budget and needs. It can be extended beyond 45 days in certain situations. If you are interested in a layaway plan, please contact me for full details.


Terms For Returns & Re-Stocking Fee’s

We recognize and accept a 7 day return policy as per Reverb guidelines, BUT intentions of the return must be communicated in writing within 3 day of receiving the guitar as indicated by the tracking. Unless the guitar is not as described, ORIGINAL & RETURN SHIPPING COSTS WILL NOT BE REFUNDED. There is a 10% Re-stocking fee for ALL guitars that are returned for ANY reason outside of damage from shipping or it arrives significantly not as described. Please note that we record demo videos to make sure our guitars go out exactly as we describe them with zero issues. We understand that feeling comfortable is vital to the purchase of a guitar/bass so in any case, additional measurements or in hand descriptions are available prior to purchase/shipping. Thats said, guitars travel a great distance some times and in transit things can happen. Also guitars acclimate to new environments and this can cause a need for a new set up or minor adjustment. It is acceptable and normal if there is for instance a tiny bit of buzzing or the need to adjust a truss rod. We are in south Florida and if you are in a colder or less humid environment it is almost to be expected. Please read our feedback and see what our customers say. The guitar MUST BE RETURNED IN THE EXACT CONDITION it was advertised/received or it is subject to additional costs & or repair fees. We are not a big chain shop, I hope you understand. If you are uncomfortable with these terms please do not purchase. There are plenty big chain shops that can absorb free trials and shipping. 


Payment - Shipping - International orders - Import Duties


ALL ITEMS CAN BE SHIPPED INTERNATIONALLY. - BUYER IS RESPONSIBLE FOR ALL IMPORT DUTIES.

I accept many forms of payment including PayPal Credit & Affirm. I always pack extremely well and ship within the USA via UPS or Fedex, all packages are fully insured with tracking & signature confirmation.


Late 70's/ Early 80's Yamaha L-5ES

Square Shoulder Dreadnought Electric Acoustic

From the Famous "Luxury Series"
Premium Quality Japan Mojo!!!
Comes With Original Hardshell Case

Nut: 1.71

Measures .89 at the First Fret and 1.06 Twelfth Fret

Weight: 5 lbs 6 oz's

Ebony Fretboard!

Solid Ezo Spruce Top

Solid Rosewood Back/Sides

Comes with Original Hardshell Case

$$$ It has just been professionally set up and dialed in for optimal tone and playability. It has low action with no buzzing. The frets are in perfect condition and polished to shine like a mirror, it is truly stage or studio ready/worthy. (Including new Strings,  perfect Intonation, truss rod adjustment and low action) Read Our Feedback and Rest Assured, The Dude Abides!

Are you searching for a guitar that combines vintage charm, exceptional playability, and rich, resonant sound? Look no further than this stunning **Yamaha L-5ES**, a rare gem from Yamaha’s revered L-Series, crafted between 1980 and 1981. This electro-acoustic western-style guitar is a testament to Yamaha’s legacy of quality and innovation, offering both acoustic warmth and amplified versatility for discerning musicians. Whether you’re a collector, a performer, or a studio artist, this instrument is ready to inspire. Yamaha acoustic guitars are some of the most sought after and sonorous guitars on the planet. This majestically beautiful, skillfully rendered square-shoulder from Yamaha Japan's revered "L-Series" epitomizes that ethos with gorgeous appointments and top-shelf tone that is fit for a queen (or king). This instrument is a remarkably well crafted piece with a full, piano-like tonality, and a richly complex harmonic timbre. Every aspect of the guitar is masterfully executed and the materials utilized are second to none. The Ezo spruce top manifests into a tonefully articulate and detailed soundboard that exhibits fine detail and warmth, suiting itself well to finger style and flat picked lines. Solid rosewood is utilized in the back and sides, with a beautiful dark hue and tight grain along with solid ebony bridge and fingerboard. Both back and sides are elegantly decorated with detailed marquetry binding and the fretboard is adorned with snowflake inlay. The guitar is in very good to excellent vintage condition after all is it nearly 50 years old. It has a very slight and and small crack on the top that was professionally repaired and very hard to see. It has a few light scratches and small dings but is very clean overall and in perfect playing condition. player friendly condition and playability is absolutely spot on. The guitar has more than a few small dings and small scuffs, just enough to let you know this is a well favored instrument, but nothing nasty or out of the ordinary. It also has a slight crack below the pickguard. (see pics) This is an excellent example and a perfect find for the discriminating performer, or for that very special someone in your life, it's here, it's now, only at The Guitar Dude.


The Yamaha L-5ES is a dreadnought-style acoustic guitar from Yamaha's high-end L series, known for its quality craftsmanship and solid wood construction. It features a solid spruce top, solid rosewood back and sides, and an African mahogany neck. The L-5ES was produced from 1978 to 1983. 


Yamaha L-5ES acoustic-electric guitar:

The Yamaha L-5ES is a vintage acoustic-electric guitar known for its high quality and craftsmanship. The L series, including the L-5ES, is considered among the most sought-after vintage Yamaha guitars. The Yamaha L-series acoustics, including the L-5ES, were crafted in Japan during the late 1970's and early 1980s, a period considered the "Golden Era" for Japanese guitar makers who strived for international recognition. These guitars were known for their exceptional craftsmanship and attention to detail, competing with high-end instruments of the time. The L-5ES represents Yamaha's commitment to creating high-quality acoustic-electric guitars for a variety of playing styles. It's important to note that due to its age, finding an L-5ES in pristine condition might be challenging. Some guitars may exhibit signs of wear, including tarnished hardware, finish inconsistencies, or minor repairs. Despite this, many examples continue to be played and cherished by musicians for their vintage tone and craftsmanship


Key features and specs

  • Production Years: The L-5ES was likely produced around 1980 and possibly into 1981. Note that information regarding specific production years can sometimes be difficult to pinpoint for vintage models, and variations might exist.
  • Body: Dreadnought-style body.
  • Top: Solid spruce top. Some sources specify solid Ezo Spruce for the L-5.
  • Back and Sides: Initially, solid Indian rosewood sides were used, with the back being two-piece solid Indian rosewood. This changed around 1979 to rosewood laminated back and sides, or possibly coral rosewood.
  • Neck: African mahogany neck. C style profile.
  • Fingerboard: Ebony fingerboard (early models). This later changed to Indian rosewood.
  • Bridge: Ebony bridge
  • Tuners: Three-per-side gold tuners.
  • Pickguard: Black pickguard.
  • Inlays: Pearl diamond inlays on the fingerboard.
  • Electronics: Factory-installed piezo pickup system, distinguishing it as an acoustic-electric model within the L-series. The L-5ES utilizes a System41 two-way system that includes a 3-band equalizer, an adjustable midrange frequency control, a microphone tone control, a microphone volume control with phase switch and master volume control. It also has a condenser microphone mounted inside the guitar on the end of a flexible gooseneck to add warmth and allow for greater tonal variation.
  • Scale Length: 636mm short scale specification is a feature of earlier models.
  • Body: Dreadnought-style, with a solid white spruce top and solid Indian rosewood back and sides.
  • Neck: African mahogany neck with a 14/20-fret ebony fingerboard.
  • Sound: Renowned for its rich, warm acoustic resonance and detailed cosmetics. It's described as having a well-balanced sound with good projection, suitable for strumming, fingerpicking, and even jazz playing. 
  • Binding: Cream body binding with herringbone purfling and herringbone back purfling.
  • Rosette: Three-ring herringbone rosette around the soundhole.
  • Other: Handcrafted and considered high-quality with attention to detail


This guitar is professionally set up and dialed in for optimal tone and playability. It has low action with no buzzing or dead spots and is an absolute joy to play. It has been deep cleaned and detailed. All guitars will arrive looking and playing great. The frets have been leveled / dressed / polished and the fingerboard was cleaned. (Unfinished Rosewood and Ebony boards get treated with Fret Doctor - a proprietary all natural oil that is the best on the market) It has brand new strings, the action was adjusted, the intonation is spot on and it plays excellent. All the electronics work flawlessly.


**** We stand behind every guitar we sell and have consistently delivered quality that beats most people expectations, earning us a reputation for quality that is unrivaled. Simply put “good enough” is not good enough for The Guitar Dude’s standards. We try and make every guitar be at its absolute BEST to deliver on our promise. We take great pride in what we do and we are always trying our best. 


* Neck is perfectly straight and the truss rod works with no issues


* Intonation is spot-on


* It has been professionally set up with nice low action & new American made strings.


* If needed, the frets will be dressed leveled & crowned


* All frets are polished prior to shipping when they are set up - They will shine like new!

***Please note that international shipping prices listed are minimum quotes in some cases. Certain countries are more expensive and will require additional shipping costs. Express services such as UPS, DHL & FedEx are also available, Please contact me for a personalized quote.

About Us

The Guitar Dude is a THREE time NAMM Top 100 Dealer in the world  who has been selling some of the best guitars on the planet since 2009. Known for the most Killer Flame Top Gibson 1959 Les Pauls Reissues and classic Fender guitars of all eras. I make beautiful guitar porn, please follow me on Facebook, Instagram, & Twitter. 

Often copied & imitated, but never duplicated.


Like what you see? Let me go to work for you.


I offer the best consignment sales on the planet! Find me online, just look for The Guitar Dude

For in-hand description, to propose a consignment sale or anything else please contact us 


I offer a super relaxed layaway plan on certain guitars, that can be custom built to fit your budget and needs. It can be extended beyond 45 days in certain situations. If you are interested in a layaway plan, please contact me for full details.


Terms For Returns & Re-Stocking Fee’s

We recognize and accept a 7 day return policy as per Reverb guidelines, BUT intentions of the return must be communicated in writing within 3 day of receiving the guitar as indicated by the tracking. Unless the guitar is not as described, ORIGINAL & RETURN SHIPPING COSTS WILL NOT BE REFUNDED. There is a 10% Re-stocking fee for ALL guitars that are returned for ANY reason outside of damage from shipping or it arrives significantly not as described. Please note that we record demo videos to make sure our guitars go out exactly as we describe them with zero issues. We understand that feeling comfortable is vital to the purchase of a guitar/bass so in any case, additional measurements or in hand descriptions are available prior to purchase/shipping. Thats said, guitars travel a great distance some times and in transit things can happen. Also guitars acclimate to new environments and this can cause a need for a new set up or minor adjustment. It is acceptable and normal if there is for instance a tiny bit of buzzing or the need to adjust a truss rod. We are in south Florida and if you are in a colder or less humid environment it is almost to be expected. Please read our feedback and see what our customers say. The guitar MUST BE RETURNED IN THE EXACT CONDITION it was advertised/received or it is subject to additional costs & or repair fees. We are not a big chain shop, I hope you understand. If you are uncomfortable with these terms please do not purchase. There are plenty big chain shops that can absorb free trials and shipping. 


Payment - Shipping - International orders - Import Duties


ALL ITEMS CAN BE SHIPPED INTERNATIONALLY. - BUYER IS RESPONSIBLE FOR ALL IMPORT DUTIES.

I accept many forms of payment including PayPal Credit & Affirm. I always pack extremely well and ship within the USA via UPS or Fedex, all packages are fully insured with tracking & signature confirmation.