Gibson 1934-L5 / The Loar 600-700

[Pierrot]

Hi,

Any of you guys ever had the opportunity to try/compare these two acoustic archtops?

Does actually Gibson deserve that much difference in price? (about 4 times the price of the Loar...say more or less 900€ vs >4000€)


http://www2.gibson.com/Products/Elec...m/1934-L5.aspx

http://www.theloar.com/LH-700-VS.html

Thanks

[kamlapati]

I've played them both, but haven't played them side by side. I also used to own a '32 L-5, before my current infatuation with the 17" models.

What can you say about the Gibson reissue? It's based on one of the most influential guitars of the century, it's well executed in terms of craftmanship and sound. But still it is not exactly like the originals, partly because they aren't 75 years old. IMO, they're well worth the price, but they are probably only worth that much to folks who are already connoisseurs of acoustic archtops.

OTOH, the Loar is one of the great bargains of today. It sure as heck ain't no Gibson, but I wouldn't hesitate to buy one. They are very good guitars for the money.

[Pierrot]

Thanks kamlapati.

BTW, very nice playing and good sounding archtops on your website. Currently listening while i'm writing this...

[dolphin]

Hi My Loar was good enough to put a Charlie Christian in see the site Archtop.ie - Guitars by Irish Luthier John Moriarty John Moriarty did it for me.
Cheers Dolphin

[spiral]

I've been seriously considering the Loar for over a year now. I think the parallel bracing and 16" body is the sound that i have been looking for but just didn't know that. There have been mixed reviews of the build quality (this board and elsewhere). Some say they are amazed at what they get for the price / rival Gibsons, etc. Some say they are sloppy and needed fixing / returning right away. I have no idea.

1. If you want to play an affordable guitar you can enjoy now, not worry about hurting, babying, etc. get the Loar
2. If you care about resale value, vintage wood, the thrill of the hunt, and have extra cash, get the Gibson

I do know this video convinced me it has "the sound" that i seek (the price he is offering is the same as Instrument Alley but w/out case):

YouTube Video

[Pierrot]

Thanks for the inputs, guys, and for the advices.

[Jabberwocky]

Let's not forget about vintage Gibson L-50s for just over $1000 today. They are essentially 16" bout L-5s without the ornamentation and highly-figured wood. There is where I would look if I were in the market for a 16" acoustic for the price.