2001 Gibson L-5 CT George Gobel style reissue

[QAman]

I wanted to share this recent acquisition with all those L5 CT enthusiasts. This guitar is a recreation of the L5 CT used by comedian George Gobel. It was commissioned by World renowned vintage guitar expert/ collector Tom Van Hoose. It was completed in 2001 and contains both the orange label and the Gibson custom shop label containing James Hutchins signature.

The Guitar is near mint condition - and posses an enormous acoustic voice with extraordinary volume. Its very light weight and the Arch of the top and back exhibit expert carving , and a gentle recurve - producing a tap tune of perfection.

I acquired this guitar from forum member Len R.

During a recent visit to Len’s home to play the the 30th Anniversary Campellone - he shared with me part of his collection - which is extraordinary, but I won’t disclose the particulars for privacy reasons. This L5CT was not for sale, but Len could see I was real excited about it - and a few days later he offered it to me.

Len is a fantastic player of Chet style music - and deeply steeped in that genre - as well as Jazz. In fact- it was Len’s video of Richard Smith playing “ The Entertainer “ - that captured 5 million views. Len is a fascinating individual with hobbies in traditional wood working and photography, and his guitar collection contains pristine examples - all meticulously maintained in a temperature and humidity controlled room.

Len is beginning the downsize process, so if you see him post anything - rest assured in knowing it’s a fine example, being sold by an individual with the upmost integrity.

I’m so glad we met - this guitar purchase was just the beginning of friendship with a real talented individual - who shares my passion for woodworking, traditional furnishings / architecture ……and guitars.

Thanks again Len - the guitar is awesome !





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[deacon Mark]

QAman that is a beautiful guitar the reddish transparent far exceeds any wine red guitars!

[QAman]

QAman that is a beautiful guitar the reddish transparent far exceeds any wine red guitars!

Deacon Mark
Thanks - you would love this guitar. The acoustic voice is real pure …..and voluminous.


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[nevershouldhavesoldit]

That’s beautiful! As I recall, the originals were 24 3/4” scale - is yours?

[QAman]

That’s beautiful! As I recall, the originals were 24 3/4” scale - is yours?

Thank you! As for the scale - I’ve read where the prototype was 25-1/2, then 24-3/4 was the original run of the 40 plus made - but I’ve also read where some of those originals may have been 25-1/2. Danny is the expert on these - so maybe he can shed some light on this subject.

As for mine - its neither , its 25.25- and plays like butter with a note purity similar to many prewar 16” L5’s I’ve played. A very rich ,thick timbre on this one - its hard to believe the tonal quality emanating from this shallow body.


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[Paulie2]

Spectacular. These thin L5s are a dream guitar for me but are hard to come by. Congrats!!

[hotpepper01]

That guitar is nothing less than gorgious. Congratulations. Enjoy and play it in good health. I have a 2002 red cherry Hutch L5CT myself, be it with double PUs. IMHO the Hutch master label guitars really have something special about them.
CT's are very comfortable to play, especially when playing while sitting down. I play bigbands and sit allways down.
Man, I think you just have found the best ever guitar you can come across. Greetings from my own L5CT to her sister

[D'Aquisto Fan]

Congratulations, Steve! That is a gorgeous guitar! Nice provenance coming from my good friend Tom Van Hoose. I remember years ago Tom had two custom thin body Wes Montgomery's made for him by Gibson. Those were fabulous guitars, as I'm sure yours is, too.

I could be mistaken, but I'm pretty certain the original vintage "Gobels/L5 CTs" were 24 3/4" scale length. The first one for George Gobel was made in March of 1958.

Enjoy!!

[QAman]

Spectacular. These thin L5s are a dream guitar for me but are hard to come by. Congrats!!

Thanks Paulie2 - it sure is a fun guitar.


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[QAman]

That guitar is nothing less than gorgious. Congratulations. Enjoy and play it in good health. I have a 2002 red cherry Hutch L5CT myself, be it with double PUs. IMHO the Hutch master label guitars really have something special about them.
CT's are very comfortable to play, especially when playing while sitting down. I play bigbands and sit allways down.
Man, I think you just have found the best ever guitar you can come across. Greetings from my own L5CT to her sister

Hotpepper01,
Thank you ! Your guitars are spectacular ! There is something special about the Hutch guitars I’ve played. This one is particularly special and very comfortable. Since I mainly play acoustic - it was a perfect match. Len was very gracious in passing it along to me.


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[QAman]

Congratulations, Steve! That is a gorgeous guitar! Nice provenance coming from my good friend Tom Van Hoose. I remember years ago Tom had two custom thin body Wes Montgomery's made for him by Gibson. Those were fabulous guitars, as I'm sure yours is, too.

I could be mistaken, but I'm pretty certain the original vintage "Gobels/L5 CTs" were 24 3/4" scale length. The first one for George Gobel was made in March of 1958.

Enjoy!!

Congratulations, Steve! That is a gorgeous guitar! Nice provenance coming from my good friend Tom Van Hoose. I remember years ago Tom had two custom thin body Wes Montgomery's made for him by Gibson. Those were fabulous guitars, as I'm sure yours is, too.

I could be mistaken, but I'm pretty certain the original vintage "Gobels/L5 CTs" were 24 3/4" scale length. The first one for George Gobel was made in March of 1958.

Enjoy!!

Thanks Michael ! What a fun guitar for sure. As for scale length - forum member Nevershouldhavesoldit also mentioned 24-3/4 . I too believe the original run of 40-50 were 24-3/4 scale, but Tom chose a slightly longer scale.

During my research I found conflicting information indicating some ( in later portion of the original run ) may have been 25-1/2. Perhaps some of that information pertained to the reissues. This one precisely measures 25.25 when doubling measurement from nut face to centerline of 12th fret.

Danny W - is the forum expert on these and hopefully he will comment.


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[omphalopsychos]

Steve welcome to the CT club. These are awesome guitars.

[QAman]

Steve welcome to the CT club. These are awesome guitars.

Thanks Juan ! These guitars are really quite impressive - and your blond is just stunning. Glad to be part of the CT club.

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[D'Aquisto Fan]

Thanks Michael ! What a fun guitar for sure. As for scale length - forum member Nevershouldhavesoldit also mentioned 24-3/4 . I too believe the original run of 40-50 were 24-3/4 scale, but Tom chose a slightly longer scale.

During my research I found conflicting information indicating some ( in later portion of the original run ) may have been 25-1/2. Perhaps some of that information pertained to the reissues. This one precisely measures 25.25 when doubling measurement from nut face to centerline of 12th fret.

Danny W - is the forum expert on these and hopefully he will comment.


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Hey, Steve. I was only referring to the vintage ones. I don't know anything about the modern versions. There were a couple, perhaps 3-4, one-off L5 CTs made with a regular 25 1/2" scale length back in the late 50s and very early 60s. One or two with PAFs. Personally, I think the longer scale length is a plus. Regardless, your guitar is gorgeous and I know you can make it sound beautiful. Very happy for you, my friend!

[D'Aquisto Fan]

Steve welcome to the CT club. These are awesome guitars.

Gorgeous guitar, Juan! Reminds me of the two thin Wes models that Tom Van Hoose custom ordered from Gibson around 20 years ago. Although his were sunburst. Tom called them Les rather than Wes due to their svelte waist.

[QAman]

Hi Michael. Yes, I figured you were referring to the original Gobels, and I agree that a few were likely 25-1/2 back then - that's what I discovered during my research. I have limited knowledge on the reissues , but if they are anything like this one - there are some happy CT owners out in the universe.

FYI - our mutual friend Larry Wexer knows this guitar well - and told me it was a "real good one"- when he had it for sale from a client back in 2021.

Let's catch up with a chat when you are available.







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[D'Aquisto Fan]

Hi Michael. Yes, I figured you were referring to the original Gobels, and I agree that a few were likely 25-1/2 back then - that's what I discovered during my research. I have limited knowledge on the reissues , but if they are anything like this one - there are some happy CT owners out in the universe.

FYI - our mutual friend Larry Wexer knows this guitar well - and told me it was a "real good one"- when he had it for sale from a client back in 2021.

Let's catch up with a chat when you are available.







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Always nice to get Larry's blessing! Yes. We need to catch up. Enjoy your new guitar!

[Doctor Jeff]

Nice guitar! And Husker Red too!

Interesting that there was a time when comedians and TV hosts had talent and could actually play and sing. Steve Allen comes to mind as well.

Gibson (correctly) thought they’d make more money licensing a guitar to a famous TV personality than to a jazz musician…

Trivial fact: one of Gobel’s catch phrases was “Well I’ll be a dirty bird,” which was quoted by Kathy Bates’ character in the movie Misery.

[Rickco]

Nice guitar! And Husker Red too!

Interesting that there was a time when comedians and TV hosts had talent and could actually play and sing. Steve Allen comes to mind as well.

Gibson (correctly) thought they’d make more money licensing a guitar to a famous TV personality than to a jazz musician…

Trivial fact: one of Gobel’s catch phrases was “Well I’ll be a dirty bird,” which was quoted by Kathy Bates’ character in the movie Misery.

opposite for me, as soon as I start playing they think Im a comedian...

[QAman]

Nice guitar! And Husker Red too!

Interesting that there was a time when comedians and TV hosts had talent and could actually play and sing. Steve Allen comes to mind as well.

Gibson (correctly) thought they’d make more money licensing a guitar to a famous TV personality than to a jazz musician…

Trivial fact: one of Gobel’s catch phrases was “Well I’ll be a dirty bird,” which was quoted by Kathy Bates’ character in the movie Misery.

Thanks Dr Jeff. Great point about Gibson marketing. There is reason why they are a household name, and it goes beyond the product itself.

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[QAman]

opposite for me, as soon as I start playing they think Im a comedian...

Great humor Rickco - I'm sure you are a fine player.

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[deacon Mark]

[QUOTE=QAman;1296427]Great humor Rickco - I'm sure you are a fine player.

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QAman,
Your take in Gibson is telling, you and know the finest acoustic archtops in world and Gibson still reigns with every guitar maker……when they get it right they stand with all. Would love to hear this guitar especially given the thinner body. My guess is for pure chord melody separation of voices it stands out!

[GuitarJay]

Steve welcome to the CT club. These are awesome guitars.

Any chance we could see pics of the back and sides? What a perfect guitar!

[jim777]

QAman that guitar is spectacular! Play her in health!

[QAman]

Thanks Jim777 - the guitar has a surprisingly huge voice, and fun to play.

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