What beats an L5?

[Dennis D]

I had a es175 for years which I regrettably sold. What I am looking for in the L5 is the longer scale and better acoustic tone. I will be playing it acoustic maybe half the time or so.

The longer scale preference is measurable, and therefore, not subject to bias, feelings, image etc etc..... So, that question is easily answered.

Then the ' fun' begins.... By 'better acoustic tone' do you mean ' better acoustic volume ' ?

If so, chasing 'better acoustic tone' will be a disappointment ( 'rabbit hole' ? ) waiting to happen.....The acoustic volume of Gibson L-5's - whether all acoustic, or w/ humbucker, or floater has declined over the years.....It's been discussed here before - Gibson, since the '60's +/-, decided ( right or wrong ) that its' L-5 buyers wanted more amplified volume and started making L-5's w/heavier carves. Non-plugged volumes decreased throughout all Gibson acoustic models and the carves haven't been reduced.

So, if you're thinking, as I did, that the 175-to-L5 upgrade will sound like a 'cannon', I doubt it will...

Hope that helps and good luck....
MHO

[FredH]

I have both a single pickup L5 (Wes Mo) and a single pickup Heritage Eagle. The Eagle has a spruce top, with mahogany back and sides, with a HWR set pickup. To be honest - and I never thought that I'd say this - I prefer the Heritage. The slightly thinner body is more comfortable for me; and the tone difference with the mahogany/spruce vs mahogany/maple is more pleasing to my ear. I fine it easier to play finger style on the Heritage - I don't think there is a difference in the necks. The HWR pickup seems to project more than its Gibson counterpart.

Don't get me wrong - the L5 WM is a great guitar - and I've used it for years. But as I age, I find the HOG easier to play and a bit more responsive. Just a note, I've played Gibson Johnny Smiths and Heritage Johnny Smiths and I don' t think there is a comparison in my opinion. The Gibson is a heavier built and more responsive than the HJS. While the latter is a nice guitar, its not in the same league as its Gibson counterpart.

Good luck with your search. I've never played a Campie and I probably shouldn't or else my chronic GAS may emerge.

[dconeill]

don't pre-decide on a brand/model. Aim your thinking for a particular sound, and additionally for "feel", if that's important to you. And what the heck, if you want a purple glitter finish look for that too.

Seriously, look for a guitar qua guitar, not for a brand name. This will require more footwork and auditions of instruments, but it is more likely to get you what you're looking for than a spec sheet ever will. You'll still sound like you on whatever you buy, but maybe more so.

[deacon Mark]

I have both a single pickup L5 (Wes Mo) and a single pickup Heritage Eagle. The Eagle has a spruce top, with mahogany back and sides, with a HWR set pickup. To be honest - and I never thought that I'd say this - I prefer the Heritage. The slightly thinner body is more comfortable for me; and the tone difference with the mahogany/spruce vs mahogany/maple is more pleasing to my ear. I fine it easier to play finger style on the Heritage - I don't think there is a difference in the necks. The HWR pickup seems to project more than its Gibson counterpart.

Don't get me wrong - the L5 WM is a great guitar - and I've used it for years. But as I age, I find the HOG easier to play and a bit more responsive. Just a note, I've played Gibson Johnny Smiths and Heritage Johnny Smiths and I don' t think there is a comparison in my opinion. The Gibson is a heavier built and more responsive than the HJS. While the latter is a nice guitar, its not in the same league as its Gibson counterpart.

Good luck with your search. I've never played a Campie and I probably shouldn't or else my chronic GAS may emerge.

Another reason I find Heritage Guitars real sleepers in the market. The market sees Gibson and that wins. L5 and no doubt you have a winner. Problem is a Heritage archtop is pretty much same manufacturer category.

My 2003 custom shop L5c carved with acoustic sound foremost sounds great. It sounds different that my Heritage Johnny Smith Rose but not better. Find a Golden Eagle with one pu like a Wesmo. Chances are for 1/2 the price it may be a better guitar and as good.

One of these days the light bulb will go on in the market and players will say…..I should have got one a long time ago.

Not much room for L5’s to go up much and be relevant with ordinary players. There is a lot of room for Heritage to go up. I say get now before it happens.