What Gibson L-5 is this please?

[Chi]

Can anyone nail for me please exactly what model Gibson Benson is playing here in this tenderly studio recording?

Looks like a Johnny Smith Le Grande with the single floater but the tail is L5 CES.

I'm trying to find out exactly what pickup is in it.

Thank you

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=thoITpWoHps

Maybe it's this but with different fingerboard inlay?

[skiboyny]

It is a Johnny Smith!

[Chi]

It is a Johnny Smith!

Cheers.. what would be a body mounted equivelent of that Johnny Smith floater?

[ThatRhythmMan]

You can own that guitar! Well….if you’ve got a spare million burning a hole in your pocket.

Just a moment...


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Chi]

You can own that guitar! Well….if you’ve got a spare million burning a hole in your pocket.

Just a moment...


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Actually looking for one as we speak.. but not that exact one lol..

I prefer sunburst.

[deacon Mark]

Larry Wexer has a blond at a fair price and the best the deal with check him out.

[skiboyny]

Cheers.. what would be a body mounted equivelent of that Johnny Smith floater?

Don't know off the top of my head. I'm sure Armstrong, loller, can make you a set pickup with those characteristics. Don't forget it's not just the pickup, it's the whole setup.

[Chi]

Don't know off the top of my head. I'm sure Armstrong, loller, can make you a set pickup with those characteristics. Don't forget it's not just the pickup, it's the whole setup.

Yes the Armstrong family have made me pickups before.. I'm on it. I have a few other high end hollow bodies and semi's already so have been down this road before chasing tone.

[skykomishone]

I recently acquired a GJS from an estate sale and it has a well mounted KA-12 pole p/u and the original JS p/u w/hardware in the case pocket. It's a great playing and sounding guitar. I wasn't looking for it, but it found me. I haven't done a NGD, so here is a picture. Hope you find one you like. I'm mainly an acoustic archtop player and generally not been enthusiastic about them, but this one has a great acoustic voice to it. They're all different. ThatRhythmMan has a nice one in the video he posted. If he still has it, he's a no risk seller with plenty of experience in these guitars. I bought a guitar from him recently and wouldn't hesitate to buy from him again.

[wintermoon]

What's the deal w all the extra screws and sheet of acrylic peeking out from under the guard?

[skykomishone]

What's the deal w all the extra screws and sheet of acrylic peeking out from under the guard?

The prior owner is deceased. I'd need a ouija board or seance to ask him. But I'm guessing it's all about the new pickup changes, pots and wheels, the 1/4" jack and making it beefy to handle all of that. It’s quite well done and sturdy. When I plug in the male end of the cord is under the extension, not protruding into the air. The wheels are good sized also. The KA 12 pole is firmly attached to the guard also. It's a nice setup. Whoever did it. I'm guessing the prior owner. He was quite capable and a serious musician himself. Here are some pics...

[skykomishone]

The acrylic is only an extension, not under the complete guard, and is cleanly and firmly attached, like it grew there.

[deacon Mark]

if this were mine it would get a new pickguard and a much less busy approach. I would do a single volume pot with a mini jack. All the other stuff is just weight and killing the looks and taking up space. Nice guitar though for sure, I would carve an ebony saddle too and I think Johnny would agree better.

[skykomishone]

True Deacon. It crossed my mind to put the original pickup on it. Regarding the bridge, If I could find one without needing to make one, that would be preferable. The original is uncompensated?

[floatingpickup]

The correct saddle for a Johnny Smith is made of ebony and is not compensated the same way the older rosewood saddles were. Instead, it has a gentle curve for intonation. I attached a photo of mine.
Keith

[skykomishone]

Thanks Keith!