The blonde L-5 demos

[NSJ]

This thread now has me thinking seriously about the benefits of BRONZE strings as a viable "electric" sound for a carved top/floating pup type of guitar. Very cool.

[Jabberwocky]

Thanks for putting up the demos, Roger. You do the guitars proud.

My take on it: Acoustically, the 47 has more of the old world chunky-chunk chordal style whereas the 72 has a more "modern" sound. They seem to reflect the musical styles of the era they were made in or looking at it another way, they defined the musical styles of the era they were born.

[rpguitar]

My take on it: Acoustically, the 47 has more of the old world chunky-chunk chordal style whereas the 72 has a more "modern" sound.

Yeah, I would buy that. The '47 is arguably a tad louder - less perceptible to the player than to the recording, FWIW - but it's a little more "flat" sounding. It's got a little less complexity overall, but sounds right for vintagey things. There's no better/worse nonsense with guitars like this. They're all pretty special in one way or another.

And about the strings... two things: One, bronze strings can sound great with magnetic pickups, AND nickel strings can sound pretty good acoustically! The difference in volume is actually pretty slight. It's more about tonal quality. I think nickel is a little more "plucky" or "stringy" (hard to describe), which actually results in a nice punchy vibe (despite those awkward adjectives).

[Klatu]

I'm the rare dissenting voice which prefers the sound of the 70s L5 to the 40s L5.

I also see to be sort of a weirdo for preferring the sound of parallel bracing over X bracing. It sound woodier and more "guitaristic" to me (if that makes any sense).

[MaxT]

I do mean regular phosphor bronze strings for acoustic guitars. Because these are acoustic guitars! And that's why I love to have adjustable pole pieces, so I can use these strings and get the best of both worlds

Ah, looks like I'm not the only one who uses phosphor bronze on archtops.

[jorgemg1984]

Anthony Wilson does that too.

[Dennis D]

Thanks Roger. They both sound and look great ! Nice playing.
I kept waiting to hear a soft spot, but neither guitar has one !! From the first fret to as far up as you wanted to go - -just nice even gorgeous tone. Were you surprised too ??
Enjoy them Roger, and thanks for posting.

Dennis

[rpguitar]

Hi Dennis, thank you - and nope, no dead spots. The 70s L-5 is particularly even and clean-toned. In general, I get much enjoyment out of a guitar that has no "worry spots." Vintage guitars can be a challenge because even the ones in great shape, if they have been played for decades will have been adjusted and worked on. But these two have been loved it seems, so despite their long tenure, they are very finely tuned indeed.