Gibson L-5CT - Slight neck issue

[Woody Sound]

If I am seeing it right, it appears the end of the neck is pretty straight, but the back-bow is closer to the body. Correct? If so that actually could be trouble.

[Lux]

Well just a tad more forward would help, but that's closer. It does look awfully straight, without any relief at all. (But I actually prefer my own guitars to be that way.)

Haha, ok - sorry, here's one more...ignore the foot:

[Lux]

If I am seeing it right, it appears the end of the neck is pretty straight, but the back-bow is closer to the body. Correct? If so that actually could be trouble.

After having the strings on for two days, when I sight it down the neck it looks dead straight to me, now.

It also plays very well with low action and there are no dead spots.

[Woody Sound]

After having the strings on for two days, when I sight it down the neck it looks dead straight to me, now.

It also plays very well with low action and there are no dead spots.

That last picture is perfect. Sure looks straight to me, I'd say she's a keeper!

[Lux]

That last picture is perfect. Sure looks straight to me, I'd say she's a keeper!

I hope so!

Would you happen to have a pic or two of what your straight archtop necks look like? Wondering if I had some to compare to if it would be easier for me to see if there are issues that remain...

Thanks!

Lux

[Woody Sound]

I hope so!

Would you happen to have a pic or two of what your straight archtop necks look like? Wondering if I had some to compare to if it would be easier for me to see if there are issues that remain...

Thanks!

Lux

These are old pics from when I sold these. Not all archtops, but you get the idea. Any visible relief is purely optical illusion from the camera angle.

[Lux]

Yeah, exactly - It's from Dave's place!

They have the best prices and service, and they sell great stuff. The used L-5 CT they had at the Music Zoo recently was more than I paid for this new one! I've bought and traded w/ them for years, always been really happy with what they send me.

And, yeah - custom crimson. Not exactly sure what that means entirely but I will say the fret work and build are really nice on this one - details were obviously paid attention to!

When I called and asked about the neck they said it's OK and give it a week w/ strings, it will go back into place - that advice from any other dealer would make me nervous but I'm going to trust them on this one.

[Lux]

Thanks for the pics, Woody! I'm going to compare...

[Lux]

Congrats, Lux. Give it a chance and sometimes problems just disappear by themselves. I am glad you did not go all to pieces and start wrenching down on the truss rod nut. Certain disaster for sure.

An American archtop finding itself in Luxembourg. It is the food and water, man

Almost did

But, yeah - even if it does end up needing a truss rod adjustment, I'm going to go slowly - I figure start very slow and make a couple of small adjustments if needed over the next month.

Guessing it will just work itself out, though - I have .12s on there now but will be going up to .13 Thomastiks in a few weeks or so, which should also help if help is still needed!

I figure it is a good sign that is plays great all up and down the neck and that it intonated very well straight from the box and is still spot on.

[ESCC]

That's just about as perfect a functional and iconic jazz box as they come. Play her in good health.

+1

A keeper no doubt! Enjoy.

[Woody Sound]

Almost did

But, yeah - even if it does end up needing a truss rod adjustment, I'm going to go slowly - I figure start very slow and make a couple of small adjustments if needed over the next month.

Guessing it will just work itself out, though - I have .12s on there now but will be going up to .13 Thomastiks in a few weeks or so, which should also help if help is still needed!

Oh, going to 13's will definitely make a difference.

[Lux]

These are old pics from when I sold these. Not all archtops, but you get the idea. Any visible relief is purely optical illusion from the camera angle.

Woody, these pics helped, thanks...

Using these as a guide, the L-5 neck is dead straight at this point. Appreciate it.