Is the Gibson L-5 worth the big bucks

**Marty Grass** · 09-02-2015, 01:32 PM

Nothing to report yet.

I will post individual guitars in the FS section if and when they become available.

I don't know how this will all work out yet.

Originally Posted by Archtop Guy

> I haven't seen any of Patricks' pieces for sale on the forum. What thread are they under?

**Max405** · 09-02-2015, 01:56 PM

Originally Posted by Marty Grass

Nothing to report yet.

I will post individual guitars in the FS section if and when they become available.

I don't know how this will all work out yet.

MG, I read backward in this post and saw Patrick's interaction with you. He really did have so much respect for you man.
I like how he was trying to sell you his L5 back in January. As you know, That guitar hangs on my wall now. Last night I could have sworn I heard the sound of someone taking their finger and lightly picking the strings one by one. When I got out of bed the sound dissipated. That Guitar really does play itself. Or, maybe it had a little help..
Joe D.
PS, I'm here for you..

**999369** · 09-02-2015, 02:08 PM

Big Bucks For L-5 ??? ~~~ No

This is Big Bucks !!!!
1958 STRATOCASTER PLAYED BY JIMMI PAGE - $100000 (LAS VEGAS)

1958 STRATOCASTER PLAYED BY JIMMI PAGE

Is not the Guitar

is is not the $$$$$

is who you are and what you Decided to choose

**Marty Grass** · 09-02-2015, 02:16 PM

Patrick's not here to advocate for paying big bucks for the L-5. He was a big, big fan of that guitar.

He kept his L-5CES but wanted me to buy the WesMo. Frankly, I'd rather have the WesMo because the second pup wouldn't help me much, but I never got the money together.

Patrick had his passionate justification for the second pup even though the toggle switch was always pointed up when he played. However each time he tried to explain it to me, this is what I heard.

Thanks, Joe.

Originally Posted by Joe DeNisco

MG, I read backward in this post and saw Patrick's interaction with you. He really did have so much respect for you man.
I like how he was trying to sell you his L5 back in January. As you know, That guitar hangs on my wall now. Last night I could have sworn I heard the sound of someone taking their finger and lightly picking the strings one by one. When I got out of bed the sound dissipated. That Guitar really does play itself. Or, maybe it had a little help..
Joe D.
PS, I'm here for you..

**Greentone** · 09-02-2015, 02:50 PM

MG,

Great! I feel the same way Patrick did, even though I virtually never use that pickup. It just sounds different. Nobody who has played both guitars would argue differently. I happen to really love BOTH styles of guitars and BOTH voices. So did Wes, FWIW.

When I say it sounds different, I mean that the dual-pickup CES on the neck pickup sounds different than the single pickup CES does. Bracing? Top dampening? I don't know...I only know what I hear.

Two pickup Heritage Super Eagles sound different than one pickup Super Eagles, too. Both are superb, but they are different.

I don't have the experience with two pickup 175s, so much...only the single pickup ES-175 and the ES-175CC. I'd bet it's the same deal, though. Anyone?

**Bluedawg** · 09-02-2015, 03:30 PM

Yep

I have both an L5 WES and an L5 CES and they are different ... and I like both

My L5 WES actually a decent acoustic as well ... whereas the CES not so much

I've been drooling over the L5 Premiers out there .... but I'm not sure their acoustic sound is really any better than my WES

**Wildcat** · 09-02-2015, 03:51 PM

Being a first class hack, one thing that I have observed and as many as you know, over the years is that really talented/great players can make amazing things happen with lesser equipment, guitar and amp wise. That being said, the higher and iconic equipment available is a very fun/enjoyable personal journey for musicians at any level.

Originally Posted by Joe DeNisco

In my case, For a long time I wondered the same thing. I took a shot because I am the most materialistic person I know. To me that was the pinnacle of a Jazz guitar. I figured, when I finally bought one, I would never buy anything else. That was 3 months ago. Since then, I've bought 2 other guitars. I play the L5 very infrequently. But I can tell you with 100% confidence, I got it out of my head, and I am happy I did. And, I am extremely happy with the Guitar. It is a beautiful, durably built incredible sounding work of art that is without question the best Player I own. To me, its worth every penny. And it STILL is the pinnacle of a Jazz guitar.
I don't be-grudge anyone else of their opinion. Some people will think I am nuts and they are right because I am. But I am a happy nut. And that is why I play and collect guitars. To make me happy.

JD

PS. Next up, Ribbecke Halfling.

**Hammertone** · 09-02-2015, 04:32 PM

Originally Posted by Greentone

...
Two pickup Heritage Super Eagles sound different than one pickup Super Eagles, too. Both are superb, but they are different….

Then, of course, there are the no pickup Super Eagles - those sound the bestest!

**999369** · 09-02-2015, 04:52 PM

Is have any one play this Citation

Thanks !

Is the Gibson L-5 worth the big bucks-image-jpg

**Bluedawg** · 09-02-2015, 05:02 PM

Originally Posted by 999369

Is have any one play this Citation

Thanks !

Very nice

I have not played a Citation, yet .... but there are a few people her who own one .... or more

**Stringswinger** · 09-02-2015, 05:11 PM

My answer to the question in the title of this thread is simple. Yes.

**Greentone** · 09-02-2015, 06:52 PM

The Citation is the pinnacle of Gibson's efforts. The original run, back in the 70s, were made by Aaron Cowles at Gibson. You can see his ideas carried to fruition later at Unity Guitars, his company in the 80s, 90s, and 00s.

I never played an original Citation, but played and almost purchased an original Kalamazoo Award--the next ne plus ultra guitar that Gibson brought out in the 70s. The KA was amazing--surely the best acoustic archtop I have ever played. Electrically, I have played two or three other guitars that I preferred--a S-400 with a DeArmond, a L-5 with a Charlie Christian, and a great '37 ES-150.

Still, overall, the KA was the best guitar I have ever handled. I have always regretted backing out of the purchase. Presuming that the Citation is better...WOW.

**GNAPPI** · 09-02-2015, 07:39 PM

There are lots of great guitars that sound like crap in some hands, and some plain vanilla guitars in the right hands sound wonderful. As a guitar player I know that style and ability go as much into getting sound as the instrument does.

A few nights ago in a dark club I saw this player on a well used Epi Broadway and at first I thought to myself, "gee too bad he doesn't have a better guitar" THEN it dawned on me that I really couldn't imagine him sounding one bit better on a 175, Tal Farlow, Byrdland an L-5, or any other six stringed "good" guitar that also happened to be a status symbol.

Is an L-5 "worth" the price? for sure to many it is or it would have been gone years ago, but to some like me no... it wouldn't be worth the price of 6 or 7 other worthy gits.

**citizenk74** · 09-02-2015, 08:11 PM

I am not in a position to "know" if the L-5 is worth the big bucks, having never seen one in the flesh, let alone played one. But I am pretty darn sure that if I happened to be able to spare the aforementioned samoleans, I would not hesitate to find out.

**kid335** · 09-02-2015, 08:56 PM

Originally Posted by GNAPPI

A few nights ago in a dark club I saw this player on a well used Epi Broadway and at first I thought to myself, "gee too bad he doesn't have a better guitar" THEN it dawned on me that I really couldn't imagine him sounding one bit better on a 175, Tal Farlow, Byrdland an L-5, or any other six stringed "good" guitar that also happened to be a status symbol.

Wait, L-5s are status symbols? I'm missing Patrick right about now. He would have had fun with that one

**Max405** · 09-02-2015, 09:43 PM

Originally Posted by citizenk74

I am not in a position to "know" if the L-5 is worth the big bucks, having never seen one in the flesh, let alone played one. But I am pretty darn sure that if I happened to be able to spare the aforementioned samoleans, I would not hesitate to find out.

I hope you can one day. L5's are also made for good guys like you.
Joe D

**2bornot2bop** · 09-02-2015, 10:23 PM

Originally Posted by Hammertone

Then, of course, there are the no pickup Super Eagles - those sound the bestest!

What you talking about Willis? Better to have a floater on it in case you feel the mood.

Speaking of po' man players. Here's an affordable alternative to a CES

**Danny W.** · 09-02-2015, 10:27 PM

Originally Posted by Greentone

I never played an original Citation, but played and almost purchased an original Kalamazoo Award--the next ne plus ultra guitar that Gibson brought out in the 70s. The KA was amazing--surely the best acoustic archtop I have ever played. Electrically, I have played two or three other guitars that I preferred--a S-400 with a DeArmond, a L-5 with a Charlie Christian, and a great '37 ES-150.

Still, overall, the KA was the best guitar I have ever handled. I have always regretted backing out of the purchase. Presuming that the Citation is better...WOW.

You should buy this:

https://www.jazzguitar.be/forum/sale/...st-1980-a.html

Danny W.

**wintermoon** · 09-02-2015, 10:28 PM

Originally Posted by 2bornot2bop

What you talking about Willis? Better to have a floater on it in case you feel the mood.

Speaking of po' man players. Here's an affordable alternative to a CES

beaut of a Tal.

I bought a vintage Super 400 w/the strap button in that spot.
the first thing I did was put it in the case pocket. such a silly place for a button, maybe second only to putting it on the back of the neck @ the bend where it meets the heel.
don't these guys play above the 12th fret?

**MaxTwang** · 09-02-2015, 10:29 PM

I never thought they were worth the price ... until I really spent some time with one.

Funny thing is: The L5 is the guitar I'm least concerned about scuffing, dings, tarnish, etc. These are for playing.

**Hammertone** · 09-02-2015, 10:31 PM

Originally Posted by 2bornot2bop

What you talking about Willis? Better to have a floater on it in case you feel the mood.

I have a floater.
Just in the case.
Just in case.

**GNAPPI** · 09-02-2015, 11:13 PM

Originally Posted by kid335

Wait, L-5s are status symbols? I'm missing Patrick right about now. He would have had fun with that one

"or any other six stringed "good" guitar that also happened to be a status symbol. "

You have selective reading :-) You missed the point that some guitars ARE status symbols, you don't think so?

**fumblefingers** · 09-03-2015, 12:04 AM

Originally Posted by 999369

Is have any one play this Citation

Thanks !

Very nice indeed. I prefer mine a little bit though.

Is the Gibson L-5 worth the big bucks-lg2-21-jpg

Is the Gibson L-5 worth the big bucks-lg2-37-jpg

Is the Gibson L-5 worth the big bucks-lg2-69-jpg

Is the Gibson L-5 worth the big bucks-lg2-85-jpg

**wintermoon** · 09-03-2015, 12:28 AM

Originally Posted by fumblefingers

Very nice indeed. I prefer mine a little bit though.

Is the Gibson L-5 worth the big bucks-lg2-21-jpg

super deluxe guitar. the figuring in the abby-loney is mind bending
and the may-pel is quilt to the hilt.....
really beautiful color too-interesting that it's a very 'wide' sunburst, dark edges are 'shorter' than normal, but still beautifully shaded.
looks'spensive, but then again, life is short too, so........

edited to add: if that were mine I'd experiment w/ an ebony saddle, would likely warm things up a bit....

**kid335** · 09-03-2015, 01:18 AM

Originally Posted by GNAPPI

"or any other six stringed "good" guitar that also happened to be a status symbol. "

You have selective reading :-) You missed the point that some guitars ARE status symbols, you don't think so?

I apologize if I interpreted that differently than you intended. I am not sure what you had in mind when you referenced status symbols guitars but to answer your question, I do not see production or boutique guitars as status symbols just because they are expensive. Of course there are exceptions, such as Henry J's $2 million dollar Diamond puke Les Paul, but I'm sure thats not what you were talking about.

To the point of the OP. Yes, an L-5 is worth it. I will even go as far as to say that it is a relative bargain when you consider that it is an absolute apex instrument. If you wanted to buy an apex Cello, violin or viola, most of us would probably have to take out second mortgages or sell our homes. I would never accuse my friends who own apex concert instruments of purchasing a status symbol. Plus, kind of the point of owning a status symbol is that everyone around you is supposed to know what it is. We purchase because we are inspired and respect great work. I don't think any of my non-musical friends could tell the difference between a Citation and an Eastman.