Gibson L-5 CES

**kid335** · 04-09-2015, 02:23 AM

ArchtopHeaven,
I really enjoyed your last post. Very honest and heartfelt. BUT, I literally gasped when I read that last part. I don't understand how you could make such a large financial, emotional and physical investment in acquiring that guitar with full knowledge that you will be selling it no matter what. As documented here, I just purchased a L5 Wesmo. After two weeks I'm confident that I would rather eat shit soup for dinner than part with it.

My humble advice. Whatever miracle you had to conjur up to buy it, conjur up another to keep it.

**silverfoxx** · 04-09-2015, 03:15 AM

Wintermoon

............Hmmmm and I thought it was only me ..?

**339 in june** · 04-09-2015, 03:38 AM

Originally Posted by silverfoxx

Wintermoon

............Hmmmm and I thought it was only me ..?

... you're not alone .......

**palindrome** · 04-09-2015, 03:56 AM

I don't imagine that ArchtopHeaven would be the first guy on this forum to buy a guitar with the intention of keeping it only for a limited amount of time.

As far as I am concerned, I might be tempted to do that, but I know from experience that I'm not patient enough to sell guitars in an orderly fashion.

Here in mainland Europe, I'm rather pessimistic as to how long it would take to sell an L5 without incurring too much of a financial loss. And I keep shaking my head in disbelief what a hard time sellers on ebay seem to have getting rid of their Guilds, Heritages, Peerlesses, or even Eastmans, to name only a few examples (especially single-pickup guitars).

**silverfoxx** · 04-09-2015, 04:00 AM

Bananafist

+1 to that, my trip to collect my L5CES last year comprised a trip on the M25
and the M1 , a combination of Death Race 2000 and the Indianapolis 500.
However it was worth it. When I arrived home after a fair simulation of Lewis
Hamilton's driving, I could drool over the L5 , a long cherished dream. It now
resides at the foot of my stairs in it's shrine and I can't wait to get home & play
" When I'm cleaning windows " or other classics.

**nickyboy** · 04-09-2015, 04:43 AM

The stars aligned for me, 2 yrs ago when I decided to sell my flashy car and drive a banger for a few years - in order to fund my dream guitar(s)..
Hence I ended up with an L5 and a Le Grand.
I plan to keep these :-)

**Archie** · 04-09-2015, 07:56 AM

I drove 8 hours to buy my Gibson ES-350T
Waisted 6 on an Epiphone with a bowing neck.
I once drove 15 hours to buy two guitars consecutively that were both not up to my standards so I turned them down.

And thats probably half of it, yet people ask "Rich where do you get all these amazing guitars from"

Well now you know. Effort and a lot of it. Lot of time and money waisted too.

I have never once kept any of the guitars I bought over the last two or so years I've been on this forum and have repeatedly said, my quest is to play and own as many archtops as I can.

So its not surprising or interesting that I would do this, its actually my MO. Whats surprising to me is that because you buy an L5 people decide that 'this one will be different'

Why?

If you cant afford something yet end up being able to own it, I'd say 'Fair play mate, kudos to you'.

I dont get attached to things in that way, although I am very happy to be able to achieve a goal that started out over 8 years ago. 8 years of grind to get this, I think i've earned the right to do whatever I want, without being judged!

That list of fine guitars you see bellow, didn't appear all by itself. I could have stopped on any of them but then so would the list. A guy on minimum wage, with a house and bills etc, plus a dying car could not afford to do that, without some real skill and again dedication. So cut me some slack, I'm having the best time of my life doing this and life is hard enough already.

This is my joy, this is my passion and I share it all with you guys, along with some fine guitars.

**AlsoRan** · 04-09-2015, 08:08 AM

Originally Posted by ArchtopHeaven

I drove 8 hours to buy my Gibson ES-350T
Waisted 6 on an Epiphone with a bowing neck.
I once drove 15 hours to buy two guitars consecutively that were both not up to my standards so I turned them down.

And thats probably half of it, yet people ask "Rich where do you get all these amazing guitars from"

Well now you know. Effort and a lot of it. Lot of time and money waisted too.

I have never once kept any of the guitars I bought over the last two or so years I've been on this forum and have repeatedly said, my quest is to play and own as many archtops as I can.

So its not surprising or interesting that I would do this, its actually my MO. Whats surprising to me is that because you buy an L5 people decide that 'this one will be different'

Why?

If you cant afford something yet end up being able to own it, I'd say 'Fair play mate, kudos to you'.

I dont get attached to things in that way, although I am very happy to be able to achieve a goal that started out over 8 years ago. 8 years of grind to get this, I think i've earned the right to do whatever I want, without being judged!

That list of fine guitars you see bellow, didn't appear all by itself. I could have stopped on any of them but then so would the list. A guy on minimum wage, with a house and bills etc, plus a dying car could not afford to do that, without some real skill and again dedication. So cut me some slack, I'm having the best time of my life doing this and life is generally hard enough already.

This is my joy, this is my passion.

Very interesting philosophy you have. I actually find it to be a bit refreshing. You refuse to let material items have power over you and emotions, other than what you willingly give to them.

If I would have had this attitude, I would have a hell of a lot more money in the bank and most certainly, a lot more memories with friends and family.

**Patrick2** · 04-09-2015, 08:15 AM

Originally Posted by ArchtopHeaven

I drove 8 hours to buy my Gibson ES-350T
Waisted 6 on an Epiphone with a bowing neck.
I once drove 15 hours to buy two guitars consecutively that were both not up to my standards so I turned them down.

And thats probably half of it, yet people ask "Rich where do you get all these amazing guitars from"

Well now you know. Effort and a lot of it. Lot of time and money waisted too.

I have never once kept any of the guitars I bought over the last two or so years I've been on this forum and have repeatedly said, my quest is to play and own as many archtops as I can.

So its not surprising or interesting that I would do this, its actually my MO. Whats surprising to me is that because you buy an L5 people decide that 'this one will be different'

Why?

If you cant afford something yet end up being able to own it, I'd say 'Fair play mate, kudos to you'.

I dont get attached to things in that way, although I am very happy to be able to achieve a goal that started out over 8 years ago. 8 years of grind to get this, I think i've earned the right to do whatever I want, without being judged!

That list of fine guitars you see bellow, didn't appear all by itself. I could have stopped on any of them but then so would the list. A guy on minimum wage, with a house and bills etc, plus a dying car could not afford to do that, without some real skill and again dedication. So cut me some slack, I'm having the best time of my life doing this and life is hard enough already.

This is my joy, this is my passion and I share it all with you guys.

OK . . who are you and what have you done with the real ArchtopHeaven??? What a surprise it is to me to read the defensive posturing in your past couple of posts. I was quite sure you had much thicker skin than that. I'm left to believe that you're still a bit cranky from the loss of sleep you referenced. I don't see anyone here judging you. I do see some here questioning your motivation to do what you did on this particular acquisition. That's what we do here . . innit?? We're all *mates* of sorts . . and we sometimes just think aloud among each other.

Heck man . . you've got a real long way to go to catch up with 2b on his past couple of years sampling guitars. I don't think anyone here is judging you or berating you for getting the L5CES with the intention of sampling it then eventually selling it, (which by the way is far different from flipping it, as 2b has all too often been unfairly accused of doing). The difference is, that 2b was always very clear about his MO. By contrast, we are just now learning about and understand yours. Now . . . go get some sleep .. you groutch!! ;-)

**plasticpigeon** · 04-09-2015, 08:28 AM

Good on you Archtop.

**barrymclark** · 04-09-2015, 09:03 AM

Originally Posted by ArchtopHeaven

Attachment 19289 Attachment 19290

Oh MY is that a sight. Just beautiful.

**Patrick2** · 04-09-2015, 09:14 AM

Originally Posted by plasticpigeon

Good on you Archtop.

Agreed! I see nothing at all wrong with what ATH chooses to do. Heck man, even if he was outright flipping guitars, which I don't believe he is . . . . who cares? That's not an indecent act. It's business. Since when is doing business a bad thing?

If I had the ability to divorce love and emotions from guitar buying and selling, I'd be doing exactly what 2b and ATH are doing, or have done. My problem is I fall in love with the guitars I buy all to easily. With some, the love eventually wanes and I do let them go. But, with many . . I just don't. But, I'm starting to come around. I've comminted to selling off quite a few of those in my small collection of 20+ guitars.

**bananafist** · 04-09-2015, 11:28 AM

Re the driving, I'm probably not as enthusiastic as some of you guys, though back in the 60s it was still enjoyable to drive about the UK, and I did, for a living, for 14 years. Now, though.......

Jab - liked your comment re Bangkok. My nephew lives in that city and when he visits is mother here in the UK, he refuses to drive her car anywhere here! What you're used to, I guess. Funny enough he's driven in Caracas, Mexico City and Mumbai too - perhaps the UK isn't 'interesting' enough!

I have to admit to cooling affections on the guitar front, and this has seen a few 'keepers' moved on over the years.
Currently got one or two I could live without, but as someone commented, single pickup guitars seem not so desirable unless the have the Wes or Johnny Smith Gibson names attached. C'est la vie.

**Archie** · 04-09-2015, 12:42 PM

In fairness some guitars I have flipped but they are usually ones that I have had before and bought them again because I knew how good they were and I wanted others to share what I felt.

There's also other sides to it. If you see a guitar that you know is undervalued, well, you'd be a fool not to buy it and make a little money. The only difference is and this is where I think I add value to what could be regarded, as the cold business end, is that I am extremely fussy. If I'm flipping a guitar, then its already gone through quite a process of elimination and thus I am passing on either the best example, or at least one that plays properly.

I'm saying this because I don't want there to be any whisperings or hidden intentions. I buy and sell guitars, thats a fact. The reasons why and my motivation is genuine but can change depending on the situation. I don't want people holding me to a standard that I might break once in a while and then be a labelled a fraud.

I'm here for genuine reasons and I do what I do for my own reward, whether sometimes its a little profit or because of my over all mission, which got me started in the first place and is still on going. They can go hand in hand but it has to be done ethically, either way.

**wintermoon** · 04-09-2015, 01:02 PM

nothing wrong w/flipping guitars and maybe make a little money doing so.
it can help you move up to something you otherwise might not be able to afford if you don't have a lot of disposable income.

I just thought it odd that you'd buy a guitar and already knew you were going to sell it w/out the thought of maybe making a little money on it--or maybe you did have that in mind.

but different strokes for different folks, it's a free country. [well it is here @ least]

**nickyboy** · 04-09-2015, 01:15 PM

Originally Posted by ArchtopHeaven

In fairness some guitars I have flipped but they are usually ones that I have had before and bought them again because I knew how good they were and I wanted others to share what I felt.

There's also other sides to it. If you see a guitar that you know is undervalued, well, you'd be a fool not to buy it and make a little money. The only difference is and this is where I think I add value to what could be regarded, as the cold business end, is that I am extremely fussy. If I'm flipping a guitar, then its already gone through quite a process of elimination and thus I am passing on either the best example, or at least one that plays properly.

I'm saying this because I don't want there to be any whisperings or hidden intentions. I buy and sell guitars, thats a fact. The reasons why and my motivation is genuine but can change depending on the situation. I don't want people holding me to a standard that I might break once in a while and then be a labelled a fraud.

I'm here for genuine reasons and I do what I do for my own reward, whether sometimes its a little profit or because of my over all mission, which got me started in the first place and is still on going. They can go hand in hand but it has to be done ethically, either way.

Sounds like we should go for a pint and talk guitars��

**Archie** · 04-09-2015, 01:31 PM

Originally Posted by wintermoon

nothing wrong w/flipping guitars and maybe make a little money doing so.
it can help you move up to something you otherwise might not be able to afford if you don't have a lot of disposable income.

I just thought it odd that you'd buy a guitar and already knew you were going to sell it w/out the thought of maybe making a little money on it--or maybe you did have that in mind.

but different strokes for different folks, it's a free country. [well it is here @ least]

I undertand.

Step 1:

I bought the L5 because I knew my money wouldn't be at risk. I also know that I bought it below market value.

Step 2:

I bought it because it an L5CES and I've never owned one. I get to play it, I get to take pics of it, I get to record it, I get to enjoy looking at it, i get to enjoy owning it full stop.

In the end it works for both hands but I cant afford to have so much money tied up in one guitar. Otherwise my journey/mission would become a lot less productive. That is the bit I enjoy the most, the journey, the experiences, the people, the knowledge, the artistry. This is my main driver.

One day I will get a Monteleone, a real D'angelico, an old 60's Johnny Smith, A guitar once owned by a famous jazz musician (come on George pop your clogs ;-). One day i will make my own and all this knowledge should hopefully creat a very fine guitar.

The L5 is an important and paramount step in that journey.

**plasticpigeon** · 04-09-2015, 02:08 PM

There is one flip side to the saga for me, and that is that I have been on the lookout for an L-5. I have now spent some money getting my car repaired, replastering my front room, and repairing my bay window roof, so the search stopped a few weeks back. Having said that, if i was quick enough I may have bought this L-5 myself as the price was very good. Still i'm sure my missus wouldn't have approved, and the bathroom needs fixing up so maybe in a year or so i will start the hunt again. Maybe without archtop for competition!!!! still, more power to your elbow as they say!!

**Archie** · 04-09-2015, 02:12 PM

Originally Posted by nickyboy

Sounds like we should go for a pint and talk guitars��

Anytime

**AlsoRan** · 04-09-2015, 03:34 PM

Originally Posted by plasticpigeon

There is one flip side to the saga for me, and that is that I have been on the lookout for an L-5. I have now spent some money getting my car repaired, replastering my front room, and repairing my bay window roof, so the search stopped a few weeks back. Having said that, if i was quick enough I may have bought this L-5 myself as the price was very good. Still i'm sure my missus wouldn't have approved, and the bathroom needs fixing up so maybe in a year or so i will start the hunt again. Maybe without archtop for competition!!!! still, more power to your elbow as they say!!

Look at it this way. In a year, Ol' Arch might be ready to sell this beauty - and you could be the happy recipient.

**2bornot2bop** · 04-09-2015, 03:54 PM

2b is a proud flipper and makes no secret about it. If it weren't for flipping and profiting from same no way would I have owned the guitars I've owned. Anyone can do it. Guitars with profit to be had are out there everywhere. Buy and sell enough and buying that new L5 becomes, well, affordable. Duh.

**silverfoxx** · 04-09-2015, 03:56 PM

Nickyboy.
thank goodness, you sound like a man who takes after me and my wallet
you have your priorities spot on. Another car, any time .....but a L5 anda Le Grande , your are talking my kind of language, I too wouldn't dream
of disposing of such valuable treasures.

**silverfoxx** · 04-09-2015, 04:05 PM

+1 to That 2b, I'm in the dolphinarium with you on that I've flipped all over
the place for years & at last have my herd corralled.

**2bornot2bop** · 04-09-2015, 04:21 PM

Originally Posted by silverfoxx

+1 to That 2b, I'm in the dolphinarium with you on that I've flipped all over
the place for years & at last have my herd corralled.

Me too. I recently sold an L5CES Hutchins in natural to a friend for what I paid for it... Even flippers pay it forward. No apologies here.

**silverfoxx** · 04-09-2015, 04:47 PM

Thanks for the reply with the pics 2b, both instruments are exquisite ,and I must say
for the price you sold your L5CES Hutchins for , here in the UK someone would have
torn off your arm for it ! that equates to £3900 approx , and a steal
My own L5CES is a natural finish (2013/4) Crimson Custom and a beaut.but cost
considerable more here.

btw I have not heard back from Bill Gagnon as yet, will mail him again.

Cheers my friend,