Gibson L-5 (1934 historic)

[travisty]

Jabber,

Some of the Japan stuff ends up on fleapay that way, but often it is the actual store. If they sell through their own store they don't have to pay fleapay and Paypal fees, nor the forex fees that Paypal adds on top. They also don't have to offer free shipping (like the ad does). Or take the forex risk of posting something and then having the forex move suddenly.

To be sure to get $3750 equivalent (in yen) net out of a fleapay sale, they'd probably have to post at $5250.

As you say, it is better to get it direct.

[rpguitar]

Seems I recall RP selling his for $3800.

Close enough; I got $4K even for it on Ebay. There was another at the same time that went for the same price I think, just a few days before. Yes, the finish on this one pictured here is unique - and very attractive. It looks like it has a warm, loose sound - hopefully that proves to be true.

[floatingpickup]

I think those reissues look great and seem like a bargain, compared to the originals.
There is a Lloyd Loar signed L5, allegedly owned by Barney Kessell on eBay right now.
Gibson Guitar 1924 L5 Signed Lloyd Loar Owned by Barney Kessel | eBay
Keith

[Phil in London]

That's a very interesting guitar. Although - if one sells something for 60k, it might be preferrable to focus on the guitar in the description, rather than on the fact that BK played 'Mr. Spock's theme on bass, which first appeared in the Star Trek episode "Amok Time."

[floatingpickup]

That's a very interesting guitar. Although - if one sells something for 60k, it might be preferrable to focus on the guitar in the description, rather than on the fact that BK played 'Mr. Spock's theme on bass, which first appeared in the Star Trek episode "Amok Time."

Yeah, a lot of irrelevant information. It sure is a cool guitar though.
Keith

[Greentone]

I agree with Roger--the L-5RI should be played acoustically and mic'd when necessary. It has a whole different vibe than an electric guitar, even if you add a floater. I have added a Rhythm Chief to 30's L-5s before (two buddies own them), and they sound great. However, the guitars sound GREAT on their own and just beg to be played "as is."

The _only_ exception to this rule I have ever been persuaded by was one of my first mentor's guitars. He had a '38 L-5 that he had Gibson add a Walt Fuller ("Charlie Christian") pickup to. _This_ guitar may be my favorite acoustic/electric guitar of all time. The guitar still had a pretty authoritative acoustic voice. (It was one of those thicker topped L-5 guitars.) The electric sound, admittedly as I recall it through the fog of 40 years of memory now, was superlative--none better.

One last comment: invariably, floating pickups get in the way of _acoustic_ playing, i.e., the kind of strumming that you are apt to use on an acoustic archtop guitar. OTOH, a Fuller pickup is really "set in." It is virtually flush with the top of the guitar. You can bang away and not get pick noises off of the pickup body or cover. The ES-150 and customized Gibsons with "CC" pickups that I have played are great electric instruments, but are also delightful acoustic instruments.

Oh, one more last comment: don't cut your guitar to add a pickup!

[kkfan]

I think those reissues look great and seem like a bargain, compared to the originals.
There is a Lloyd Loar signed L5, allegedly owned by Barney Kessell on eBay right now.
Gibson Guitar 1924 L5 Signed Lloyd Loar Owned by Barney Kessel | eBay
Keith

There's another Loar-signed L5 at Gruhn's for the same price.

AR4308 Gibson L-5 1924

[Greentone]

Differences:
(1) Keene guitar--replacement bridge, tailpiece, and tuners; Kessel-owned.
(2) Gruhn guitar--all original.

Same price.

20 years from now? I suspect the original will be more valuable. Kessel is my hero...But look how fast celebrity is receding into the mists of time. Mike Bloomfield DICTATED guitar tastes. Now, he is just about lost to music audiences.

I'd make a crossroads deal for B'Ks ES350. How long will it be remembered?

[nopedals]

Just in case anyone is getting confused here, a Loar signature hugely affects the price. I am thinking maybe quadruple dollars or more. Try pricing Loar signed mandolins. My brother-in-law has one. In a vault.

[Greentone]

nopedals,

Absolutely! Both guitars being offered for sale are Loar signature guitars. One is a celebrity-owned guitar, although not the guitar that he was most closely associated with. It is, however, a working tool of his--he swapped out the tuning gears, the tailpiece, and the bridge. The other guitar appears to be all original.

I still think that the all original, Loar signature L-5 will appreciate faster over the long run. The items switched out on the Kessel/Loar don't kill its value--it is, after all, a Loar. However, I think a collector will be likely to purchase the Gruhn guitar as an investment piece for the same price.

A player with money--e.g., John Mayer or somebody like that--might go for the Kessel guitar. It has more soul, history, etc. And, don't kid yourself--all the rock guys pick up a great, vintage D'Angelico or Gibson L-5/Super-400 when they start eating steak instead of Ramen noodles.

[Phil in London]

have u guys seen this one? Some parts replaced, some surgery, no L-signature (so it seems), but quite nice nevertheless...

http://www.archtop.com/ac_35L5_1214.html

[bananafist]

I hate to hear about instruments being stored in vaults, IMO they're meant to be played, enjoyed and to give pleasure to the listener, but then, that's just me.
I saw that L5 on Archtop.com too, nice. It'd suit me, sir!

[steves3972]

looks like I will be receiving this guitar very soon. I am making the last payment today(finally).

Will post a new NGD thread when it arrives.

[steves3972]

Deeply jealous! What a beautiful guitar. Yes, leave it as it has lived these last 81 years. Buy a copy of Masters Of The Plectrum Guitar (Mel Bay) and get to work

thanks for the suggestion, Rob. Had it in the back of my mind ever since and just got around to ordering it.