The Venerable Gibson L-5

**Andy Bartosh** · 07-19-2021, 12:42 PM

**Tal_175** · 07-19-2021, 01:11 PM

I think your playing is more joyful when you play the older one in the video. I guess that's because it's a more lively, resonant and lighter guitar. The new one sounds a bit darker and more electric to me. Both sound good but I can see how the first one can be more fun to play.

**Andy Bartosh** · 07-19-2021, 01:45 PM

Originally Posted by Tal_175

I think your playing is more joyful when you play the older one in the video. I guess that's because it's a more lively, resonant and lighter guitar. The new one sounds a bit darker and more electric to me. Both sound good but I can see how the first one can be more fun to play.

Yes, absolutely. Every word you say, is right. And I like the new one, but I´m in love with the blonde.

**citizenk74** · 07-19-2021, 07:09 PM

What a great video! A truly nice exploration of the brighter side of the L-5CES experience. Scotty Moore would be proud. And kudos on the use of the un-wound G string. I string my ES-175 that way - I like the wiggle room. Excellent playing, and your genuine enthusiasm for these wonderful instruments shines through. Congratulations, and play them in good health!

PS: I think the principal difference between the two - construction details aside - is about 300 hours of play time.
I'm confident you will get right on it!

**Andy Bartosh** · 07-20-2021, 01:41 AM

Originally Posted by citizenk74

What a great video! A truly nice exploration of the brighter side of the L-5DES experience. Scotty Moore would be proud. And kudos on the use of the un-wound G string. I string my ES-175 that way - I like the wiggle room. Excellent playing, and your genuine enthusiasm for these wonderful instruments. Shines through. Congratulations, and play them in good health!

PS: I think the principal difference between the two - construction details aside - is about 300 hours of play time.
I'm confident you will get right on it!

Very kind, thank you!

**Tal_175** · 07-22-2021, 06:56 AM

Do you know what is the difference between Thomastik George Benson rounds (stings featured in the video) and Thomastik Bebop strings (which are also round)?

I'm also asking because you said you swap the wound G in the 12 gauge set with a plain g. Thomastik bebop 12 set already comes with plain G. So I'm assuming you really like the George Benson strings as opposed to the Bebop strings. What's the difference in your opinion?

**Amberville** · 07-22-2021, 07:53 AM

Enjoyed that!

You have reminded me that I have a set of Thomastik jazz strings hidden away somewhere. I will them fit them to my L5 when I do a set up.

I remember buying strings from them in the past, and I experienced some kind of minor problem. I emailed them for advice and they sent me a free set from Germany. Excellent customer service.

**Andy Bartosh** · 07-22-2021, 02:17 PM

Originally Posted by Tal_175

Do you know what is the difference between Thomastik George Benson rounds (stings featured in the video) and Thomastik Bebop strings (which are also round)?

I'm also asking because you said you swap the wound G in the 12 gauge set with a plain g. Thomastik bebop 12 set already comes with plain G. So I'm assuming you really like the George Benson strings as opposed to the Bebop strings. What's the difference in your opinion?

I must confess, i have no idea. I´m used to the Bensons and never tried the Bebop. Hope I don´t forget- i will ask Heinz Kovacs tomorrow. He is an old buddy of mine and the head string developer at the company.

**Tal_175** · 07-22-2021, 02:22 PM

Originally Posted by Andy Bartosh

I must confess, i have no idea. I´m used to the Bensons and never tried the Bebop. Hope I don´t forget- i will ask Heinz Kovacs tomorrow. He is an old buddy of mine and the head string developer at the company.

Thanks. I usually get their Bebop or Swing strings, GB strings seems to be significantly more expensive.

**pawlowski6132** · 08-03-2025, 07:47 PM

Originally Posted by Max405

I'm glad you got to play an L5. That's great. I hope (and I'm sure) you loved it. Its a gorgeous guitar.

But...

You were there trying out an amp and they put a consignee's L5 in your hands to demo the amp?

This is why I'll NEVER give my guitar to a shop for consignment. Never.

Joe D

What an ignorant thing to say.

**hidesert** · 08-03-2025, 08:41 PM

Thanks for resurrecting this thread. Fascinating and informative!

I am incredibly happy with my ‘36 L12
an early Advanced 17” X-braced model.
but I sure wish I could play a ‘27 or ‘28 L5.

If anyone hears about one for sale, please let me know!

**FourOnSix** · 08-03-2025, 09:05 PM

Originally Posted by pawlowski6132

What an ignorant thing to say.

What an offensive thing to say.

What am I missing here? Personal preference. Where is the ignorance?

**Cunamara** · 08-03-2025, 10:30 PM

Originally Posted by pawlowski6132

What an ignorant thing to say.

Hardly. I get Joe's point: you've consigned a guitar worth $5000 or more to a store and they're handing it to people who are not interested in buying it but are there to check out some other piece of equipment? I wouldn't care for that, myself. What happens if they scratch it or damage it? I see people picking up guitars and playing them wearing shirts or jean jackets with metal buttons, zipper hoodies, etc., all the damn time in music stores. Joe is someone who takes meticulous care of his instruments and wouldn't want them handled that way, and I don't blame him. When he sells one, it's invariably in nicer shape than it was when he got it. Some idiot in a music store can knock a grand off the value of an instrument in about 30 seconds.