Peter Bernstein on Gibson L-5

[jorgemg1984]

Good call, David. Man, that's one good sounding 175...

[yebdox]

I tried to do some math:

1994 - 175

1997 - L5

1999 - Zeidler

So, maybe "Somethin's Burnin'" and "Signs of Life" were recorded with the 175? It sounds so much like a Gibson Wes Montgomery (L5)...

I think you're right, Jorge. I think I have to correct myself, clearly Peter had the Zeidler with Krall in '99 and I'm pretty sure they didn't play in my town before that. I would swear he had an L5 on that gig. When did Anthony Wilson start with Krall? He was here with her, as well. Anyway, killer tone through a rental Twin, and definitely had the Wes vibe going on that night, whenever it was. I suppose he should know when he started playing the thing

[yebdox]

David, do you know anything about that 175? Looks like an early 70's model, but can't see if it's a maple or mahogany neck. It does sound good!

[sbeishline]

Anyone know what type of pickup is in the Zeidler?

[yebdox]

Anyone know what type of pickup is in the Zeidler?

I think its a Gibson 57 classic or similar, cut down and installed as a floating pickup. I vaguely recall that it came out of a Howard Roberts, but don't quote me on that. It's apparently nothing exotic.

[Little Jay]

Saw Peter two months ago in my hometown, love his tone with the Zeidler. I made a little recording:

[mr. beaumont]

This thread inspired me to go back and listen to "Let Loose" again...man, what a great album, and in my opinion, perfect guitar tone.

[jzjazz]

Now that we know it's a 175, it sounds a bit more than a 175 to me, but still more like an L-5 :-D

[jzjazz]

[...] in my opinion, perfect guitar tone.

I couldn't disagree more! and that's the beauty of this forum!

Every time I listen to a jazz guitar album and say "wow, what a great sound", it turns out to be an L-5. This happened now with the Redman album and during the last couple months with Yotam Silverstein's "Next Page" and John Klopotowski "Project 59". Each time without knowing I was stunned by the sound, with Yotam I've contacted him even to find out and he confirmed the instrument ;-)

Before posting that I've even had another listen to "Let Loose" and "Freedom in the Groove", this time on my headphones (Sennheiser HD600) and for me there is nothing to compare - I just like the older recording much more (in terms of sound!)

[kkfan]

I tried to do some math:

1994 - 175


1997 - L5


1999 - Zeidler


So, maybe "Somethin's Burnin'" and "Signs of Life" were recorded with the 175? It sounds so much like a Gibson Wes Montgomery (L5)...

According to this math, is it safe to say that in "Brain Dance" and "Earth Tones" albums PB is playing an L5?

[jorgemg1984]

According to this math, is it safe to say that in "Brain Dance" and "Earth Tones" albums PB is playing an L5?

I guess so... not really sure!

[jzjazz]

Refreshing - I'm listening to Mel's Spell - Melvin Rhyne Trio with Peter Bernstein on guitar. Great CD, great lines Peter plays there! Recorded 1994/95. Sounds very much like and L5/Wes, any opinions on this? I guess around 1994/95 he must have had both - the 175 and the Wes...

[jzjazz]

Another discovery - Ralph Bowen - Spul Proprietor with Pete on guitar. Excellent playing and very nice sound, it’s from 2002 so probably on the Zeidler.

Here’s Pete’s solo over Inner Urge (can’t find any song in full length on yt):

[David B]

Pete's guitar since 1999 is his Zeidler ("Brown Betty"). He still has the blonde 175 ("Old Yella") at home.

Here's a 2015 shot of Old Yella courtesy of mutual friend, luthier Pablo Valle.



I had dinner with Pete and some other musician friends earlier this year. The L5 came up in conversation - he said it was a 95 or 96 Wes Montgomery model and a dog of a guitar. Tight, hard to play, needed a neck reset very early on - he doesn't miss it!

Funnily enough someone is currently selling Pete's old L5 on Reverb at the moment: https://www.gbase.com/gear/gibson-l-5-sunburst

[modenaboy]

Thanks for posting this, love the tone and playing - what great choice of notes, and it's really nice to see it written down to dig into it.

The album is available on streaming and CD, so listening to the whole album now.

I like his playing and touch so much he sounds great on all the guitars he's played, and while I always love the sound of an L-5 or Wes sound for playing in a group, this clip with the Zeidler sounds amazing to me.

Another discovery - Ralph Bowen - Spul Proprietor with Pete on guitar. Excellent playing and very nice sound, it’s from 2002 so probably on the Zeidler.

Here’s Pete’s solo over Inner Urge (can’t find any song in full length on yt):

[QAman]

John Zeidler was a very meticulous Luthier and his work is highly regarded. Peter B has tried other guitars - but the Zeidler is indeed a perfect fit.

[Cunamara]

I think its a Gibson 57 classic or similar, cut down and installed as a floating pickup. I vaguely recall that it came out of a Howard Roberts, but don't quote me on that. It's apparently nothing exotic.

Yep, somewhere in an interview Pete stated it's a Gibson Howard Roberts pickup. That is apparently a somewhat different pickup from a Classic 57- which listening to the tone people tend to get on the HR guitars that makes sense.

[Christian Miller]

Resurrecting this thread does anyone know what amp he’s using on Signs? Is it a Super Reverb? Great tone, just listening to it again today.

[frankl99]

Yeah! That solo is on fire! Thanks for sharing this. I love Bernstein's playing, and that L5 sounds SWEET!

[2bornot2bop]

So, maybe "Somethin's Burnin'" and "Signs of Life" were recorded with the 175? It sounds so much like a Gibson Wes Montgomery (L5)...

But his playing with Diana Krall compared to Anthony Wilson’s playing with Diana is like night and day. Where’s the rhythmic ideas, or continuity with the chords. He seemed like a rookie player trying to play jazz. Surely everyone must hear the difference? Observe how Diana is grooving and interacting with AW. With Pete, there’s no such interaction.

[pingu]

Where’s the rhythmic ideas, or continuity with the chords. He seemed like a rookie player trying to play jazz.

well .... everyone is entitled to their view
i guess ....

I wish I could play the rookie like that !