Quality control: Gibson vs the Rest

[manolo_asdf]

On the quality question: Do you think it makes sense to order a new Gibson L5 Wes Montgomery and then be disappointed of poor quality? Or should I indeed wait for a used guitar appearing in my area and then test respectively?

Thanks.

[jazzkritter]

My experience was ordering an L5 in 1987. Two year build arrived November 1989. (Gee that seems so long ago.))). The guy who owned the music store also ordered at the same time. His...perfect. Mine, three trips back to Nashville as they way over sprayed ‘something’ on the neck body joint. Sticky, dark, who knows?
Now its true that was a long time ago. However I bring it up as you just never know with a new Gibson. Buying local you can be sure it feels right, you like the action and neck feel, etc. Or you don’t and don’t buy it.
I see you are in Germany, so I suppose used L5s aren’t laying about in stores)))
Don’t feel too bad they aren’t that common in the US either.
best of luck!

[jads57]

I just traded for a very recent Gibson 2019 ES-335. I want to say I'm so impressed that it's probably the BEST yet!
I just recently sold a 2016 Memphis Gibson 1958 Historic ES-335 which was a great guitar. I had not planned on buying another 335 at all.

Can't speak highly enough of this guitar!

[rob taft]

On the quality question: Do you think it makes sense to order a new Gibson L5 Wes Montgomery and then be disappointed of poor quality? Or should I indeed wait for a used guitar appearing in my area and then test respectively?

Thanks.

Well, it certainly doesn't make sense to order any new guitar and "then be disappointed" with the quality of said guitar. However, if you buy from a reputable authorized Gibson dealer in Germany, where you can return or reject the guitar, without a financial hit then I would perhaps consider it. However, if I was in your shoes and I absolutely needed a Gibson, I'd buy a used one where I could be satisfied it met my needs.

It's all a crap shoot. I have ordered guitars from small scale luthiers and large companies and I've been both thrilled and disappointed with the end product. For example, I ordered a Guild Benedetto Artist Award before they had even finished one. The first one was great sounding but had finish flaws that were unacceptable for the amount of money I was spending. I returned it and they provided another. It is fine and a wonderful guitar which I still own today. I actually felt the first one sounded better but I couldn't overlook the flaws.

[jads57]

First thing is even the greatest instruments have some flaws in them. If you are looking for perfection than buy a computer built guitar.

I understand your frustration, but be happy with a great playing and sou ding instrument first, deal with slight imperfections.
Once it allows you to play what you hear, be extremely happy. Even if it's just a cheaper instrument!

[manolo_asdf]

First thing is even the greatest instruments have some flaws in them. If you are looking for perfection than buy a computer built guitar.

I understand your frustration, but be happy with a great playing and sou ding instrument first, deal with slight imperfections.
Once it allows you to play what you hear, be extremely happy. Even if it's just a cheaper instrument!

I totally agree, looking for the perfect gear gives often wrong focus because people tend to constantly read / exchange and compare. And then finally forget to actually play and listen to music...

For the L5 just want to be sure to not being disappointed because that money is a budget decision for life.

[vinnyv1k]

You want a top notch zero risk perfect QC L5 Wes order a Campellone Deluxe. Way cheaper also.

[jads57]

Campellone builds great Archtops in the great Gibson Tradition !

[iim7V7IM7]

Actually...

Quality control is a factory concept where a separate department establishes policies (quality assurance), independently assesses conformity to specification (quality control) from the staff who fabricates the product (manufacturing operations). Solo luthiers work is honestly more about the former than the later. You cannot effectively test quality into a product. Just because a builders work is particularly clean, it is more reflective of “mastery” than “quality control”.

My $.02

[manolo_asdf]

ouch... 12 months delivery time for a new one. Covid seems to have added significant delivery backlogs

Maybe indeed worth to look for alternatives: Gibson L-5 Alternatives . What is important to me, it shouldn't sound "too acoustic" (Heritage ones sounds very promising).

[Jonathan0996]

Bet you won't find any of these problems with a Benedetto and I believe they're in the same price range as Gibson for their workhorse models. It's just a matter of employees who give a rat's rear end as opposed to those who are, basically, there for a paycheck with no eye for detail.

Maybe, but I suspect that Gibson is requiring their workers to crank out many more guitars per week than Benedetto. They're Gibson, after all.

Poor quality control is usually management's fault, not the line workers' fault.

[EarlBrother]

my sister works for G in Nasnville i will see if she has any insight.

[jads57]

One thing with say Mark Campellone is he over sees the entire build. From start to finish, his hand work is what you get!

[Dennis D]

One thing with say Mark Campellone is he over sees the entire build. From start to finish, his hand work is what you get!

......and his 'normal' production time is 12 weeks .....add a week for order acceptance and then shipping, and that's still as good as ' hand made ' production times get......