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Sorry about your surgery. We all hope that you recover and can enjoy an L-5 for many years.
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07-11-2018 10:47 AM
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Best of luck with your health ....
It wasn't that long ago the wait period on a ordering a new L5 was about 1.5 years ...
Be sure to get an estimate on delivery before you order and then expect 2 or 3 months more than that
There are usually some nice used ones or new old stock out there if you are patient
The 70s L5s usually don't have the figured wood that the new ones have, but they can be very nice guitars
60s L5s are my least favorite Gibson archtops, but they tend to have high "vintage" asking prices
Anything made since 1990 is usually very nice
All IMHO of course
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Mickey, fly to California and buy one of Vinny's L-5's. It will be in new condition and even with the air fare, will cost you less than a new one.
That is your smart money move, bar none.
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He's still got to take it back with him to NC. Check it in? In that Gibson TKL case? Gatecheck it? Only if you can find a sympathetic ear. Take it onboard? Too large for the overhead cabin. Forward it back? First, he's got to pack it and if that is so, Vinny may as well pack and just freight it directly to him.
Originally Posted by Stringswinger
Unless the OP has flown with a 17" guitar before and knows the ins n outs of dealing with airlines I won't advise it. It could be a physical challenge for the OP; he is recovering from surgery.
Mickey, Soundpure and Dream Guitars are in NC. Are they within driving distance?
Campellone makes good Gibsons. I'd also consider Benedetto, Buscarino, Comins if you are looking for L5CES type archtop. It won't have that tailpiece but it will play and sound just as good or better.
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He is a member here not a dealer. Originally Posted by Mickey
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Upgrade the return flight to first class and put it in the closet. Originally Posted by Jabberwocky
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Or just buy a seat for the guitar. That might be cheaper all the way around. Originally Posted by Stringswinger
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Dream guitars in Asheville rarely has an L5 CES of any vintage. They don’t have many archtops, but you never know. They can help you get about any flat top you want though. Originally Posted by Jabberwocky
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Originally Posted by Bluedawg
Hmm, aside from the late 50s that's my favorite CES era ('60-'65 w/ wide nut) I have several L5's, Super 400's from that era and they're superb.
The 70's are all over the place as far as figured wood, I sold a '72 a few yrs ago that was flamed to beat the band.
But as the 70's went on you'll see less figured maple (which has zero effect on sound)
But ymmv....
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Hi BIG MIKE,
I would go with the consensus of opinion, and not even
consider a 2018 L5. for all of the reasons given. Unless
you can locate a good NOS L5CES, then the option suggested
by our friend Vinny1vk is a very good one. In terms of cost,
time of build, a Campellone is in every respect the equal of
Gibson, plus the opportunity to specify your precise requirements
fortunately for my wallet I live outside of the USA and I have
no need for another. There are other excellent builders , but MC
has provided a blow by blow pictorial process for Vinny's new
guitar.
I hope that your health improves very soon
my best wishes Alan
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I don’t think that I’d send $10k to “Music Force Global Networks” in South Korea. Originally Posted by Mickey
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Nice L5 in The For Sale section here right now. Good price.
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Wildwood has an acoustic L5 and a Lee Rit "L5" right now. Both stunning. Not a CES or Wes, obviously.
L-5 Premier Acoustic | Hollowbody and Archtop, Customer Appreciation Instruments | Wildwood Guitars
Lee Ritenour L-5 | Artist Series, Hollowbody and Archtop | Wildwood Guitars
Music Zoo has an L5-CT
Gibson Custom Shop L-5 CT Electric Guitar Vintage Sunburst | The Music Zoo
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2007 Gibson Wes Montgomery L5 built by Jim Hutchins
Looks great!
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Mickey,
Sorry to hear of your health problems - and I wish you a speedy recovery. The pursuit of a nice L5 could take some time . This forum is filled with knowledgeable people - and I agree with the preceding advice to avoid a new build. Unfortunately , most of the dealer NOS inventory has been depleted over the past few years.
Not sure where your located - but I might part with an “as new “ Gibson Custom Shop Sunburst Wes L5. It was hand picked by myself and sounds fantastic. It would be a no worries purchase - I only buy fine Archtops of the highest quality and have sold to several forum members who were quite pleased.
If you don’t find what you are looking for - send me a pm and we can explore some possibilities.
Good luck with your search !
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Thanks for all the input.....I just don't think I want to try another "custom made" guitar. I already have a "Jim Triggs" Byrdland that is beautiful to look at and i even ordered it with custom pickups form Lollar, but it just doesn't have that l5 sound.. I also ordered a heritage golden eagle that is also very well made, had the pickup changed out to a 57 but it still isn't quite right. If I had the talent to match my ear i could choose the cruise line i wanted to play for. That said, I have found a 1990 L-5 Ces for sale. Is 1990 a good year for Gibson? It is selling for $6500.00 which seems somewhat expensive. Can any of you guys weigh in?
....And thank you so much for all your input....you guys are great!
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$5000 USD has long been the base price for a Gibson L-5 CES or WesMo built within the past ~25 years. Below that and expect either some issues - minor or major - or a "motivated" seller.
However, the $5k entry point is not as common as it used to be, and now with limited or no production, all bets are off. That ship may have permanently sailed. I'd expect to pay up to $7k for a recent issue model in near mint condition. Of course I'd shop around and hope to get in at the lower end of the range, but all I'm saying is that $6500 is not a price I'd balk at for the right guitar.
You should really have a close look at the 2007 model sunburst L-5 Wes posted on this forum's For Sale section, linked to by Jabberwocky above. It's in CT and is priced at $5500.
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Thanks to all who are contributing....Im really looking forward to getting this instrument. I called a reputable dealer.....one mentioned several times on this thread....he says the talks to the Crimson Shop every single day and they are still manufacturing the L-5 CES. About an 8 month delivery time. He also said that despite what you hear on the internet he feels Gibson is making the L-5's with just as much maticulous detail as ever and he thinks the results are just as good as they have ever been. I realize he is a dealer, but his reputation is at stake here.
I cannot believe that he would risk it. He told me that the only guitar that would be preferable in his mind would be a 40's or 50's model. What do you guys think?
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Going new order through Garrett at TMZ. He will give you the best price. CME a good 2nd choice. Wildwood is harder to talk down the price. Just remember no returns on special orders unless the guitar is defective.
Be prepared for the $9K range for a CES.
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I think he wants a CES. Originally Posted by vinnyv1k
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For reference, I have owned 1928, 1947, 1975, 1980, 1999, 2008, and 2016 L-5 models. Originally Posted by Mickey
A 40's model L-5 is an acoustic guitar, and not "preferable" if one wants an electric instrument. The CES was introduced in 1951.
But that said, my 2016 L-5 WesMo is an awesome guitar - no compromises there at all. If the same guys are making them, then I'd have confidence in the dealer's assessment. Maybe it's just B.S. internet rumor that Gibson let the archtop craftspeople go. Hopefully they did not! Good luck if you go for it.
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I have confidence that the Gibson Custom Shop can deliver. Mickey, go for it with the caveat that the dealer covers your back and takes it back if it should fall below satisfaction. If it is the L5CES you want, the L5CES you get in the sunburst finsih that you want. I like Sunrise Tea Burst or Honey Burst. Custom, you should get the paint job that makes you happy.
I don't know what the situation with price is with Made To Measure as the Gibson Custom Shop calls it these days. Talk to your dealer. I know what the discount was before M2M. For the price that you would be paying you should not accept compromises and only get the best. Make sure your dealer understands that. Absolutely perfect.
Go for it if it brings you joy. And good luck, sir. I wish you full and complete recovery. With hope and love, fresh vegetable and fruit juices-not the bottled or canned stuff, stuff from the farmer's market that you press yourself- and long walks in good clean air all can be overcome. Yeah, I am simple-minded that way but there's nothing to lose.
If the L5 Wes Montgomery is acceptable to you I cannot imagine a better person to buy from than QAMan who is on your side of the coast.
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It's the thin nut 60s archtops that I really have not enjoyed trying out ... I guess those were late 60s, then Originally Posted by wintermoon
Although, I seem to remember a 64 Super 400 with a thin nut that also sounded crappy and was difficult to play for my big hands ... could have been the strings or just that one guitar ... or I have the date wrong
If I was to come across a wide nut from that era I would probably like it as much as you do
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1990 was in the early days of the current renaissance IMHO ... should be a good one Originally Posted by Mickey
I have an '88 L4CES that is quite nice, although it does show its age with checking and faded gold plating
The color of the guitar can also influence the price ...
$6500 for a blonde may be quite reasonable
For a sunburst that isn't too bad, but you might be able to find one for less
for black/ebony or wine red that's a little high IMHO ... that's getting really close to the "street price" for a new L5 in those colors
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Is it a 'natch, or burst? You should be able to get a 1990-ish burst for about $1k less. Originally Posted by Mickey
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