Differences between an L-5 and a Super V

[Dutchbopper]

Could you guys please share your experiences with the differences between an L5CES/Wesmo and a Super V CES? Possibly opinions about:

• sound
• looks
• neck playability
• resale value/desirability
• prices

Thanks,

DB

[jads57]

The one I've played was a Blonde version with a floater. So not sure since it would be a different construction.
Basically it was an L-5C body with a Super 400 neck. Quite thin neck shape as I remember.

[Stringswinger]

I own a 1996 L-5 Wesmo and a 2003 L-5 CES . Years ago I had a bandmate who had a 1978 Super V. My impression is that the Super V and the L-5 CES are pretty close in sound and feel. The longer headstock and Fingers tailpiece of the Super V might make some differences, but IIRC, they are close. The Wesmo is a slightly different different voice, being more "acoustic" due to one less PUP and one less brace.

Value wise, the Super V is an oddball (like the L-4CES) and therefore I believe that it will always be worth less than the other two.

Looks are a matter of taste. I prefer the L-5 headstock and tailpiece myself, but I do like the split block inlays of the Super V and given the opportunity, I would have no problem owning one. Most Super V's that I have seen have the volute and that is a feature that is a turnoff to me. YMMV

[Marty Grass]

I don't know why some are affected by the volute and some aren't. The first few times I played a Gibson with a volute I noticed it was there for a minute and forgot about it. For many others it felt in the way or just out of place or its association with Norlin bugged them.

The Super V looks cool. That's about it. The finger tailpiece makes little practical difference.

[lawson-stone]

I like that big old headstock on the Super V. My Aria Pro II PE180 is a Super V knock-off and I really enjoy playing it. It's a laminate, so really I can't compare the sound. Kind of like an L5ces with a bit of Tal Farlow thunk.

[setemupjoe]

I have a 1980 Super V. I bought it practically new in 1981. I agree with stringswinger that the similarities with the L-5 outnumber the differences. The concept of the guitar was to have a Super 400 neck attached to an L-5 body. It was one of the earliest models to sport the finger tailpiece and many of the earlier models including mine have the tailpiece on backward with the long finger on the bass side.
It was made with two pickups and also a model with one floating pickup. My old guitar teacher had the floating pickup model which needless to say was much louder acoustically.
Yes, they have the volute. Personally, it makes difference to me if a guitar has one or not. I also own a Heritage Super Eagle. I often swap between the two and the volute makes no difference in the way I play the instrument.
They are pretty rare to see in the wild. Years ago (1992) I hung out with Peter Mazza and we both geeked out over the fact that we both had Super V's. His is a two pickup blonde.
I can't speak with any authority on pricing but I have seen prices around the L-5 or slightly less range.

[AlsoRan]

DB,

Here is an old thread, in case you were not aware, that had a few more thoughts on this topic. I kind of pity you, after reading about your experience at that remarkable guitar collector's home. You have been to the mountaintop, and its hard to not want to stay there, lol. Regardless, I hope this helps with your question.

Sound difference between Gibson Super 400 and L5CES?

[Dutchbopper]

Here is an old thread, in case you were not aware, that had a few more thoughts on this topic. I kind of pity you, after reading about your experience at that remarkable guitar collector's home. You have been to the mountaintop, and its hard to not want to stay there, lol. Regardless, I hope this helps with your question.

Thanks for the link. Not sure yet if I will go the L5/Super V route. I have demoed an L5 and a Johnny Smith earlier and was not convinced at the time. Later I did an A/B test with a Wesmo and my Tal and there was no “better” only “different” to my ears then. So I will have to go back and try them both out alongside my Tal. Point is, I already have the Thunk thing so well covered with several guitars that maybe it’s time to own one carved top. The money involved is a real downside to me. I will probably end up playing a few 50 bucks gigs with a really expensive guitar and nobody will hear the difference anyway.

DB


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[Stringswinger]

Thanks for the link. Not sure yet if I will go the L5/Super V route. I have demoed an L5 and a Johnny Smith earlier and was not convinced at the time. Later I did an A/B test with a Wesmo and my Tal and there was no “better” only “different” to my ears then. So I will have to go back and try them both out alongside my Tal. Point is, I already have the Thunk thing so well covered with several guitars that maybe it’s time to own one carved top. The money involved is a real downside to me. I will probably end up playing a few 50 bucks gigs with a really expensive guitar and nobody will hear the difference anyway.

DB


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DB,

Pre-pandemic, I played many $300 plus gigs where I used my L-5's. In addition to being sonically inspiring, I think their bling was complementary to the well tailored suits/tuxedos that I wore on those gigs. IMO, guitars of this caliber do have a place in ones "arsenal ".

[Dutchbopper]

DB,

Pre-pandemic, I played many $300 plus gigs where I used my L-5's. In addition to being sonically inspiring, I think their bling was complementary to the well tailored suits/tuxedos that I wore on those gigs. IMO, guitars of this caliber do have a place in ones "arsenal ".

Sure. But I may have to sell a guitar that I really dig! I find that difficult somehow.

DB

[Donplaysguitar]

Looking good counts, it's show biz after all.


Why not go more acoustic and try a LeGrand? Has a more acoustic voice, floater, split-block abalone inlays, same insignia as the Super 400 headstock but with the "normal" L5 size.

[Hammertone]

.. Why not go more acoustic and try a LeGrand? Has a more acoustic voice, floater, split-block abalone inlays, same insignia as the Super 400 headstock but with the "normal" L5 size.

Like the Johnny Smith guitar body on which it is based, the LeGrand body is shorter and shallower than the L-5 body. It is a different guitar.

[wintermoon]

"I will probably end up playing a few 50 bucks gigs with a really expensive guitar and nobody will hear the difference anyway. "

maybe not, but hopefully you will.....
I bring nice guitars to gigs because they possess the sound that I like. If someone there likes it, that's a bonus.

[vinnyv1k]

Dick I also had a 1980 Super V. I traded in my 1979 Johnny Smith for it. I found the Super V far superior both with neck profile and sound. The JS had a very flat fretboard.
I find the big headstock sexy. Split block inlays are my favorite also.

The volute is a complete non issue except for greater headstock strength and stability.
The only time you ever feel it is a 1st fret F chord.

[AlsoRan]

Senior moment alert!

I just realized that we are discussing a Gibson Super V, not a Gibson Super 400. I have never heard of this "animal."

Google, here I come...

[AlsoRan]

OK. I learned something new today. What a unique and rare guitar. I could see how that could make one want it even more!


http://guitarsnjazz.com/product/gibsonl4cesn/

[Donplaysguitar]

Like the Johnny Smith guitar body on which it is based, the LeGrand body is shorter and shallower than the L-5 body. It is a different guitar.

I sensed an opening in post #8, lol.