Denmark Street, London.

[garybaldy]

On Wednesday I shall be going up to London with my son for the Oxbridge Training Day at the Institute of Economic Affairs.
Perfect opportunity for me to slope off to Denmark Street to wade through the geetars!

[Christian Miller]

On Wednesday I shall be going up to London with my son for the Oxbridge Training Day at the Institute of Economic Affairs.
Perfect opportunity for me to slope off to Denmark Street to wade through the geetars!

if you are interested in archtops go here

Google Maps

it’s not far.

[garybaldy]

if you are interested in archtops go here

Google Maps

it’s not far.

Thanks

[darkwaters]

My wife (Bless her!) suggested that we pay a visit to Denmark St. for the first time when we in London in the Spring. I’ve read that a number of shops have closed, but it was still fascinating. I saw guitars that I’d only read about and I thought that the prices were reasonable. (No, I didn’t buy anything, since I didn’t have the intestinal fortitude to carry something back to Canada and face any exorbitant duty.)

Enjoy!

[garybaldy]

My wife (Bless her!) suggested that we pay a visit to Denmark St. for the first time when we in London in the Spring. I’ve read that a number of shops have closed, but it was still fascinating. I saw guitars that I’d only read about and I thought that the prices were reasonable. (No, I didn’t buy anything, since I didn’t have the intestinal fortitude to carry something back to Canada and face any exorbitant duty.)

Enjoy!

Thank you. I have been there a few times before but it's always great to have another look around.

[darkwaters]

Thank you. I have been there a few times before but it's always great to have another look around.

Let us know if you buy anything. I’m very envious.

[bluejaybill]

if you are interested in archtops go here

Google Maps

it’s not far.

I wish I had known- I just got back from London last night!

[TAA]

A very good friend was in London recently. He visited Denmark Street. He knows I have a passion for the L-5. He just sent me the attached photo. Not an L-5 but still interesting.

A 1939 L-37. Supposedly made 1937-1941. That’s one I’m not familiar with. That price seems kind of low if it translates to US $. But then what do I know.

Tom

[wintermoon]

A very good friend was in London recently. He visited Denmark Street. He knows I have a passion for the L-5. He just sent me the attached photo. Not an L-5 but still interesting.

A 1939 L-37. Supposedly made 1937-1941. That’s one I’m not familiar with. That price seems kind of low if it translates to US $. But then what do I know.

Tom

Hi Tom
I believe this was Gibson's lowest level archtop at the time so the price should reflect that.

[Archie]

Funny you show a guitar from 'NO.TOM' guitars. The owner was round my workshop earlier today.
We had a good chat; he's a nice bloke. I'd love to interview him when my website is up. I bet he's got some fascinating stories.
We were mostly talking business.
I would have come up and said hello Gary. Sorry I missed you. I've not been on here for a Cpl days.

[garybaldy]

As it turned out I didn't have a huge amount of time to have a good look round. I went to Maks in Rathbone street first.
The 3 guitars that I was drawn to were the Vanden acoustic non cutaway L5-a-like, the Gibson Solid Formed and the '69 175. ( I have a '63 175 pat. no. pups). There was an Henriksen (Bud?) amp. I didn't try any but should have tried may be the 175 through the amp (never used an Henriksen) but I had a few more places to go it a short time.
I headed to Hank's in Denmark Street. First thing that caught my eye was a 1937 Epiphone Broadway acoustic. I had a play. It was a very nice guitar that felt good but unfortunately, as ever, had really bad light strings lots of buzzing when played harder. It had a flat top kind of sound. I think with decent strings with more tension would have turned it into a different animal. At £3999 I personally would want it set up properly before contemplating buying. Upstairs, I was interested in seeing two L6Ss of which I had one in the 70s. Also there was the minefield of Hofners! and a small very dusty Dynacord combo going for about £1200 I think.
Next was Regent. I don't recall much of particular interest there.
No Tom had a few nice things. A 400 at 20K - no point in me trying that but may be I should have! Had a good look at the L37. Nice looking L7C '62.
I suppose I was really hoping to find an 'affordable' non cut single P90 125. They had a TDC at 4.5K - frightening, and a modern (2013) LPJ at £1275!
So, with very little time I was unable to try more and no doubt missed a few gems! I hope to go back soon.

[garybaldy]

A very good friend was in London recently. He visited Denmark Street. He knows I have a passion for the L-5. He just sent me the attached photo. Not an L-5 but still interesting.

A 1939 L-37. Supposedly made 1937-1941. That’s one I’m not familiar with. That price seems kind of low if it translates to US $. But then what do I know.

Tom

I may be wrong but I think the L37 is smaller than an L5. I've tried an L30 which I didn't really like. May be it was that particular one.

[Archie]

As it turned out I didn't have a huge amount of time to have a good look round. I went to Maks in Rathbone street first.
The 3 guitars that I was drawn to were the Vanden acoustic non cutaway L5-a-like, the Gibson Solid Formed and the '69 175. ( I have a '63 175 pat. no. pups). There was an Henriksen (Bud?) amp. I didn't try any but should have tried may be the 175 through the amp (never used an Henriksen) but I had a few more places to go it a short time.
I headed to Hank's in Denmark Street. First thing that caught my eye was a 1937 Epiphone Broadway acoustic. I had a play. It was a very nice guitar that felt good but unfortunately, as ever, had really bad light strings lots of buzzing when played harder. It had a flat top kind of sound. I think with decent strings with more tension would have turned it into a different animal. At £3999 I personally would want it set up properly before contemplating buying. Upstairs, I was interested in seeing two L6Ss of which I had one in the 70s. Also there was the minefield of Hofners! and a small very dusty Dynacord combo going for about £1200 I think.
Next was Regent. I don't recall much of particular interest there.
No Tom had a few nice things. A 400 at 20K - no point in me trying that but may be I should have! Had a good look at the L37. Nice looking L7C '62.
I suppose I was really hoping to find an 'affordable' non cut single P90 125. They had a TDC at 4.5K - frightening, and a modern (2013) LPJ at £1275!
So, with very little time I was unable to try more and no doubt missed a few gems! I hope to go back soon.

Sounds like fun non the less.
The amount of tat at Hanks never ceases to amaze me lol

If and when you come down again, we can try a 'meet up' with another forum member who's now moved to London. We can all get some food and talk guitars. Or whatever.

[garybaldy]

Sounds like fun non the less.
The amount of tat at Hanks never ceases to amaze me lol

If and when you come down again, we can try a 'meet up' with another forum member who's now moved to London. We can all get some food and talk guitars. Or whatever.

Sounds a great idea Archie! I'm in S Wales. Do you know of Motomusic in Cardiff? Cheers

[SandChannel]

The price of that L-37 just about covers the tax on an L-5 nowadays.