2001 Gibson L-5 CT George Gobel style reissue

**bluejaybill** · 12-01-2023, 01:02 AM

Congratulations on the new CT! I'm sure that the sound is every bit as wonderful as you are describing and that it is a lifetime type guitar!

I was the custodian of an original '59 L5CT that came to me from a family member. As far as the advantages of marketing the comedian's name- they only sold 40 or so of them! No big advantage there and, like an Edsel, the rarity resulted in a very valuable guitar for collectors.

The one I had was rather uninteresting sounding. I never measured the scale length but it was definitely short, I wondered if it might even be less than standard Gibson 175 length at the time. But it didn't speak to me and I moved it on long ago in a trade for a guitar that fit my needs better.

I didn't know that much about arch tops then, and it's possible I could have gotten a bit more out of it had I known what I know now. But I wouldn't be surprised if yours sounds considerably better than that original! Play it in good health!

PS I will say that the one I had was beautiful, in great shape, with a beautiful wine red finish and highly flamed back. A real looker!

**JazzNote** · 12-01-2023, 06:10 AM

Originally Posted by QAman

I wanted to share this recent acquisition with all those L5 CT enthusiasts. This guitar is a recreation of the L5 CT used by comedian George Gobel. It was commissioned by World renowned vintage guitar expert/ collector Tom Van Hoose. It was completed in 2001 and contains both the orange label and the Gibson custom shop label containing James Hutchins signature.

The Guitar is near mint condition - and posses an enormous acoustic voice with extraordinary volume. Its very light weight and the Arch of the top and back exhibit expert carving , and a gentle recurve - producing a tap tune of perfection.

I acquired this guitar from forum member Len R.

During a recent visit to Len’s home to play the the 30th Anniversary Campellone - he shared with me part of his collection - which is extraordinary, but I won’t disclose the particulars for privacy reasons. This L5CT was not for sale, but Len could see I was real excited about it - and a few days later he offered it to me.

Len is a fantastic player of Chet style music - and deeply steeped in that genre - as well as Jazz. In fact- it was Len’s video of Richard Smith playing “ The Entertainer “ - that captured 5 million views. Len is a fascinating individual with hobbies in traditional wood working and photography, and his guitar collection contains pristine examples - all meticulously maintained in a temperature and humidity controlled room.

Len is beginning the downsize process, so if you see him post anything - rest assured in knowing it’s a fine example, being sold by an individual with the upmost integrity.

I’m so glad we met - this guitar purchase was just the beginning of friendship with a real talented individual - who shares my passion for woodworking, traditional furnishings / architecture ……and guitars.

Thanks again Len - the guitar is awesome !

Steve, i'm happy for you and wish you countless happy hours with this gorgeous looking guitar!

**QAman** · 12-01-2023, 07:24 AM

Originally Posted by bluejaybill

Congratulations on the new CT! I'm sure that the sound is every bit as wonderful as you are describing and that it is a lifetime type guitar!

I was the custodian of an original '59 L5CT that came to me from a family member. As far as the advantages of marketing the comedian's name- they only sold 40 or so of them! No big advantage there and, like an Edsel, the rarity resulted in a very valuable guitar for collectors.

The one I had was rather uninteresting sounding. I never measured the scale length but it was definitely short, I wondered if it might even be less than standard Gibson 175 length at the time. But it didn't speak to me and I moved it on long ago in a trade for a guitar that fit my needs better.

I didn't know that much about arch tops then, and it's possible I could have gotten a bit more out of it had I known what I know now. But I wouldn't be surprised if yours sounds considerably better than that original! Play it in good health!

PS I will say that the one I had was beautiful, in great shape, with a beautiful wine red finish and highly flamed back. A real looker!

BluejayBill,
Thanks for sharing your experience with an original 59’. Over the many years of collecting Archtop guitars, I find that vintage instruments are not necessarily the best sounding guitars, or the perfect fit for everyone.

There are certain time periods within Gibson’s history where benchmark acoustic Archtop’s instruments were created - mainly pre war. For this particular model - I believe only 43 originals were made, so it’s not a guitar that made its way into the hands of many players. Yet- it seems to be a very desirable guitar among collectors.

Fast forward to Gibson’s Custom Art and Historic period (90’s- early 2000’s ) where the company had a renewed focus on creating memorable instruments / experiences from the past. The man tasked with this spearheading endeavor was James Hutchins. “Hutch”, as he was referred to, was given the green light by Henry J to recreate Gibson’s golden period - and that he did.

George Gruhn considers the Custom Art and Historic period to be one of Gibson’s best periods - and some very fine guitars were produced…….this L5CT being one of them.

I’m not a fan of red guitars, nor do I watch comedy shows (maybe I should)- but I know a good Archtop guitar. When Len handed me this guitar to play - my senses exploded with delight - and I told him if he ever wants to sell it let me know.

Thanks again Len ( and “Hutch”) - this guitar is really extraordinary.

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**QAman** · 12-01-2023, 07:36 AM

Originally Posted by JazzNote

Steve, i'm happy for you and wish you countless happy hours with this gorgeous looking guitar!

Beat,
Thanks for the well wishes. I know your criteria for fine Archtops and you would absolutely love this one. The build quality, setup, neck shape, laser straight fretboard, and expert carving - culminate into an instrument of excellence at the highest level.

As they say - “When Gibson gets it right ….it’s hard to beat “. This is an instrument by which that phrase is meant to represent.

Hope all is well with you and the family.

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**vinnyv1k** · 12-01-2023, 11:44 AM

Gosh Steve - I don’t know how I missed this NGD. What a beaut !!!
I always wanted a CT. Funny thing about Gibson. Less costs more.
A L5CT costs more then a CES and also a Byrdland cost more as does a S400T over a S400CES.
Regardless you got a real winner rarer then hen’s teeth. CONGRATS!

**QAman** · 12-01-2023, 12:11 PM

Thanks Vinny ! We have quite the collection among our group. Too bad we live so far away. This guitar would check all your boxes for fit, finish, playability and tone. I feel blessed that Len passed it along to me - and one day I'll return the kindness to him.

Len is a great guy with a collection of pristine examples. Some of these will be coming to market.

You can all rest assured in knowing when he posts something, no worries at all.

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**Max405** · 12-02-2023, 07:52 PM

Yeah, where the heck did this come from, I missed it too!
And you know if your boys knew it was here we’d be routing for ya bud.
I really love this guitar. The rarity of these guitars make me think it was such a mistake for Gibson to keep these a secret. Truely, elite guitars. They ignite playing dynamics that you didn’t even know you had in you!
QA, you really did good on this one. I can’t to hear you play it. You are just a collector of fine guitars. You can also play the heck out of them, I know!
I also know, the Hutch thing is seen by some as smoke and mirrors, but my 2 Hutch L5’s are extremely well built guitars that I feel are cut above.
Enjoy QA!

**QAman** · 12-02-2023, 08:03 PM

Originally Posted by Max405

Yeah, where the heck did this come from, I missed it too!
And you know if your boys knew it was here we’d be routing for ya bud.
I really love this guitar. The rarity of these guitars make me think it was such a mistake for Gibson to keep these a secret. Truely, elite guitars. They ignite playing dynamics that you didn’t even know you had in you!
QA, you really did good on this one. I can’t to hear you play it. You are just a collector of fine guitars. You can also play the heck out of them, I know!
I also know, the Hutch thing is seen by some as smoke and mirrors, but my 2 Hutch L5’s are extremely well built guitars that I feel are cut above.
Enjoy QA!

Thanks Joe - I appreciate the kind words too. You would love this guitar. The comfort, tone and playability is extraordinary.

As for the Hutch thing, it’s a period known for excellent instruments. This is not to say other custom periods are inferior by no means.

When Gibson gets it right - it’s hard to beat, and this guitar meets that definition.

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