Please advice about buying vintage Gibson L-5 (‘39 or ‘46)

[58dutchie]

I have plenty of both. Just different.

In what way? With acoustic archtops that is I mean (difference with flattops I know)…

[wintermoon]

In what way? With acoustic archtops that is I mean (difference with flattops I know)…

TRM answered that in post 17
but if you can play them in person decide for yourself.

[deacon Mark]

They are different because they effect top vibrations differently. Neither better it is what you like in response. My 37 Dangelico is x braced but also has 2 braces that are not long but perpendicular to the center line of the guitar. The carving pattern also as important in response and top flex. My 37 is loudest guitar I have but key is you cannot overdrive the top. The harder you play the more it responds, this is also the case of my Hollenbeck 18 inch which has 1 traversed bar across the top and an off-shoot brace into treble bout. Not crossing but glued and attached at the longer bass bar.

Some carvetops can break up in a sense if played too hard. I believe that has to do with neck block size and dovetail joint. My 38 L5 can be played hard but does not quite keep up with the 37 Da for it will go into over-play if really punched. Not a bad thing but just different some players like that. That said an X braced guitar usually rounder and warmer in tone not same blasting punch. It seems to be the more used on modern carved tops by makers. That said my X braced 49 NY is deep, throbbing and warm, I judge all acoustic archtops against this guitar. First, I love that sound, but it also provides consistent benchmark. We are all different a local player from here of note perfers my 18 inch Hollenbeck to all of them by far.

You won't go wrong just different in your choice i suspect.

[58dutchie]

I just read this thread again and it made me realise that I never thanked you all for your advice! So: thanks!

In the end I got the ‘46 L5 ánd the ‘37 Super 400!