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Post by blackeyedboy11 on Mar 29, 2005 9:08:30 GMT -5
I may be coming in to some extra dollars pretty soon. I have always wanted a good archtop. I know there are many nice ones out there but, the L-5 has always been the standard sought out nice one around here anyway. I probably will buy new and use it mostly for personal use and occasionaly recording with it. Do they always appreciate in value? How about other archers of this caliber?
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Post by jazzalta on Mar 29, 2005 12:51:16 GMT -5
If you're buying strictly for investment, they do appreciate. But there are a lot better guitars re the smaller luthier out there IMO. Campellone is the best bang for the buck and a lot cheaper than an L5. There are a lot of options if you have the dollars that an L5 costs. Look around and do your homework. For example, I just traded my ES-175 for a carved top Hofner. Blows the Gibby out of the water.
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Post by Professor1 on Mar 29, 2005 13:34:47 GMT -5
If you want an L-5 for investment, then I think you would want one from '68 or before. New ones are nice, but Gibson has a terrible problem with consistency of quality...the only thing consistent about it is that it varies radically. I've seen some embarasing things even on very expensive guitars. Apparently, Gibson no longer believes that they build seconds. They still do...they just don't mark them, or try to repair them anymore.
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Post by dkaplowitz on Apr 29, 2005 8:27:24 GMT -5
If you want an L-5 for investment, then I think you would want one from '68 or before. New ones are nice, but Gibson has a terrible problem with consistency of quality...the only thing consistent about it is that it varies radically. I've seen some embarasing things even on very expensive guitars. Apparently, Gibson no longer believes that they build seconds. They still do...they just don't mark them, or try to repair them anymore. Great post. Very true. I was looking for a 175 recently and played one from '05 that was "brand new", it sounded and felt great, but it also had huge finish cracks in the cutaway ---almost like really bad, deep checking--- obviously a manufacturing issue. How could their QC people let this pass on a brand new guitar? They're notorious anymore for stuff like this. Very sad b/c I do like some of their axes. But for >$2000. you shouldn't have to wonder if they did a good job or not. Spending that kinda' money should guarantee serious quality. You get that if you buy boutique or small luthier, why not from someone as huge as Gibson? |
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epi
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Post by epi on May 28, 2005 20:51:25 GMT -5
Hi B E B 11,
I'd try every brand and model you can get your hands on. The Best Guitar ...is the one you Love to play! Gibsons Quality is inconsistent. I personally consider the L5 to be overpriced and not likely to maintain value.
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epi
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Post by epi on May 28, 2005 21:02:53 GMT -5
epi again....I got kicked off!
Victor Baker of Philly..Builds exc. Solid wood archtops to order for less than an L5....I hate to say it but Eastman of China builds a line of archtops that start around $1,800. they seem to be highly regarded by many players.
I've been building and repairing Guitars for 25 years and I hate to see the newer Gibsons come in the door. Scale length and body width will affect how a Guitar plays for you-Comfort and playability are critical. If it appreciates in price, great....but if you spend a lot for a Guitar based on it's potential appreciation you'll likely be very disappointed. Good Luck!!
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Post by pinsk94 on Jun 24, 2005 6:24:16 GMT -5
I agree with all of the above. The pre 70 l-5's with paf's are collectable and are very much in demand. My brother just sold one for a lot of money. I personally love those guitars for what there are but if it were new, I couldn't justify the price compared to the amazing high quality instruments being produced today. From already mentioned Bakers and Eastmans to Palen's and a whole lot more, we are truly in a fruitful archtop production era. I am so impressed with the fit and finish and quality of these instruments. I bought a used Hertiage Golden Eagle and do love it as I wanted the feel and sound of the old L-5's at a resonable price and accomplished it. I do laugh somtimes as I inspect and compare its fit and finish to the makers mentioned. Not even close. I receintly tried a new L-5 and couldn't be more disapointed with everthing about it. Sound, weight, fit and finish. I wouldn't pay a tenth of what they wanted for it. It's sad as I love these things ever since I heard Wes play. Well I guess what I am trying to say is if you really want a L-5, find a vintage (not new) for sound (not quality) and investment if you can afford it, but other wise try a Heritage Golden Eagle (pretty much an L-5)(made by original gibson employees in original plant) or the amazing amount of quality instruments that are being made today. Good Luck.
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