Submitted by musekatcher (see all reviews from this person) on 9/6/2008

Where Purchased: Athens, AL

Year Purchased:
Price Paid: Don't Remember historic exchange rates / currency converter

Sound

These are really really wonderful guitars, and are one of the best kept secrets in a flattop expecially for a small x-braced flattip. These were the successor to the popular L-00, They have a 00 size, but a little more body, less waist, and maybe a little deeper body. The sound is very commanding and is a nice voice for lead work. String bands and traditional or old-time fiddles sound great with these backing them up too. They have enough midrange and honk to be heard, but enough refinement to fit in with modern expectations. There are ladder braced variants too, notably the LG1 so you need to pay close attention to which you may encounter. You also have to be wary of the B-25 variant that came later. The care, bracing, and materials changed, and eventually they began using laminates. B-25s are good guitars too, but should probably be considered as different instruments.

Sound Rating: 9

Setup

These came with an adjustable truss rod (except the earliest models). The neck shape is the Gibson C shape with the bowtie headstock. The straight bridge on the early ones is very thin and light, as is the Red Spruce top, and scalloped braces. The bone nut and saddle are usually good quality. The saddle and bridge have been replaced twice on this one, as the bridge tends to be a weak link on these, splitting or coming unbonded. The neck has remained straight, but the neck has rotated a bit at the body, and the top is slightly bellied. There was some damage to the braces at one time that was neglected, but has been corrected, and no top of back splits. The playability is good.

Setup Rating: 7

Appearance

I love the look of these. Elvis was photographed with one, and gave his wife Priscilla one for a gift. The tobacco burst is world famous, and the shape is distinctive. This one has a lot of honest play wear, but still looks handsome. The shape is unique to these, and has never been copied.

Appearance Rating: 9

Reliability

After 60 years, it has remained stable, thanks to quality work, and good wood selection.

Reliability Rating: 8

Customer Service

Customer Service: not rated

Components

not applicable on vintage instruments

Components Rating: not rated

Overall Comments

This was Dad's only guitar for 45 years. He owned a J50, and a few others early on, but this one had the volume, playability, and comfort he wanted so the others went when this one came along. I think it was 3-4 years old when he acquired it. These are truly wonderful guitars with a unique voice from yesteryear, and he always got compliments and amazement from guitar owners.

Overall Rating: 9