Gibson Budget Brands from 30's

[mbbreen]

Hello all,
I am seeking some advice. I am looking for a Gibson L-30 or L-50 style/type Archtop. Since money is an issue I have decided to shy away from a real Gibson.

Locally there aren’t really any of these budget brands in shops or listed that I can get a look at so I am looking for recommendations on “Gibson Budget Brand” Archtop guitar that were based on the Gibson L-30 or L-50 from the 30’s. There are so many brands that I am having trouble just filtering out what is what and as you all know it appears that specifics on many of the budget brands are hard to find. With that said I am hoping that a few of you might be able to make some suggestions on a few of these guitars I could look for.

One thing that I really want to have in the guitar is the “Chunky V” style neck that is on the 36-37 L-30’s or at least on the 2 I have had the pleasure of playing.

I know that Kalamazoo models KG-21, KG-22 are similar to the L-30 and that KG-31 and KG-32 are similar to the L-50 but I have not seen one to actually try .

Does anyone have any other recommendations that might be along the lines I am looking for?

Thanks
Mike

[J-55]

Try looking for the Gibson made Recording Kings. I own one from the 1930's and its got the same body and that lovely V neck.I love that lil guitar. The one I have is actually a l-50 without the moustache headstock. the only thing budget about it is the tailpiece. Most were made for catalogs back in them days. Also the Gibson made Cromwell guitars are very good. They have very cool neck inlays and stuff. They also have the same body shape as a l50 and l30. Keep an eye out as they are quite rare but do pop up from time to time.

[Steve DeRosa]

Originally Posted by mbbreen

...I am looking for a Gibson L-30 or L-50 style/type Archtop. Since money is an issue I have decided to shy away from a real Gibson...One thing that I really want to have in the guitar is the “Chunky V” style neck that is on the 36-37 L-30’s or at least on the 2 I have had the pleasure of playing...Does anyone have any other recommendations that might be along the lines I am looking for?...

If you can't find a decent vintage piece, try a Loar LH-600 for similar money...

[mbbreen]

J and Steve,
Thanks for the info and suggestions I'll keep looking for a vintage piece but the LH-600 is interesting and a good thought

[pepperedchicken]

I LOVE my kalamazoo.. but an adjustable truss would be nice. I paid 750 for mine il post a pic later today

Also ive had a few of the loars and just dont compare to the old stuff of course...

[mbbreen]

so far the Kalamazoo's have been the most common to find online with a few recording kings. I don't mind have to do some repair and cleanup but so far most of the ones I have been able to get really good pics of need a lot of repair. There have been a few nice ones but they went fast

[Hipster]

Paul Fox is the expert on Gibson budget brands. You can get a lot of info on his web site...
http://www.fox-guitars.com/Gibson-Made_Brands.html

He also has written a great book on the topic.

[mbbreen]

Hipster...Fox's is site is definitely a wealth of information. I have been reading back and forth through it for a few days and have it book marked.