Opinions on L5 styled guitars (under $1000)

ALongRowToHoe · #1 09-13-2014, 05:52 PM

Hey folks,
I am looking at a couple different L5 styled guitars for sale (Washburn J6 and Epiphone Broadway) I don't have access to either of these locally, at least haven't found one, but would like to hear opinions. I have an Eastman AR372 which I love for that ES175 feel. In my dreams I would hope to have an actual L5CES but until the kids have completed college and the money saved that will not be happening.

If you have experience with either of these guitars or a sub - $1000 guitar that I might also consider please share.
Muchas Gracias!

Steve DeRosa · #2 09-13-2014, 06:20 PM

There was a bargain-jazzbox showdown in Guitar Player magazine a number of years ago (exactly how many years escapes me at the moment); I do recall that both models scored very highly, so it's a matter of which appeals to you on the gut level. FWIW I've never played either, but I have played a fair number of Emperor Regents, the "Johnny Smith" (all-acoustic with suspended pickup) to the Broadway's "L-5CES"; IME it'd be hard to go wrong with the Epi, not to mention the fact that it'll be far easier to find one either locally (even if it has to be ordered) or on the net. FYI the J6 has been replaced by the J7, identical in price ($899 street) and specs to the Broadway except for the J7's factory Bigsby - whether that's an asset or a liability is up to you...

ALongRowToHoe · #3 09-14-2014, 02:17 AM

Steve,
Thanks for the info. I will see if I can find the article. I have listened to a couple different demos on youtube, but would be more comfortable if I could try them out first. With that said, I have purchased a couple guitars without having held them before, which was a gamble, but I lucked out and they are two of my favorites now.
Tom

louparte · #4 09-14-2014, 07:58 AM

I'd take a serious look at the Guild Newark Street line, the A150B Savoy or the CE100 Capri with 2 pick-ups.
Both are around $1K and I think these things are going to be hard to find in the future.

ALongRowToHoe · #5 09-14-2014, 06:35 PM

Thanks, just took a look at the Guild website. Nice looking guitars. I will see if I can track one down to give it a try.

JohnW63 · #6 09-16-2014, 10:10 PM

The Newark St line were selling pretty low at times, on the used market. I'm trying to learn the archtop electric ropes on a Guild Newark St X-175 Manhattan. It's been a lot of fun already.

pick3r · #7 09-17-2014, 05:37 PM

I would recommend a Godin 5th Avenue Kingpin II. Maybe not 100% L5 spec if you are a purist, but worth a try!

I own one and I love it, also within your price range.

http://www.godinguitars.com/godin5th...kingpincwp.htm

mercosound · #8 09-19-2014, 10:27 AM

I owned an Eastman archtop for a couple of years - for the money, it was a great guitar; I'd recommend taking a look...

Don

kayakman · #9 09-19-2014, 10:33 AM

Just my 2 cents worth,for an all accoustic archtop,solid wood all the way,I think some of the good folks on the AGF might agree the Loar model spruce top & carved maple back might be a good choice,maybe used for under a grand?Hopefully that might satisfy you.I have had a few archtops in the past,Heritage and Epiphone Triumph,just bought a few months ago a Deluxe Campellone all accoustic..Great guitar.....Cheers..

ALongRowToHoe · #10 10-10-2014, 05:15 PM

After playing a couple different selections, I ended up picking up a Samick Greg Bennett JZ3. It has a great feel, and I was surprised by the neck dimensions, has a thinner neck than some of the other guitars I tried, but feels really good. I like the size and the tone to it. Will most likely swap the strings out for some flat wounds. Thanks for all the suggestions, it did not make the search easier, but it made it more fun.

StixDweller · #11 10-18-2014, 12:32 PM

I'm with the first person that said you can't go wrong with a new Epi. There are a lot of great archtops under $1K even in vintage. I had Epi Joe Pass, Ibanez Artcor AF125 and also an orange Gretsch from Korea. The Epi & Ibe both had changed pups, the Gretsch with original pups sounded good.

I feel the new Eastan lines of guitars (and fiddles, double basses etc) are over-hyped and WAY over priced IMO. My girlfriend's Eastman archtop uses poor-grade materials but has attractive paint job. The pickup sounds like crap and guitar not comfortable feeling when played.