Archtop for "contemporary fingerstyle" (Gibson L-5 content)

[rpguitar]

Super nice and it's recorded very well, too. Thanks for showing folks what an acoustic archtop can sound like. Of course a 16" L-5 is not your average specimen!

I play all sorts of expressive non-jazz music on my acoustic archtops in addition to jazz. They're great all around guitars with no caveats required.

[JoeCharter]

Thanks for listening and posting, guys. We'll see how long my L-5 stays out of its case this time...

I enjoy the different tones that I get from my archtop but I suspect the warmth of my flat tops will be calling me soon.

Originally Posted by broknprism

Did that tone come through the pickups, or mics?

I don't know what you do for a living, but if you can buy Olsons and L-5s, I want your job.

My L-5 is the 16" version with no pick-up. It is nowhere as expensive as an L-5 CES -- about half the price actually.

As for my job, it may seem tempting but I have found over the years that nobody really wants my job. I work like a dog...

Originally Posted by Dru Edwards

Mau, what a beautiful piece and melody. I loved it. It reminds me of the mountains and ocean.

Is that in an alternate tuning?

Hi Dru,

I guess just about every Chinese piece of music reminds me of the mountains and ocean -- or perhaps the trees and the wind, depending on your perspective...

My guitar is tuned in open D (DADF#AD).

Thanks for your kind words!

[The Growler]

Originally Posted by JoeCharter

As for my job, it may seem tempting but I have found over the years that nobody really wants my job. I work like a dog...



!

I had to chuckle at this. I know what you mean. I've made a career out of doing the things that no one else wants to do and fixing the things that don't work. Yes, it does mean work like a dog, but it has paid off.

Anyway, back to the music: I liked it a lot. Very nice!

[rpguitar]

Originally Posted by JoeCharter

My L-5 is the 16" version with no pick-up. It is nowhere as expensive as an L-5 CES -- about half the price actually.

Have you checked on that lately...?

[JoeCharter]

Originally Posted by The Growler

I had to chuckle at this. I know what you mean. I've made a career out of doing the things that no one else wants to do and fixing the things that don't work. Yes, it does mean work like a dog, but it has paid off.

Anyway, back to the music: I liked it a lot. Very nice!

Thanks for the kind words.

My job isn't unreasonably difficult -- but I work the kind of hours that very few people would accept to work and have been doing so for over 20 years...

Originally Posted by rpguitar

Have you checked on that lately...?

I check out a number of guitar websites regularly and have been doing so for many years. In all my years of guitar hunting, I've only seen two new L-5s for sale, one of which I eventually bought.

The L-5 1934 RI makes occasional appearances in the Gibson catalog. I am pretty sure they would custom build one if ordered through a dealer. Last I checked, the L-5 1934 RI was listed around $7K.

[jimmy bookout]

Mau,
I enjoyed that a lot. I think the guitar sounds great, the balance and sparkle work quite well.

Jimmy

[JoeCharter]

Originally Posted by jimmy bookout

Mau,
I enjoyed that a lot. I think the guitar sounds great, the balance and sparkle work quite well.

Jimmy

Thanks, Jimmy.

I may be forced to flat pick my guitar for a little while as I had a major thumb nail incident... Perhaps my next thread will be called "Archtop for campfire strumming" and feature "Every Rose Has Its Thorn"...

[jimmy bookout]

Originally Posted by JoeCharter

Thanks, Jimmy.

I may be forced to flat pick my guitar for a little while as I had a major thumb nail incident... Perhaps my next thread will be called "Archtop for campfire strumming" and feature "Every Rose Has Its Thorn"...

I DARE YOU!!!!

in fact:
I DOUBLE DOG DARE YOU!!!!!

Jimmy

Hey, let's start a thread called "Crappy rock songs for Mau to record on his L-5 until his thumbnail grows back"

I'll start:
"In the year 2525" (haven't had a Denny Zager thread in a week or so)

[JoeCharter]

Originally Posted by jimmy bookout

I DARE YOU!!!!

in fact:
I DOUBLE DOG DARE YOU!!!!!

Jimmy

Hey, let's start a thread called "Crappy rock songs for Mau to record on his L-5 until his thumbnail grows back"

I'll start:
"In the year 2525" (haven't had a Denny Zager thread in a week or so)

I had never heard of this song but was just overwhelmed by the powerful lyrics. I wish I had enough wind to pull it off but I'd probably die by 6510.

On the other hand, Bret Michaels is a lot more within my registry. I only know the lyrics to 3-4 songs -- and "Every Rose..." is one of them.

You have hit a sweet spot with your double dare. I will assess whether I am willing to ridicule myself over this.

[Steve Berger]

Originally Posted by JoeCharter

. . . I'd love to find a good use for this guitar...

Hey Mau, you have my address don't you?

[JoeCharter]

Originally Posted by Steve Berger

Hey Mau, you have my address don't you?

Well of course, Steve! Why didn't I think of this before...

Wire me $500 to cover for shipping and duty -- and wait for the guitar to arrive on your doorstep!

[Steve Berger]

Originally Posted by JoeCharter

Well of course, Steve! Why didn't I think of this before...

Wire me $500 to cover for shipping and duty -- and wait for the guitar to arrive on your doorstep!

Your generosity is only exceeded by your musical gifts my friend. 🎸

[jimmy bookout]

Originally Posted by JoeCharter

I had never heard of this song but was just overwhelmed by the powerful lyrics. I wish I had enough wind to pull it off but I'd probably die by 6510.

On the other hand, Bret Michaels is a lot more within my registry. I only know the lyrics to 3-4 songs -- and "Every Rose..." is one of them.

You have hit a sweet spot with your double dare. I will assess whether I am willing to ridicule myself over this.

Mau,
That's the problem with "2525", TOO many centuries to cover....

Well, I suggest you get to it. Don't make me drag out the "Triple Dog Dare", most don't survive it.

Jimmy

[JoeCharter]

A few photos of my L-5:

[Jabberwocky]

What an absolute beauty, Joe! I PM-ed you about it a while ago. Still interested if you're thinking about letting her go