#1
|
|||
|
|||
L5 acoustic loudness
How loud acoustically is a new Gibson L5? Inclined towards a Wes Mo model with a single pickup hoping it would be louder than the 2 pickup model. Would it be practical to play as an acoustic archtop instrument?
|
#2
|
|||
|
|||
I may wrong here, but I THINK I recall hearing the bracing is a bit different on the 1 pickup, 2 pickup, and no pickup L-5s. No pickup L-5's being the loudest acoustically and 2 pickup L-5's being the quietest.
I've got a single pickup Wes Montgomery L-5. It can sound decent mic'd, but at an unplugged jam it's not going to dominate the mix. |
#3
|
|||
|
|||
For half (or less than half) the price of a new acoustic L-5, you can have a Campellone with a suspended humbucker made to order - I've played a few and they're a better all-around option IMO...
__________________
"Mistaking silence for weakness and contempt for fear is the final, fatal error of a fool" - Sicilian proverb (paraphrased) |
#4
|
|||
|
|||
While I would love to have an L5, it wouldn't be my first choice if it's acoustic volume was the main concern. Lovely guitars though.
|
#5
|
|||
|
|||
I had a 1998 Wesmo. Volume or acoustic tone was not it's strong suit imo.
__________________
Sobell Model 1 Sobell six string archtop Gibson ES-165 Herb Ellis Eastman John Pisano Gibson Johnny A Franklin Prairie State Collings D1A |
#6
|
|||
|
|||
If you want a Campellone, check out Gothic City Guitars he has (2) one is mine, the Deluxe...
|
#7
|
|||
|
|||
As soon as you start cutting holes in the top and inserting pickups, you're compromising a lot of "acoustic" volume. The Wes and Standard two pickup L5 are very much electric guitars, in my opinion.
|
#8
|
|||
|
|||
Quote:
And while it's difficult to ascertain the actual volume of this acoustic L5, it certainly has a pleasing recorded sound. |
#9
|
|||
|
|||
Sounds beautiful. Reminds me of a classical guitar with added properties of metal strings. I understand the comments regarding the pickup and knobs being on top for a Wes Mo which would impact the loudness and tone. I do also understand that it is more of an electric guitar which is what I want. I am considering the L5 Wes Mo and keeping it as my only guitar. Let us say in a situation when there is no amp, would the Wes Mo cut it acoustically? Say you are sitting at the patio, playing next to a friend with a dreadnought, or a total acoustic archtop playing cowboy chords? Would it be ridiculously quiet?
|
#10
|
|||
|
|||
It depends on if your friend is a hack or a sympathetic player who will adjust their playing volume when they're bashing out those cowboy chords.
I've never played a WesMo...I have played a regular L5CES, and they have enough acoustic volume to practice unplugged and enjoy yourself, if you were out on the porch with a dread, the dread player would drown you out unless they adjusted. It seems your heart is set on Gibson, but you might want to consider an archtop with a floating pickup. There's a big difference in acoustic volume. Something like a Heritage Johnny Smith might set your wallet aflame (but it'll be cheaper than the Gibson) Just some things to consider. |
#11
|
|||
|
|||
Quote:
|
#12
|
|||
|
|||
It'll cover.
For the plugged in jazz tone...it'll cover...better than just about anything else in the world |