Tell me about vintage entry level Gibson archtops

[rollypolly]

So I’ve been eyeing vintage archtops, particularly Gibson l-30, l-37, and l-48 as well as the es-120, etc.
I already have a 57 Gretsch New Yorker that I like. It’s all laminate but sounds good and work has been done on it to make it play buttery.

So am I missing something by not having an entry level Gibson? Or is my New Yorker about the equivalent?

As for the es-120, I have a good Ibanez Artcore so again I wonder would I be gaining something or is this just that persistent GAS? Those vintage Gibsons seem to always be calling.

[RLetson]

It's all about the individual instrument, even with pro-level models. I've played L-5s that did nothing for me, but a friend has as '40s midrange Epiphone that I would be quite happy to own. I sold off a very decent '45 L-7 because I wasn't playing it. And so on.

You never can tell until you get your hands and ears on one. Play every example you can and you'll know when you've found a keeper.

[L50EF15]

Granting there will be variance from instrument to instrument, but I have found the “lower grade” vintage Gibsons to be wonderful. I have a 1960 L50 (one step up from the L48); a 1924 A Jr. mandolin; and just bought a 1925 L Jr. guitar. Each one has helped me advance my playing into new territory.

I’ll add that it also matters who and where you buy from. I am fortunate enough to have been able to shop at Mandolin Brothers and RetroFret in person, both excellent shops with great expertise in vintage instruments generally, and in vintage archtops particularly. I don’t think I would have taken the plunge without being able to play them first.

As far as the pull of a vintage Gibson versus other makes, it’s true: Nothing else quite sounds the same. I had a Harmony Monterey in mint condition, a wonderful guitar, as my first foray into archtops. Then I got to Mandolin Brothers and played some vintage Gibsons and understood the difference. I remember I just brushed the strings of what became my L50 as it was hanging on the wall and it stopped me in my tracks. Had to buy it (and it was at a very reasonable price).

Stated differently, if that classic Gibson sound is what you’re after, “only a Gibson is good enough.” Others may be excellent instruments that sound great in their own way. But if you want the real thing, get The Real Thing.

[rollypolly]

Here we are six months later and I just ordered an L-48 on reverb. A player grade example for a low price but according to the seller it’s loud and plays good. I still like my New Yorker and Ibanez but maybe the Gibby will bring another flavor. I’m still on the hunt for that perfect acoustic workhorse and maybe this’ll cover that search as well. Fingers crossed.

[L50EF15]

Originally Posted by rollypolly

Here we are six months later and I just ordered an L-48 on reverb. A player grade example for a low price but according to the seller it’s loud and plays good. I still like my New Yorker and Ibanez but maybe the Gibby will bring another flavor. I’m still on the hunt for that perfect acoustic workhorse and maybe this’ll cover that search as well. Fingers crossed.

Congratulations! I sometimes mull over getting an L-48, just to hear how it compares to the L-50.

[rollypolly]

Thanks! Waiting anxiously for FedEx to drop it off today. Will update with initial thoughts once it’s here.

[rollypolly]

Initial thoughts on the L-48. It's one of the prettiest guitars I've owned. Someone in its past refinished it in a natural/violin burst and it looks like a big violin.
All the stuff you expect with a Gibson, well made and good looking woods. Neck is comfortable with the short scale. However, the fretboard radius is noticeably flatter than my New Yorker. One thing about my New Yorker is the fretboard plays very fast even if it's longer scale.

The sound is like my New Yorker but bigger , more bass, more warmth, more volume. Trebles are about the same. Similar metallic plunkiness , I guess because it's laminated woods.

Overall it seems like a cool guitar to noodle on but it could potentially be a nice jazz box, just need to figure out a pickup setup on it. I could see it replacing my New Yorker but I've had very little interest when I've put the NYer up on marketplace and eBay so I may be "stuck" with it for now.

Anyways, I'll play it for a while and try to get a pickup on it and see how it sounds electrified. It won't be replacing any flattops or anything.

[L50EF15]

I shared this in a couple of other threads, but in case you missed it, what’s demonstrated here might help you in taming the metallic sound:

https://youtu.be/EOaXOXE9ITg?si=RXXXLybQ8l-cEGsr

I don’t remember if the L-48 has a raised fretboard or if it’s on top of the body, flattop style, as the L-50 has. That will affect what pickup you can use, at least for putting it in the traditional neck position.

Congratulations on the New Guitar Day!