NGD- used 2014 Blackbird Lucky 13

[Doubleneck]

UPS says it's on the truck for delivery. Latest Ebay snag, had this guitar for a week last year and loved the new voicing and retro look. First Blackbird and first K&K. Should be fun. May complete my CF set, a Emerald, a Rainsong, and a Blackbird.

[futboljim]

Enjoy!!!

I almost pulled the trigger on one locally. I enjoyed it, but for some reason it just didn't quite hit me the way I wanted it to. If I decided to go for a second CF, though, I am pretty darn sure that I would wander back over to Willie's and pick it up.

[Doubleneck]

Originally Posted by futboljim

Enjoy!!!

I almost pulled the trigger on one locally. I enjoyed it, but for some reason it just didn't quite hit me the way I wanted it to. If I decided to go for a second CF, though, I am pretty darn sure that I would wander back over to Willie's and pick it up.

That's always in your mind when you buy on ebay, was your head in a different place when you played it a year ago? One thing about CF is the consistancy gives you confidence buying used and sight unseen? One thing I know I will like is the vintage look of a Gibson in CF, I just grew up with a love for the Gibson look, Bob Dylan's Nick Lucas. No Barndoor and no cutaway, yes!

[futboljim]

yeah, it's really a nice guitar, and a classic look (except for the all black, but I like that part, too). The neck on the Blackbird was a little more to my liking that the NS neck, but not enough to make a difference.

I'm such a rookie at all of this, I find myself learning so much all the time. A year ago, I could not imagine dropping what I did on my RS. Now it seems a no brainer, and I am loving it. Would've been the same if I had pulled the trigger on the Blackbird, I am sure. I still wonder about picking it up - I really hope it is not still there in a year!

Enjoy!

[futboljim]

oh yeah - I agree about the trust in the consistency of the CF. I bought mine through Ted.

I had played a Black Ice version WS, and talked with Ted about the difference in tone. I thought that the Black Ice was far too bright for me, and it had old strings on it. After discussing, I took his advice, and pulled the trigger.

Of course, buying from distance without trying from LA Guitar Sales is far different than buying from Ebay - I get the benefit of info I know I can trust. I've never bought from Ebay before, but I would be cautious - knowing the consistency to expect from a CF model would help tremendously!

Enjoy that thing, and get some pics (and maybe sound?) up!

[Doubleneck]

Picked up at lunch, same guitar as I remember, just a sweet sound. Reread my critique of it a year ago, all the same. This one has Gotoh tuners instead of the Gibson style Klusons. Probably the Gotoh are classier and will be the better tuners but loved the old Gibson look of the Klusons. Need to plug in the K&K tonight, they are the favorite of the forum, never had one, so it should be interesting.

[steelvibe]

Nice Steve. I was very close to pulling the trigger on one of these (after your advice and reading reviews). I opted out in the end but barely. I may still need one of these in my stable. It is remarkable how closely this guitar and the Shorty not only have in common, but how much they get equal attention from the buyer of either one; futboljim and Mikl12 a way back. One went with the APLE and the other for the L13. I guess I want both but the Shorty won for now because of the cutaway, the neck and tone.

CONGRATULATIONS!

[sirwhale]

I've got a pre-2013 version, as I'd read lots of people say that it's got a very blues vibe and I play blues. I've never seen a newer one, one day I'd love to hear the difference.

[tdq]

I've played them both - albeit a year or so apart - and although I did like the early one for bluesy stuff the later one does have a "richer" pallette, which for me means more versatile; but then bluesy stuff doesn't sound quite as old school. Anyway, if you get the chance you should definitely try the new voicing.

[sirwhale]

I know Joe offers an upgrade to a soundport and bridge plate for an about $100. But, as I like my guitar as it is now, it would be a scary experience sending it away for surgery without knowing the results I can never find videos of the new version to hear but to be honest I don't think I'm as expert as you all are and I wonder if I'd hear much of a difference anyway.

One problem I have with carbon fibre for the blues is trying to get a dirtier sound as CF is so pure and clear, if you think my guitar sounds more "old skool" it makes me feel even better about it, and that's hard to do. I'm a one guitar man so it gets all my attention haha

[mot]

I took my Lucky to visit a friend today. I had a hard time getting it back. He has played in rock, jazz and blues bands for almost half a century and said he really liked the feel and sound of the Lucky.

[tdq]

Originally Posted by sirwhale

I can never find videos of the new version to hear....

I recorded a video of both the old and the new Lucky 13s, fyi. Two years apart and different recording setups, but FWIW. From memory the first one was a mix of pickup and mike, that last one was purely acoustic.

OLD

NEW

[sirwhale]

Originally Posted by tdq

I recorded a video of both the old and the new Lucky 13s, fyi. Two years apart and different recording setups, but FWIW. From memory the first one was a mix of pickup and mike, that last one was purely acoustic.

OLD

NEW

Hey thanks for the videos, with the different mics and the different choice of songs, the older video sounds more bluesy to me. Has more edge to it... but that could be because there is more dissonance in that tune.

You're a good player man, I'm working my way up through Jim Bruce's stuff at the moment, improving bit by bit. It helps to have a guitar that you love and that you can't put down.

I live in Barcelona and cycle everywhere, the other day a red light came on so I jumped onto the pavement and passed a bar with those large umbrellas. Without thinking about it, my guitar was on back and sticking a fair bit beyond my head and gave a good whack to the wooden umbrella as I rode underneath. But hey, no problem, I reckon I left a good dent in the umbrella, but nothing is wrong with my guitar

[tdq]

Thanks sirwhale! Lucky13 and Barcelona - pretty nice combination!! Jim Bruce gives good lesson, I like his style.

[Dru Edwards]

Hey Doubleneck - congrats! That completes your hat trick