huckster Posted February 13, 2017 Share Posted February 13, 2017 I have been looking for a vintage archtop for a while now. In my price range I've found several L48's and L50's in the mid 30's to mid 50's years. I did find a L4 in the late 40's that is in my $$$ range. I need some advice, concerns, useful info. that might help me make a good choice. All of these are in the Good to Very Good condition range. thanks, huckster Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
powerwagonjohn Posted February 15, 2017 Share Posted February 15, 2017 I have a 1952 l-4 and it would be my desert island guitar. It truly inspires me to play more. I think these are kind of under rated in the archtop world. My L-4 is rather bright but a set of Martin Monel strings really brought out the full voice of the guitar. I sometimes use the De Armond 1000 that came with it and the monel strings work great with the pick up. Other wise I use some round wound bronze strings for pure acoustic. I find it an around great guitar especially for the price. Thanks John Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JimR56 Posted February 15, 2017 Share Posted February 15, 2017 I have been looking for a vintage archtop for a while now. In my price range I've found several L48's and L50's in the mid 30's to mid 50's years. I did find a L4 in the late 40's that is in my $$$ range. I need some advice, concerns, useful info. that might help me make a good choice. All of these are in the Good to Very Good condition range. thanks, huckster As you may know, the L4 was a higher grade instrument than the other two models you mention, and for equal money might be a better choice. The late 40's is when the L4C (florentine cutaway) was introduced, so it's not clear whether you're talking about a cutaway model or a non-cutaway (a lot of people refer to cutaway models without including the "C" in the model name). Anyway, I would be leaning toward the L4 even if it's a non-cutaway version. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
huckster Posted February 17, 2017 Author Share Posted February 17, 2017 As you may know, the L4 was a higher grade instrument than the other two models you mention, and for equal money might be a better choice. The late 40's is when the L4C (florentine cutaway) was introduced, so it's not clear whether you're talking about a cutaway model or a non-cutaway (a lot of people refer to cutaway models without including the "C" in the model name). Anyway, I would be leaning toward the L4 even if it's a non-cutaway version. The L4 acoustic non C is on its' way. Should be here the 20th. Now I need to get a good case for it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
powerwagonjohn Posted February 17, 2017 Share Posted February 17, 2017 Sounds great, I can't wait for photos and a full report. Thanks John Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bayoubengal1954 Posted February 18, 2017 Share Posted February 18, 2017 The L4 acoustic non C is on its' way. Should be here the 20th. Now I need to get a good case for it. Very cool! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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