Dave F

Just my own experience, I opted to keep my J45 Legend and move my vintage 1942 J45. I opted to keep my vintage LG1 and move the RI version. Both cases, the RI's impressed me enough to seek out an original. Other newer guitars that impress me that would tempt me to gamble on a vintage are my L5 and L00. I think the modern guitars are more consistent with less issues (if you find one you like) where as the vintage market is a hit or miss. Being 80 years old can be welled played, abused or an unplayed closet queen. I'm sure the results will vary. If you find a good one it's a real treasure but how many frogs are you willing to kiss? I've got warts all over my lips. I currently have two frogs at the luthier ('40 Recording King and a '52 J45) and one shiny new torrified top on order.

I’m hoping for more. I’ve had a J45 Custom RW that was disappointing and a Honky Tonk Deuce RW that was the most comfortable guitar I’ve ever played but the sound didn't cut it. I’ve had a few other Gibson RW’s (J200, CJ165, ‘34 Jumbo RI, AJ) that didn’t do it for me. RW’s that did do it for me sound wise are the Stage Deluxe and Nick Lucas. I have a J45 Legend I like and I’m hoping this SJ will be its RW counterpart.

I have one on order

Why did the LG2 leave?

Must be something about them small birds. Here's Martin's take on it. https://www.maurysmusic.com/maury_s_blog/view/191997/martin_d_true_love

Heyyyy!!!!

Here's a J-200 I had that had similar grain

Hard to tell from the pictures but the lacquer looks fine. Looks like you have some silking in the wood grain which is very normal. I have a few guitars with that. Notice how it’s a mirror image which is how it should be.

When I got my '42 LG1 it had a lot of mud dauber nest inside. We think the guitar had been out in a shed.

Standard base price is 1250 the Calton I had was one of the older ones made in Calgary. It was very nice.

Behind the headstock is fully supported.

Tom, the newer versions have a deeper body than a std Jumbo. What are your guitars?

A few weeks ago I contacted Hoffee about a case that could be used on my guitars between the Super400 (18") down to the J's and D's. (16") . I never need more than one case and did not want to get one for every size. He suggested his 19" case with some pads. I also ordered one with the insulation, back straps and cover. It arrived today and looks great. The Super400 isn't home to try out but it looks like there's room for it. I already sold the Calton case and have a couple Hiscox that will go.

I agree with LM. I've tried every trick to no avail. Buying a new one has worked the best for me. I have a bowed elevated pickguard from an old archtop that I blocked up the edges and over bent the middle the opposite direction and left it in that state for two years. When I released it it went back.

One thing that surprised me was that the top braces are part of the carving, not glued on. Had a very nice maple sound.

I found a closet queen Cremona that my luthier talked me out of. He slapped a pickup on it and uses it as one of his main stage guitars

I repaired a Takamine using this method and it turned out okay but that wasn't nitro.

I have an acoustic Super 400 and L5. From my experience they project their sound across the room and you do not get the full essence of the large maple f-holes while they're setting on your lap or if you put a mic in front of it.

I've been having a little fun fixing up sets. Just last week, I took a set off a Regal that were pristine except for the buttons. I replaced the buttons and put them out on EBay. The owner of Kluson (WD Music Products -Larry Davis) contacted me and wound up buying them.

I get that. Many a nice guitar I’ve sold because it didn’t do anything for me and the buyers were elated. I’ve had friends play my guitars and they sound great but I could not get that sound. And then you have players that can make anything sound good e.g. Greg Koch.

Nothing. It sounds, looks and plays great. I guess I just have too many to chose from.

No. A Wildwood exclusive from a few years ago.

Our list are somewhat close.The Dove was never on my wish list but one popped up locally and I worked out a trade for a DIF. I'm really like it. I think it will stay. I love my D41's, one has the baked top. I have a J185 Modern Vintage all hide glue. A very nice guitar but I don't find myself reaching for it very often so it's going on the block. I've had two HB's, they never stuck to me. Recently sold my Taylor 814CE. I have a '42 SJ on order. Like a parallel universe.

My Alma Mater

The pandemic really has the guitar stores looking depressing around here in the Northern KY/ Greater Cincinnati area. I visited both local GC 's and their walls are almost empty with little selection.