Dave F

Are againts the extra globs of glue?

I did a quick look and a lot of the L5 bound guards look the same shape but look to be about a half inch wider which makes sense for a 17” guitar

Here's a 1" grid (based on the lower bout being 16"). Pickguard looks to be 10+" long, 3.5" wide at lower and about 1.5" at top with white binding. Good luck hunting. Archtops | Pickguardian Archtop Scratchplates - TinyTone

I took a snapshot of this video that claims it's an original pick guard. It may help you. Plus the opening shot of the video.

From BigKahune

Just enjoy the guitar and let it inspire you! Forearm haze all in my grain Lately things just don't seem the same Feelin' funny but I don't know why 'Scuse me while I kiss the sky

When all else fails, use your spit. My luthier swears by it.

Personally, I would not go over $3000. Otherwise, I'd just buy a new one. Here's one at Dave's for $3750, but I would offer less. Gibson 1942 Banner Southern Jumbo, '23 | Reverb

I think I could go for one of these

If I remember correctly, the Schaller M6 is a direct drop-in replacement for the Grovers. They have a lot of aftermarket buttons that may work. I've used them to replace Grovers but I used them with the Imperial knobs. You may want to try that route if you find the right button.

I've tried different buttons on the Grovers but did not like them.

Can't remember but I think I did. Those grovers use large holes. I do not like the large washers on the grovers. They left an imprint on the headstock.

I bought a used L00 Mahogany that had the Grovers. I too prefer the look of the plastic buttons. I just put on a set of Golden Aged tuners. It almost covered up the old holes. Good enough for me. I could probably touch up the color, but it works for me.

Nice looking 13 fretter! Enjoy.

Nice job! I now hear why they say this maple model records well. A very balanced sound.

If you have the picture on a host such as flicker or imgur, you can paste a link on this forum and the picture will show. Just move the mouse over the picture, right click and select copy link then past it in your post. Also, measure the width of the lower bout. J45 is about 16", LG's are about 14".

I don't think a slight discoloration in the grain would have that much of an effect on the value as long as it's not a stain. I cannot see anything in the picture. Just my opinion, I don't think these are going to be a collector's item but what do I know. I don't think any of the models with the side cutout for a preamp is going to get desirable. Having said that, it's a very nice-looking guitar and I wouldn't mind having one. Let us know if it sounds like a Gibson or a Taylor 🙂

I agree with Buc, looks good to me. Get them corroded strings off and get them bridge pins seated and you’ll be ready to go.

I like the look. Some guitars just look better with them. I have a couple of them plus a spare set, but no double rings.

I have been down the Taylor rabbit hole. It’s like they have no soul. I’ve had the top of the line models and after the honeymoon they left and went back home. My favorite tone wood is rosewood in a Martin D forward shifted guitar. Looks wise and comfort wise, Gibson wins out. I’ve been through a lot of Gibson rosewood guitars looking for that tone that I like. It took a while but I have two I like. A NL RW and an SJ RW. And I agree that your comparisons can only be based on what you’ve been exposed to. I know my exposure to good vintage guitars is limited. I could see me getting hold of the right guitar and getting rid of everything else. Until then, I’ll keep looking and holding on to the herd.

I think the best sounding guitar I’ve owned was a Martin D41 Special. I reluctantly sold it because my hand was having issues with the neck. I’ve liked the sound of every 40’s series Martin that I’ve played. As far as the Martin 000 body, I think it is a great, comfortable body shape and I’ve had a few. I currently have a Custom Shop 000-14 all mahogany. I like the tone of an all mahogany. Besides the Martin, I have a Gibson ‘42 LG1 all hog and a 2016 Gibson L00 all hog. All a matter of taste.

Sounds great!

I've taken standard Gibson 2-ply and made one before

The number one thing I love about Gibson’s are their Standard sunburst. The darker the better. So I am not a good person to ask. I’ve had the triburst but personally I would prefer it on a Les Paul.