A Dizzying Array of Gibson Small Bodies

[bram99]

Last year I picked up a LG-2 Custom Shop reissue that, after more than 30 years of playing, completely changed my perspective on acoustic guitars. I am GASing and now want to experience some of the variability in the Gibson Small Body line and value the perspective of folks on this forum.....looking at some of those listed in the poll and leaning toward a 12 fret Gibson....

 

 

Here is the link to the Gibson Site that shows the current line up.....

 

http://www2.gibson.com/Products/Acoustic-Instruments/Small-Body.aspx

 

 

Here is a link to the 12 fret I have been eyeing....anyone play one of these?

 

http://www.musiciansfriend.com/guitars/gibson-l-00-12-fret-blues-acoustic-electric-guitar

 

A discussion on tone differences between the LG-2 and the L-00, as well as tone differences based and materials is appreciated.

[j45nick]

I bought an L-OO Legend specifically for fingerpicking, as I was looking for an "old-timey" sound. I like the size, shape, and look of the guitar as well.

 

I can't imagine it as a strummer: not much sustain, and a pronounced treble focus, but that's what makes it good for what I'm doing.

 

Right now, I mostly fingerpick with plastic thumb pick and nickel silver fingerpicks. The metal picks make the trebles a bit harsh, but I can't find plastic fingerpicks that are even remotely comfortable.

 

I also pick bare-fingered, but am also experimenting with a thumb pick but no fingerpicks.

 

The guitar has the very dry tone you associate with music from the 1930's, so it's exactly right for what I am playing these days: Bessie Smith, Rev. Gary, etc.

 

It is a totally different sound from the slope jumbos that many of us here also play.

[zombywoof]

I only play with my fingers although have been trying to get the hang of a thumbpick to get that Blind Blake snap.

 

While I own a 1946 LG-2, the original L-00 remains my favorite small body Gibson. I however, have no first hand experence with the new versions so do not know how they compare but based on what j45nick said, the Legend version sounds like it would be a good choice.

[retrorod]

Last year I picked up a LG-2 Custom Shop reissue that, after more than 30 years of playing, completely changed my perspective on acoustic guitars. I am GASing and now want to experience some of the variability in the Gibson Small Body line and value the perspective of folks on this forum.....looking at some of those listed in the poll and leaning toward a 12 fret Gibson....

 

 

Here is the link to the Gibson Site that shows the current line up.....

 

http://www2.gibson.c...Small-Body.aspx

 

 

Here is a link to the 12 fret I have been eyeing....anyone play one of these?

 

http://www.musicians...electric-guitar

 

A discussion on tone differences between the LG-2 and the L-00, as well as tone differences based and materials is appreciated.

 

All, very nice guitars! The link to the one that you have been 'eyeing' may be a nice-sounding guitar, but I don,t dig the lack of pickguard look, personally...

[lblack]

When I bought my L-00 TV, I played a Robert Johnson L-1 (a 12-fretter), a (used) 2011 Ren Ferguson hand-built L-00, and (what is now my) L-00 TV. The 12 fretter seemed to be very responsive to finger picking and had a unique sound. There's something about the position of the bridge further down on the body. The RF L-00 was the top of the line, even used it was the highest priced model I tried. I found the L-00 TV offered what I was looking for, sound / feel / total package. So I bought the L-00 TV. After one month, I am glad I got the L-00 TV to join the family that includes a J45 TV.

[GotTheSilver]

I've really been wanting an L-00 Legend lately. I have a J-45 Legend and it is a great guitar, so I am sure I would love an L-00 Legend also. There was one on eBay recently for a really good price, but my guitar fund is tapped out at the moment!