1942 Banner L-0

[jt]

This rare gem stopped by my home while awaiting an X-ray appointment in the next few days. It’s a Banner L-0 (Black finish & back binding in 1942 = L-0, I think.)

 

What a lovely guitar it is. It’s responsive, loud, and focused. I don’t have either a 14 fret 1930s L-00 or a spruce topped Banner LG-2 with which to compare it. The best I could do was to play it along side my 1932 L-00, 1935 L-Century, 1942 LG-1, and 1943 SJ. It sounds like a much louder version of the LG-1. With the 1940s string spacing at the saddle (2 1/8 in.) instead of the 1930s (2 3/8), this would be the ideal flatpicker’s L-00.

 

A wonderful instrument in every way.

 

 

With a Circa 1932 L-00:

 

 

With a 1942 LG-1:

 

 

With 1943 SJ:

 

[CAMELEYE]

Stop, you're breaking my heart! Ce

[rar]

This rare gem stopped by my home while awaiting an X-ray appointment in the next few days. ...

What a lovely guitar it is. It’s responsive' date=' loud, and focused.[/quote']

 

Thanks for the review!! I almost got to try that guitar. I saw it in the shop on my way in for a workshop. I didn't have time to check it out, but figured I could on my way out in two hours. Two hours later, it had been sold. (I probably could have got 'em to let me give it a try anyway, but I figured there was a fair chance I'd love it and be upset with myself for not making time on my way in.)

 

I take comfort in knowing it's going to a good home after stopping by your place!

 

-- Bob R

[Hoss]

I don’t have either a 14 fret 1930s L-00 or a spruce topped Banner LG-2 ...

 

...And yet you still call yourself a 'guitar player'????

 

I've never seen a '40's L-00 (L-0). But you certainly have your hands on a beauty!! Is the bass as full as most L-00s- or I guess, in other words, does it have more presence than that of the LG1? I've always liked that about those L00s-a good bass presence. Not overbalanced but just meaty enough when you leaned into them.

 

I'd think that this L-0 would be close to your L-C. Aside from the maple/hog factors, how similar are their body sizes and bracing?

 

(And of course, I'm joking about the 'guitar player' remark--!!)

[sumner77]

John, are these xrays to be part of the book, or just part of the archives? The Gallery photos are quite beautiful, and GAS inducing.

 

Is this one on it's way to Germany?

[LPDEN]

Wow, very cool. Gives me GAS!

[jt]

Thanks, all.

 

Summer,

 

Yes, the L-0 is headed for Germany. And, yes, the book will include nice reproductions of X-rays of all of the Banner models (plus, exact measurements of bracing angles, etc., calculated by the digi X-ray machine)

[jt]

I'd think that this L-0 would be close to your L-C. Aside from the maple/hog factors' date=' how similar are their body sizes and bracing?[/quote']

 

I snapped a ic for you this morning, Hoss. Size and shape are identical:

 

 

But, these two sound vastly different. The L-C has the tall, thin, knife-edge bracing of the 1930s. The L-0 has the the shorter, wider, scalloped bracing of the Banner era.

 

By Monday, I should have X-rays in hand.