Gibson L-5 CES questions

[citymom92]

Hello everyone-newbie here

 

For my Christmas gift I received a 1973 Gibson L-5 CES in mint condition. It belonged to my dear grandfather who passed away in September, just short of his 91st birthday. He was an incredible guitarist, having taught himself how to play when he was quite young. He collected many Gibson guitars over the years, and each of his four grandchildren received one this Christmas Eve. I am so honored to have this amazing gift, but have to admit that I am a little flummoxed over what to do with it. I don't play, and no one in my immediate family plays either. My 14 yo son now is angling to take lessons and learn how to play this guitar (and I admit, I think I want to take lessons as well!) but I don't know that I should let him play something that seems so pristine and only very rarely left the house where my grandfather kept it. (He had one guitar that he used outside the house to play in his band, but his collectibles were kept for playing in the house only.) So, to all you experts out there, is this something we should play and learn on OR do we get a basic guitar and learn on that keeping the L-5 for when we know what we're doing? Also, I think I should add it to my homeowners policy, but have no idea what to insure it for. Thanks for any info or guidance, and a very Merry Christmas to you-mine can't get any better.

[L5Larry]

You have received one of the finest hollow body guitars ever designed and built (by Gibson, or anyone else). Yes, you should call your insurance agent and insure it for around $10,000. Gibson's current "list" price on a replacement is around $15K, but these guitars actually trade for around $5K.

 

Guitars are meant to be played, and once you understand the monetary value of the instrument, plus the sentimental value, all that is required to play and enjoy the instrument is RESPECT, for the guitar, and the memory of your Grandfather. As a guitarist, your Grandfather would want the instrument to be played and enjoyed, not locked up in vault or hermetically sealed in a glass case. And what guitar to better learn on than one of the best.

 

You have something VERY special there, as an instrument, AND as a gift in the memory of your loved one. The best way to honor your Grandfather AND the instrument is to MAKE MUSIC.

[citymom92]

Thanks for all this info-I really appreciate your taking the time to answer on Christmas Day! I am very excited to take some lessons and hear this beautiful instrument. It will never sound as good as when my grandfather played it, but it will be good to hear it once more. Thanks again-

[Bob R]

Everything L5Larry said is bang on. Play that guitar.

Play it well. Teach your son to play it well.

[Old Jazzer]

Hi Citymon. I, also , agree with L5Larry. Obviously, He owns a few L5's. I recently purchased a new 2010 L5 CES Vintage Antique. I now have it included on my Homeowners Policy. The increase in my policy was about $18.00. Your insurance company may want you to get it appraised. You can get it appraised here: http://www.gruhn.com/appraise.html.

 

Take good care of that instrument. It's probably one of the finest made in it's time.