EuroAussie Posted February 17, 2012 Posted February 17, 2012 Flew into London this morning and while Mrs EA was busy doing the fashion rounds around Oxford sheet I made my first trip to Denmark Street which is basically Disnelyland for players with some 8 guitar shops next to each other within a 100 metres strip. What was also great that LefyGuy and I had a chance to meet for the first time and he showed me around the shops and introduced me to some of the characters that run them. Played a number of vintage Gibsons including a 57' J-45, 64' SJ, 68' Bird 65' CW and compared them also on a J-45TV. Some thoughts that was suprised how mellow the 57' J-45 was. I expected more of that rumbling Americana tone, but infact it was woody, quite mellow tone, nice but not what I expected. Really loved the CW and Bird from the 60's. Altough the Bird really freaked me out as the nut width was even less than 1 11/16th. But the honey nectar tone was overflowing. I was talking with Lefty to an owner of the shop which had the squred shouldered 64' SJ and he mentioned that the bracing on the SJ was scalloped while on the Bird at that time it was straight, so seems there is a difference. Although to me it sounded very much like a Bird. Overall, my favourite for that day ... was actually not a vintage but a J-45TV. Here's a pic from a Blackberry wiht Lefty at Rare & Vintage guitars, excuse the poor quality !
E-minor7 Posted February 17, 2012 Posted February 17, 2012 Don't forget to check the yellow 1968 J-200 in the shop after Vintage and R. Guess it's long gone. . . . .
Mojorule Posted February 17, 2012 Posted February 17, 2012 Did V and R still have the so-called 44 SJ which JT enquired about to no avail?
E-minor7 Posted February 17, 2012 Posted February 17, 2012 My 1963 SJ isn't scalloped. If the guy is right, it could be another of those 'G-ideas' or maybe done later, , , by private initiative after the birth in '64.
Mojorule Posted February 17, 2012 Posted February 17, 2012 Or it could be a bit like the 1964 Les Paul that PM once bought in Denmark Street...
EuroAussie Posted February 18, 2012 Author Posted February 18, 2012 The oldest Gibby thy had was a 30's LO or LG but in dreadnoughts the 57 J-45 was teh olderst. They did have a 52 SJ but unfortunately it sold the week earlier. Definitely no J-200's or I would have picked that up from a mile away. What was in particular interesting, was that I was led to a back room to try the 4 gibsons with one of the sales guys and he told me an interesting story about this room. That infact this was the forme rehearsal room for the Sex Pistols in the 70'm how very cool !
ParlourMan Posted February 18, 2012 Posted February 18, 2012 Ah.. you left empty-handed then EA? Trying all the stuff out and being most impressed with a current TV model is about the best outcome you could hope for, though. All things vintage are not always what they're cracked up to be, especially where Denmark Street is concerned. *Although I'd say the advent of the internet and user groups like this would mean many many more of us have done the homework and are a bit less likely to fall for the sales pitch. Cool trip though. The 30's L-2 still there? did you try it?
Lefty Guy Posted February 18, 2012 Posted February 18, 2012 EA, it was a real pleasure to meet you & a lot of fun browsing those Gibsons. I enjoyed hearing you play them but sadly none for me to try....I had to make do with a cheap lefty Cort dread! I look forward to your next visit!
EuroAussie Posted February 18, 2012 Author Posted February 18, 2012 I couldnt find the L-2 unfortunately PM, their website is useless in terms of showing current stock. It was definitely an interesting experience, havent tried so many vintage Gibsons in one place ever. Really enjoyed the comparisement to whats coming out of Montana now. And have to say a lot thats out now is really oustanding, especially the TV models. I could totally hear a LOT of the 57 J-45 in the true vintage. Didnt have that same dry woodiness that come from age, but on the other hand hand the TV was more alive and responsive, yet still quite mellow. I really liked this model a lot. Its really a great street and a must visit for any guitar fan whos in London. Ah.. you left empty-handed then EA? Trying all the stuff out and being most impressed with a current TV model is about the best outcome you could hope for, though. All things vintage are not always what they're cracked up to be, especially where Denmark Street is concerned. *Although I'd say the advent of the internet and user groups like this would mean many many more of us have done the homework and are a bit less likely to fall for the sales pitch. Cool trip though. The 30's L-2 still there? did you try it?
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