Smurfbird Posted November 19, 2012 Share Posted November 19, 2012 I've always lived with large booming guitars with terrific bass response, but I'm wondering what the best "cheap" small Gibson might be...in other words, I don't have a lot of $$ at the moment but I'd like to have something to dream about acquiring that I could acquire in the near future. In fact, I'd like to know if there's a nice used Gibson model that sells for under 1K... I like old. I like aesthetically weathered. I'm a fan of Bob Dylan on the Nick Lucas, but know how much those things go for... so is there a B25 or something that has a good wooden presence? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BluesKing777 Posted November 19, 2012 Share Posted November 19, 2012 LG2 or 3 http://www.rumbleseatmusic.com/guitar%20pic%20pages/47GibsonLG2BannerSB.html Lg3 is LG2 in natural finish. BluesKing777... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
j45nick Posted November 19, 2012 Share Posted November 19, 2012 I agree with BK on this, although the prices of good vintage ones are climbing. You can sometimes find a good 1950's LG-2 for just over $1k in the US. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
zombywoof Posted November 19, 2012 Share Posted November 19, 2012 If you are looking for a Nick Lucas like guitar I am not sure the LG-2 or 3 will get you there. I am not saying you would not like an LG-2 or 3 but it is a very different beast from a Nick Lucas. If you are really wanting a deep body L-00 style guitar on a budget then you might look at something like a Recording King version. But I would still recommend checking out an LG-2 or LG-3. There are alot of us who love the voice of these little Gibsons. And personally I would say grab a burst. It was as much a Gibson trademark as their logo. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mojorule Posted November 19, 2012 Share Posted November 19, 2012 And personally I would say grab a burst. It was as much a Gibson trademark as their logo. Which latter trademark, it should be added never came with a banner in 1947, making the rumbleseat caption through BK's link incorrect. Either the guitar pictured is pre-1946, or it has been fiddled with. Looks nice, mind. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
vacamartin Posted November 19, 2012 Share Posted November 19, 2012 If you are looking for a Nick Lucas like guitar I am not sure the LG-2 or 3 will get you there. I am not saying you would not like an LG-2 or 3 but it is a very different beast from a Nick Lucas. If you are really wanting a deep body L-00 style guitar on a budget then you might look at something like a Recording King version. But I would still recommend checking out an LG-2 or LG-3. There are alot of us who love the voice of these little Gibsons. And personally I would say grab a burst. It was as much a Gibson trademark as their logo. my 2 cents...I have a RK "Village" deep body, and though it's advertised as a Nick Lucas style...it's not. The looks are there, but the sound is not even close. It's a good all around little player for chords and jammin'. My recommendation is the jewel I found recently-2002 L-130. Short scale, 14 fret, deep body, sitka top, bubinga b/s and most important>it's a Gibson with a real Gibson growl! They are hard to locate, but you can find them for around a $1k+. The Loar L0-16 is a good inexpensive substitute. It comes closer to the true Gibson 30's sound than the RK. Happy GASSING! J.D. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
eltonwce Posted November 20, 2012 Share Posted November 20, 2012 I picked up the Loar L016 about two months ago great guitar for The $. I also have a Blues King and LG1.Used would be the way to go.I would want to play any used guitar before buying. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
zombywoof Posted November 20, 2012 Share Posted November 20, 2012 Which latter trademark, it should be added never came with a banner in 1947, making the rumbleseat caption through BK's link incorrect. Either the guitar pictured is pre-1946, or it has been fiddled with. Looks nice, mind. Boy, that is a Boo Boo. You would think Rumbleseat would be a bit more on the ball. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BluesKing777 Posted November 20, 2012 Share Posted November 20, 2012 Well spotted with the mistakes! I like looking at the Rumble Seat Music site 'cos of the pretty pics, But I have noticed quite a few mistakes over the years..... Great shots with the guitars and rugs, but. BluesKing777. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
QuestionMark Posted November 20, 2012 Share Posted November 20, 2012 Personally, I'd recommend you just buy an Epiphone L-00. They are very Gibsonesque in looks and feel, plus they're only $299. In my opinion, they actually sound better than some of the LGOs, LG1s, and even LG2s in the <$1000 category. Not to downrap those...but the Epiphone L-OO for the money will do you just fine for what it sounds like you're looking for. Then, later you can start adding vintage to your collection with the LG2. I'd keep away from the LG1 and the LG0 except as vintage acceessories to your eventual collection. Those sound inferior to the Epiphone L-00 with their ladder bracing. The LG2 is a fine guitar, but I think you'll be let down for the price with is lack of volume. BTW. I'd go for the Epi L-00 and skip the RK due to the Epiphone's lineage to Gibson. QM aka Jazzman Jeff Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
larryplatz Posted November 20, 2012 Share Posted November 20, 2012 I second vacamartin's recommendation for the L130. My best friend and sometimes musical partner has one. Every time I've played it, I come away lusting for one, even though I have a nice collection of my own. It's extremely comfortable to play, has some very nice tonal qualities, and the undersaddle pickup actually sounds pretty damn good. I have seen them go for $1000 although, more often than not, it's in the $1200-1400 range. I've also played some 60's B25's that I wouldn't mind owning. They don't quite sound like a J45/J50 from the same era, but they have their own sound which is pretty nice. Seems like even these have been getting a bit too pricey lately though. And, of course, it's always a crap shoot with older Gibsons. Some are awesome, some are absolute dogs. If you can find an L130 for a grand, buy it or else I will. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Smurfbird Posted November 21, 2012 Author Share Posted November 21, 2012 Thanks for all the thoughtful replies. And keep them coming. This is great info for anyone looking at smaller guitars. I'm leaning towards trying a Loar, since it'd be nice to have a guitar I could leave out and bring with me that doesn't cause cardiac arrest when someone wants to take a whack at it. Though the Gibson L130 sounds like something worth keeping an eye out for. An old friend who is a Martin man (and a small guitar aficionado) told me he misses his L-130 most of all. I shall see what crosses my path. Fate has a way of making decisions for you. Thanks! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
vacamartin Posted November 21, 2012 Share Posted November 21, 2012 Thanks for all the thoughtful replies. And keep them coming. This is great info for anyone looking at smaller guitars. I'm leaning towards trying a Loar, since it'd be nice to have a guitar I could leave out and bring with me that doesn't cause cardiac arrest when someone wants to take a whack at it. Though the Gibson L130 sounds like something worth keeping an eye out for. An old friend who is a Martin man (and a small guitar aficionado) told me he misses his L-130 most of all. I shall see what crosses my path. Fate has a way of making decisions for you. Thanks! Gotta tell ya I also thought I was a Martin man...until this L-130 caught my attention. The Lo-16 will do you well, but if by chance someone offers you a spin on the L-130...watch out-it'll change your perception of Gibsons "bubinga" phase! Good hunting, J.D. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
onewilyfool Posted November 21, 2012 Share Posted November 21, 2012 I see those 60's Gibson Classical guitars go for under $500..... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Archived
This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.