keeptahoeblue Posted December 9, 2008 Share Posted December 9, 2008 Hi i am new to the forum but have been a long time reader. I am going to order either the L-00 or the L-1 from the custom shop and I wanted to know what one would be a better all around guitar. I want to downsize from many guitars to only 1 small body guitar and i do not know which one to choose. I have played them both and i am frankly torn. What do you think? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hoss Posted December 9, 2008 Share Posted December 9, 2008 I'd check around for used. With this economy, people are selling guitars at very low prices. THere's a brand new L00 on the Martin Forum right now for $1150. http://theunofficialmartinguitarforum.yuku.com/topic/72621/t/FS-08-Gibson-L-00.html Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jayla Posted December 9, 2008 Share Posted December 9, 2008 I would love to even see, not to mention play, these two models. Especially the RJ model looks fine... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rambler Posted December 9, 2008 Share Posted December 9, 2008 Well, a good place to start would be articulating impressions from playing them. What's the upside/downside? What's the sticking point(s)? Knowing that, our input can be more on point. Meanwhile, a 14-fretter is more versatile, as Im sure you are aware. The L-1 is funky in a retro way, but kind of limited--more of a specialists /period thing. But frankly, with a one and only in mind and (apostasy) if it doenst have to be a Gibson, a Martin 00-18v is worth a look. Same boy size (14" concert), but this short scale, scalloped braced lil ol tone monster can serve up a dollop of sophistication to go with those old timey tones the Gibbys cant match (note both Gibsons are 25.5 scale and consequently have a more penetrating, sharper modern tone than the Martin). Also, the Martin works well as both with fingerstyle and plectrum--neither Gibson is particulary strum friendly. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
onewilyfool Posted December 9, 2008 Share Posted December 9, 2008 A while ago, I was HOT for either of these guitars, I found in 6 months around 4 guitars. Most all of them were bass dead. Not bass challenged, but bass dead. One needed a neck reset (2 years old) one had a twisted neck (saddle was almost nothing on the trebble side and about 3/32" on the bass side, this problem is almost impossible to fix) so beware.....play a lot of these before deciding....and good luck on your search.... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jayla Posted December 9, 2008 Share Posted December 9, 2008 A while ago' date=' I was HOT for either of these guitars, I found in 6 months around 4 guitars. Most all of them were bass dead. Not bass challenged, but bass dead. One needed a neck reset (2 years old) one had a twisted neck (saddle was almost nothing on the trebble side and about 3/32" on the bass side, this problem is almost impossible to fix) so beware.....play a lot of these before deciding....and good luck on your search....[/quote'] Hmm... food for thought. Will still jump at the opportunity to play one, one day, maybe... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rambler Posted December 9, 2008 Share Posted December 9, 2008 ps the new Blues Kings with the bubinga backs are 24.75 scale. You might find those smoother and more old timey than the 25.5 mahog BKS but perhpas not as light and responsive as the 0018v. Good luck. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Modac Posted December 9, 2008 Share Posted December 9, 2008 I think the one on the UMGF is a Bubinga. The Bubinga J-100s and J-45s were outstanding. I'd guess the L-00 Bubinga is a cut above, too. I'll second Jkinnama's recommendation of the Martin 00-18V----wonderful guitars, and used, they are a great value. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
keeptahoeblue Posted December 9, 2008 Author Share Posted December 9, 2008 Thanks so much for all of your advice. how dose the Bubinga open up after time vs mahogany? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rambler Posted December 9, 2008 Share Posted December 9, 2008 Well, it doesnt exactly "open-up" the way that a top does--just lends color. Now, to that-- it's from the same family as ovangkol, & like it, is a rw sub. So its dense, heavy, bassy. Its probably not going to have the sparkling trebles one gets in a mahog guitar. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TM Posted December 9, 2008 Share Posted December 9, 2008 If you are going to have one built. Get a Nick Lucas with 12 or 14 fret neck with a mahogany body in the 24.75 scale. The deeper body gives the guitars more sound. I don't care much for the standard maple version although some may sound great. It would be a better all around guitar at least the old ones are. Terry Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jerry K Posted December 9, 2008 Share Posted December 9, 2008 Bubinga sounds midway between rosewood and mahogany. It has a punchier sound than rosewood. If you want an all round small bodied Gibson also suggest considering CJ165 rosewood or maple models. I have been playing a rosewood one a lot. Were I to choose 1 all round guitar between the 165 and my bubinga L-00, I might take the 165. If your playing is blues-oriented the L-00 may be better. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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