I am soon to come into possession of one of these. It was my grandfather's, then my father's, and now mine. It is bittersweet, because to own this guitar, that is the only thing I ever considered my birthright, means my father is gone. So many of us grew up listening to that guitar over the years, now I must play it for my children. One day, hopefully, one of them will play it for thier children.
I played something very like this vintage Gibson today in a shop. I was told it was from the late 30's or early 40's. It played exceptionally easily and was in more or less perfect condition. It didn't have a fantastic sound, but it had a pleasant neutral tone that one didn't tire of.
I agree that the first time I played an archtop with no sound hole, i didn't understand the appeal of the sound, it was sort of muffled to my ear, but now I play in a folk orchestra with about 30 people, I understand where that tone sits in the mix. Not for delighting in the round, open tone of a singer songwriter playing in his rosewood Martin box, but as effective rhythm instrument that cuts through the mix and is even across the EQ range. Pop an under saddle pickup in if you want to plug in and scoop the mids a touch.
I own one that was my grandmas. I own lots of guitars but this is my most prized one. They may not be worth a fortune but they sound nice and play great and feel great to play and I have lots of memories playing it for her and her playing it as well:
That is usually the batch number, it can help with dating along with the serial number, but the details of trim and how they did the logo are usually more accurate for dating…
@@jontreichel68 Mine does not have the dot above the "i" on the logo. I'm trying to lock down a date for it. I can't find a serial number on it anywhere.
@@jeffhodge7333 This is an acoustic solid wood (i.e. no laminates in its construction) archtop - flatwound strings will in my opinion absolutely ruin the sound; they're dull and lifeless compared with roundwounds. Each to their own I suppose!
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![1953 Gibson L-50 Restoration [Part 1] - Removing the back and braces](/img/1.gif)
I am soon to come into possession of one of these. It was my grandfather's, then my father's, and now mine. It is bittersweet, because to own this guitar, that is the only thing I ever considered my birthright, means my father is gone. So many of us grew up listening to that guitar over the years, now I must play it for my children. One day, hopefully, one of them will play it for thier children.
Wow! That is awesome Jon!
Very nice sounds from this vintage Archtop. I also enjoyed your playing and your choice of music. Cheers!
I played something very like this vintage Gibson today in a shop. I was told it was from the late 30's or early 40's. It played exceptionally easily and was in more or less perfect condition. It didn't have a fantastic sound, but it had a pleasant neutral tone that one didn't tire of.
They started building this model in the 30’s. Always great to hear archtop stories
I agree that the first time I played an archtop with no sound hole, i didn't understand the appeal of the sound, it was sort of muffled to my ear, but now I play in a folk orchestra with about 30 people, I understand where that tone sits in the mix. Not for delighting in the round, open tone of a singer songwriter playing in his rosewood Martin box, but as effective rhythm instrument that cuts through the mix and is even across the EQ range. Pop an under saddle pickup in if you want to plug in and scoop the mids a touch.
I have an L50 archtop from early 30’s we call Vance after the cat in Berkeley my friend bought it from. I bought it from my friend and it is a keeper!
Wow..Love the tone..A taste of Dobro in there! Gonna restore the body
a bit? Nice showcase of you playing too :)
Very pretty guitar.
I got to play a Gibson like this and let me tell you something, it has The Best sound I have Ever heard coming from a guitar. The singing of angels.
I think top is solid carved but back is laminate brother
I own one that was my grandmas. I own lots of guitars but this is my most prized one. They may not be worth a fortune but they sound nice and play great and feel great to play and I have lots of memories playing it for her and her playing it as well:
That is a dream guitar.
Wow... she sounds great
The script headstock logo and the dot fret markers make it pre-1946.
What if the headstock logo does not have a dot above the "i"?
If you look through the portholes at the right angle there should be a number. I have a 30’s model and happened to see it the other day.
That is usually the batch number, it can help with dating along with the serial number, but the details of trim and how they did the logo are usually more accurate for dating…
@@jontreichel68 Mine does not have the dot above the "i" on the logo. I'm trying to lock down a date for it. I can't find a serial number on it anywhere.
@@jontreichel68 I have a buddy who said it was more than likely a 30's model but would love to get some more information on it.
@@infobahnpirate9713 Do you have any pictures of the headstock?
I think back in laminate not like top which is solid
I believe it is all solid, plus the back is carved as well as the top
learn the melody to autumn leaves please
What strings do you recommend for these?
Phosphor bronze strings are nice and warm but if you want more snap then you might prefer 80-20’s
Flat wound strings.
@@jeffhodge7333 This is an acoustic solid wood (i.e. no laminates in its construction) archtop - flatwound strings will in my opinion absolutely ruin the sound; they're dull and lifeless compared with roundwounds. Each to their own I suppose!
I'm gonna say I think this is an L48. It's idfentical to mine.
Could be an L48, I don’t have one here to compare it with. I assumed it was an L50 because they were much more common.
Does this have some kind of pickup wired to the bridge?