Okay, it's not a Guild. Don't flame me, amigos!

[gilded]

Hi Guys.

BIRTH YEAR ?

Think of it as a birth-year guitar for an old guy!

I was born in '53, but the book/serial numbers show this non-cut L-5 was built in '50. That said, little things like the face-plate indicate this guitar may have been made in '52 or '53. An example would be that the dot on the letter i is hitting the bottom of the letter G in the word Gibson.

The tuners are metal-tipped Seal Fasts, more indicative of a '50s or '60s guitar. The truss-rod cover might be a little later, too. The tail-piece is original, from the beginning.

PICKUPS

Well, I have a DeArmond FHC-C 'in the box', but I can't remember if it needs help or not. I haven't tried to use it in '15 years. If anybody can tell me a bit about the FHC-C pickup

IDEAS:

I want to drop the action if possible, try a bunch of different strings, like phosphor bronze. I like D'Addarios. There are some arpeggio figures I used to be able to execute with another arch-top, but couldn't perform with this guitar at it's present fret height. The bridge may be original to the guitar, too. I have more pics if there is some interest.

Thanks, gilded!

 

[gilded]

Hi Guys.

BIRTH YEAR ?

Think of it as a birth-year guitar for an old guy!

I was born in '53, but the book/serial numbers show this non-cut L-5 was built in '50. That said, little things like the face-plate indicate this guitar may have been made in '52 or '53. An example would be that the dot on the letter i is hitting the bottom of the letter G in the word Gibson.

The tuners are metal-tipped Seal Fasts, more indicative of a '50s or '60s guitar. The truss-rod cover might be a little later, too. The tail-piece is original, from the beginning.

PICKUPS

Well, I have a DeArmond FHC-C 'in the box', but I can't remember if it needs help or not. I haven't tried to use it in 15 years. If anybody can tell me a bit about the FHC-C pickup

IDEAS:

I want to drop the action if possible, try a bunch of different strings, like phosphor bronze. I like D'Addarios. There are some arpeggio figures I used to be able to execute with another arch-top, but couldn't perform with this guitar at it's present fret height. The bridge may be original to the guitar, too. I have more pics if there is some interest.

Thanks, gilded!

 

[GGJaguar]

Whoa, that's stunning! Congrats!!!

 

[gilded]

Thanks, amigo! The wood on the back is mighty cool. I wish I knew exactly what it is/was!

 

[twocorgis]

Looks like a beauty Harry! Play it in good health.

 

[gilded]

Corgi-Man, Krysh, Mr. Jaguar, thank you all.

So glad you guys dig it. You know first time I played a Guild was about '72. It was an old X-175 with a BIG Hole in the top and white Franz pick ups They wanted $300. I told them there was a nice '68 Les Paul with white P-90s in it that was also $300.... the Les Paul won that day! gilded

 

[Guildedagain]

It's a Stinger ;[]

 

[Westerly Wood]

I really dig the top and the ornate tuners and back of headstock. Congrats!

 

[gilded]

Again, thank you. I'll keep you Posted.

 

[dreadnut]

Hand-built in Kalamazoo, Michigan.

 

[shihan]

Wow, wow, wow! A ‘50’s L-5 is a spectacular acquisition. I admit to some jealousy; well, a lot of jealousy!
seriously, congratulations on getting such a beautiful guitar.
As for the playability, I took the action on my L-50 way down, like an electric guitar. There is a volume drop; as these were designed for hard strumming to get the top vibrating, but it plays great, very comfortable. Lower the action, especially if you are going to us a pick-up.
I have a friend that regularly gigs with an FMC. It sounds great, and he reports no problems using it.
As for strings, the original instructions for my Rhythm Chief 1000 recommended using Monel strings. I do, and quite like them, you might try a set.
enjoy that beauty!

 

[gilded]

shihan=Dennis, hope I got your moniker right, old chum. Are the rains closing in on you in California? Hope not. One of my family members lives out there, I get anxious every time it rains near the HollyWoodLand sign.
As for jealousy, it's not like I've been Living Large. I've wanted to buy this guitar since I saw it 15 years ago. Couldn't afford it then, couldn't afford the down payment now!
But sometimes, the Stars line up, wonderful people intervene and suggestions are made. Because of all these moments, gilded is indeed a lucky boy.

One other thing. Between the Hollow Body M-75, the L-5, my '68 F-112, and a couple of Mark series nylon-string guitars, I'm getting a lot of the sounds that I've wanted for a long time. Now all I have to do is get the band back together!!

Best, gilded

 

[shihan]

Harry, the jealously was mostly tongue in cheek; I’m very happy for you! I’m sure you deserve that fine guitar.
We’ve had plenty of rain in our area, but our town is OK, a few minor problems. The rain is mostly welcome after our prolonged drought; just maybe too much of a good thing.
sounds like you’re in the catbird seat, as far as guitars go. Enjoy!

 

[walrus]

I love it! What a beauty! Congratulations!

walrus

 

[dreadnut]

We don't want no stinkin' flaming around here!

 

[chazmo]

Beautiful, Harry. Congrats.

 

[beecee]

Beauty....if it could only talk about where it's been!!!

Enjoy.

 

[gilded]

hey guys, glad you like my geetar. i’ll try and get a ‘bio history’ of the guitar
for interested parties
brother chazmo see you round campus
gil’

 

[twocorgis]

hey guys, glad you like my geetar. i’ll try and get a ‘bio history’ of the guitar
for interested parties
brother chazmo see you round campus
gil’

We're all ears! I owe you a phone call.

 

[GGJaguar]

hey guys, glad you like my geetar.

Not just like it, but love it! I keep coming back to this thread just to look at that quintessential jazz box. Wow!