Gibson

[Dave Bagwill]

My student Eric brought over his Gibson L-00 today and is leaving it with me overnight. It is a FINE instrument that anyone would be glad to own. I'm measuring the dickens out of it because after his next kit build he wants to scratch build an L-00 under my patient, wise, and all-knowing guidance.
According to the serial number, this one was built in Bozeman on January 2, 2002, the number 3 build in the series. Mahogany b/s and spruce of some sort for the top. 1/4" bracing top and back. I've put a mirror inside and the workmanship is very good, in fact as good as any I've seen, and it is responsive and musical. Impressive. I'm not a huge Gibson fan, and I think he got the 'pick of the litter' but still, it was a revelation to me.

[ken cierp]

Gibson made some bad mistakes in the acoustic market, but none the less fine instruments are being produced today and were in the past. -- There are passionate fans of the L-00, J185 J200 and I am sure there is a segment of America that holds their J45's as one of their most prized possessions. I owned a new 1965 (sorry I sold it) and even with the goofy adjustable bridge, in the hands of a good player it was awesome! The fact that your student has a good one in my opinion, is not a fluke.

[Dave Bagwill]

I'm glad to hear it. If I was buying an L-00 I might try to find one built right around when Eric's was. Not a guarantee of an equally impressive guitar, but Bozeman sure had the methods and means to do good stuff at that time,

[ken cierp]

Of course Gibson at one time was in my backyard -- Kalamazoo Michigan. "Heritage Guitars" owns the factory now.

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