Hi all!
My wife took us to a small local event this summer featuring a large Gibson collection and Dave Harvey, a Gibson luthier who (I think) heads up their mandolin division. Among other things he played this beauty and it sounded amazing:
I forget at this point which "L" version it was but it was on the early side due to the arched top and back. My understanding is that Gibson morphed this into a flat top/arched back version (Robert Johnson?) and then later it seems it went to flat/flat combo.
I've always had a soft spot for this early Gibson shape and have a feeling I'll be building one of these versions in the future, but before I go much further I was curious if anyone has built one of these? It seems there were tons of variations along the way so would love to hear any thoughts on things to do and/or avoid.
Thanks!
Gibson L-1 questions
-
Morecowbell
- Posts: 284
- Joined: Thu Feb 21, 2019 10:51 am
- Location: Fishers, IN
Gibson L-1 questions
You do not have the required permissions to view the files attached to this post.
"Facts seldom sway an opinion." - John Hall
"The difference between theory and practice is that in theory there is no difference." - Van de Snepscheut
"The difference between theory and practice is that in theory there is no difference." - Van de Snepscheut
-
MaineGeezer
- Posts: 1719
- Joined: Wed Aug 13, 2014 12:14 pm
Re: Gibson L-1 questions
M friend Carter Ruff ( http://submusicworks.com ) is also partial to that Gibson shape. He's built several, including some with carved arched backs.
Don't believe everything you know.
Anything is possible if you don't know what you are talking about.
When things are bad, try not to make them any worse, because it is quite likely they are bad enough already. - French Foreign Legion
Anything is possible if you don't know what you are talking about.
When things are bad, try not to make them any worse, because it is quite likely they are bad enough already. - French Foreign Legion
-
Morecowbell
- Posts: 284
- Joined: Thu Feb 21, 2019 10:51 am
- Location: Fishers, IN
Re: Gibson L-1 questions
Thank you!!
He does beautiful work, wow! And he's done an arch top with a wood combination I was wondering about, i will definitely contact him.
He does beautiful work, wow! And he's done an arch top with a wood combination I was wondering about, i will definitely contact him.
"Facts seldom sway an opinion." - John Hall
"The difference between theory and practice is that in theory there is no difference." - Van de Snepscheut
"The difference between theory and practice is that in theory there is no difference." - Van de Snepscheut
-
MaineGeezer
- Posts: 1719
- Joined: Wed Aug 13, 2014 12:14 pm
Re: Gibson L-1 questions
Here's a photo of one he built. This one doesn't have a carved back.
You do not have the required permissions to view the files attached to this post.
Don't believe everything you know.
Anything is possible if you don't know what you are talking about.
When things are bad, try not to make them any worse, because it is quite likely they are bad enough already. - French Foreign Legion
Anything is possible if you don't know what you are talking about.
When things are bad, try not to make them any worse, because it is quite likely they are bad enough already. - French Foreign Legion
-
Morecowbell
- Posts: 284
- Joined: Thu Feb 21, 2019 10:51 am
- Location: Fishers, IN
Re: Gibson L-1 questions
He was very helpful - thanks for the contact!
Best,
Clay
Best,
Clay
"Facts seldom sway an opinion." - John Hall
"The difference between theory and practice is that in theory there is no difference." - Van de Snepscheut
"The difference between theory and practice is that in theory there is no difference." - Van de Snepscheut
-
MaineGeezer
- Posts: 1719
- Joined: Wed Aug 13, 2014 12:14 pm
Re: Gibson L-1 questions
Glad to hear it Carter is a really nice guy.
Don't believe everything you know.
Anything is possible if you don't know what you are talking about.
When things are bad, try not to make them any worse, because it is quite likely they are bad enough already. - French Foreign Legion
Anything is possible if you don't know what you are talking about.
When things are bad, try not to make them any worse, because it is quite likely they are bad enough already. - French Foreign Legion