Gibson L-1 Robert Johnson

[TexMexMike]

I found a non-chain music store called Jim's Music in Irvine, CA. Great selection of guitars and other musical equipment. They had something I have been dieing to try. A Gibson L-1 RJ!

The L-1 is a small body, 12 fret, 25" short scale. Here's a link to it's full description.

http://www.musiciansfriend.com/srs7/fg=84/g=home/search/detail/base_pid/517841/

I was impressed. What struck me most was how LOUD this little guy was. Definitely had a "Napoleon complex." It had true Gibson tone. Extremely focused and warm with a bit of it's own distortion added. The neck felt great. Due to the short scale it was sooo easy to play. The sunburst was a thing of beauty. A great blues guitar.

Workmanship over-all was right up there. Inside was flawless. The finish was close to perfect. Except for my complaint about all of the re-issue vintage Gibson's. The finish in the inside portion of the soundhole is always left a bit rough. I am by far not the only one to notice this! And for the price....COME ON! This really does bother me!

While cruising a Gibson forum, I got what seems to be the answer. "That's how they were made in the 30's." "And the Montana shop is trying to be as original as possible." "Leads to show that the guitar is still hand made as they were in the 30's." This information "supposedly" supplied by someone who works at Gibson. He also mentioned "look at the non-vintage production lines and you will notice that the soundhole is smooth" as a babies behind. (I added the last part) Vintage model or not! I wish they'd spend the extra 10 minutes with some sand paper and finish it smooth! I don't require mine to be that 100% accurate!

That aside. The RJ L-1 sounded great. And I am still GASing for one. You only notice the roughness by feel. Not so much visually. I guess I could get over it. Well worth taking a look at if you happen by one!

[Bytor1975]

Check your link there Mike...

I think this is it. (http://www.musiciansfriend.com/srs7/fg=84/g=home/search/detail/base_pid/517841/)

http://img3.musiciansfriend.com/dbase/pics/products/51/517841.jpg

[TexMexMike]

DOH! Thanks Bytor.....I put it in the hyper "comment." Thanks for the correcto mundo!

[nothin but the blues]

Glad you were able too play one... I've always had my eye on that little fella. The only thing I don't care for visually is the way they did his Sig. on the frets...

I haven't seen one in person yet (good thing, cause I'd probably own it :lol: ) But, hope too soon!

If you pick that baby up Mike, better get some good pictures of it up here! :thumbsup:

[TexMexMike]

Glad you were able too play one... I've always had my eye on that little fella. The only thing I don't care for visually is the way they did his Sig. on the frets...

I haven't seen one in person yet (good thing, cause I'd probably own it :lol: ) But, hope too soon!

If you pick that baby up Mike, better get some good pictures of it up here! :thumbsup:

I am very interested. As always, it comes down to price. The salesman did his best to get me interested in a custom shop all Koa J-45. Offered me a great deal. Said he couldn't give me the same break on the L-1 because they move faster. "We just got this one in." I then showed him the 12 layers of dust on the upper bout, corroded strings and the fact it still had the shipping label dated 11-04. The salesman then admitted he could not sell it at that high of a discount with out the owner's approval. Guess he is Mexico fishing or something. I'll go back later this week when the owner of the consigned area is in.

Who knows. If I get the price that I am willing to pay. I'll take it. If not, it just wasn't meant to be. The chase is a big part of the fun anyhow!

[Bytor1975]

Maybe the warehouse was dusty? :lol:

[nothin but the blues]

Leave it too Gibson to ship a guitar with a case, and shipping box. :lol:

[TexMexMike]

Well...It was more than obvious that they had the guitar hangin on the rack....A tad longer than..."Just got it in." I know exactly what they paid for it. I'd be willing to pick it up if I got a sweet deal. :nod:

[Justpickin]

Quite waffling and buy it....... :coolgleam

[Yankeefan01]

There's one on Ebay if your interested...

EBay Gibson RJ (http://search.ebay.com/gibson-l-1_W0QQsofocusZbsQQsbrftogZ1QQsojsZ1QQfromZR10QQsatitleZgibsonQ20l-1QQsacatZ-1QQcatrefZC6QQsargnZ-1QQsaslcZ2QQftrtZ1QQftrvZ1QQfsopZ1QQfsooZ1)

[nothin but the blues]

There's one on Ebay if your interested...

EBay Gibson RJ (http://search.ebay.com/gibson-l-1_W0QQsofocusZbsQQsbrftogZ1QQsojsZ1QQfromZR10QQsatitleZgibsonQ20l-1QQsacatZ-1QQcatrefZC6QQsargnZ-1QQsaslcZ2QQftrtZ1QQftrvZ1QQfsopZ1QQfsooZ1)
ahhhhhh man don't show me that! :lol:

[Yankeefan01]

ahhhhhh man don't show me that! :lol:

Go ahead. You know you want to. Everybodies doin' it. What are you, a wuss. :thumbsup:

[TexMexMike]

ahhhhhh man don't show me that! :lol:


I saw that one...Tracking!!! :nod:

[nothin but the blues]

Go ahead. You know you want to. Everybodies doin' it. What are you, a wuss. :thumbsup:
Yes, I've become a wuss! :(

I've REALLY been GASing for an L-5... oh boy, oh boy :lol:

[nothin but the blues]

I'd really have to play that guitar before buying it. Because now adays it seems with Gibson it is more of a hit or miss than other brands... especially they're acoustics...

[TexMexMike]

I'd really have to play that guitar before buying it. Because now adays it seems with Gibson it is more of a hit or miss than other brands... especially they're acoustics...


I typically have to "play" any brand of guitar that I am interested in purchasing. Myself, I do not agree with the "BAD" wrap that people from the UMGF and other's have attempted to give Gibson. Gibson, INMYHOP is turning out better guitars today, than they ever have. The years to avoid are late 60's to 1983...acoustically. This is "well" known. They were prone to more than "sloppy" workmanship. Loose braces, bellied tops, poorly set necks, etc. It was a true "hit and miss" period. But then, more than a handful of them were truly great instruments! (I can provide more detail and quotes from top notch luthiers etc. upon request. All published) It's not like Martin hasn't had a few bad years (the entire decade known as the 70's) and to this day make a "FLOP" or two.

Anyone played the D-15S that everyone at UMGF praises so much? Wonderful Ping tuners with plastic coated knobs. CHEESY does not begin to describe them! Plus, they work as well as they look. Sound wise, the three I have played were not "all" that special. A true dissapointment for me after all the hype. Has stopped from ordering a 000-15s sight un-seen! I could go on more about what my trusty 2" x 4" telescoping mirror has found in a few Martin HD-28's etc! Hmmmmmmmm...buy a vintage Martin or Gibson....Guess which is 3 times more likely to need a neck reset?

OK. I love Martin. By far my favorite guitar manufacturer. And yes...more consistant than Gibson. I am just tired of the invalid Gibson bashing! They make wonderful guitars. I recommend playing before buying. The same advice goes for every manufacturer, Martin, Taylor, etc included!

Just my worthless 2 cents!

OK. I do feel better now! :smoke:

[nothin but the blues]

Thats why I said "other brands" :thumbsup:

All manufacturers have inconsistencies, however some "in my opinion" are worse than others, and I don't base my opinion on what other people say. I spend many, many hours a week playing all kinds of Acoustics in a handful of stores. Some large chains, some mom & pop shops.

Of course when I speak of inconsistencies, I'm speaking in terms of tone, not so much the actual build of the guitar. I think Gibson's "quality" on they're Acoustics have gone up considerably compared too what they were producing in the past. Of course, quality issues have arose for all manufacturers in years past, but I believe guitar makers are putting out some of the best guitars right now that they have in a very, very long time.

I've played many.... many Martins that I couldn't stand, same goes with other brands. The over all build of the guitars were great, very nice craftsmanship, but they're tone was all wrong to "me". Perfect for someone else I'm sure, as this is always the case.

I don't hate Gibson's by any means. I love they're older (30's) L-00's, L-1's, Kalamazoo's, etc. Those older guitars are really much more of a hit or miss however, because so much relies on how the wood has aged. I also love they're L-5's, and ES-335's (of course thats on the electric end of the spectrum). I've had a chance to play quite a few of Gibson's Historic Series guitars lately, and they play and sound great. So much so, I almost bought the J-45 Historic, it was just uncomfortable to me, because I mainly don't use a pick. There is a 50's LG-1 thats gonna come home with me though, as soon as I get them to bring the price where I want it. :coolgleam

Aside from past quality issues Gibson has had, I think they get a lot of bad word of mouth because of the approach they've decided too take in running they're business. It's not exactly "player friendly". I think most would agree, they are headed in the wrong direction in many of they're little marketing plots. But, this will pass, cause not long ago it was the same deal with Fender, when certain companies took over... ehh ehm. :lol:

To be honest, if I was asked what I thought the most consistant Acoustic brand was (excluding Luthier built guitars of course) at the moment, I would say Taylor. Not only tone wise, buy playability right out of the box as well. I just don't care for the tone of they're steel strings.

So, as you know it's all a personal thing... tone that is. I personally have experienced it more difficult to find that "Gibson tone" from Gibson's lately, than the "Martin tone" or "Taylor tone" etc. from those makers. I'm sure the ones that don't fancy me are "Holy Grails" to other folks, and thats fine, thats the way it's suppose to be.

I'm still jealous that you've gotten to play the RJ L-1, because thats one I've been dying to play, but just haven't found it locally yet, and I've been looking for awhile. Then again, I live in Ohio, you live in Cali :lol:

[TexMexMike]

Thats why I said "other brands" :thumbsup:

All manufacturers have inconsistencies, however some "in my opinion" are worse than others, and I don't base my opinion on what other people say. I spend many, many hours a week playing all kinds of Acoustics in a handful of stores. Some large chains, some mom & pop shops.

Of course when I speak of inconsistencies, I'm speaking in terms of tone, not so much the actual build of the guitar. I think Gibson's "quality" on they're Acoustics have gone up considerably compared too what they were producing in the past. Of course, quality issues have arose for all manufacturers in years past, but I believe guitar makers are putting out some of the best guitars right now that they have in a very, very long time.

I've played many.... many Martins that I couldn't stand, same goes with other brands. The over all build of the guitars were great, very nice craftsmanship, but they're tone was all wrong to "me". Perfect for someone else I'm sure, as this is always the case.

I don't hate Gibson's by any means. I love they're older (30's) L-00's, L-1's, Kalamazoo's, etc. Those older guitars are really much more of a hit or miss however, because so much relies on how the wood has aged. I also love they're L-5's, and ES-335's (of course thats on the electric end of the spectrum). I've had a chance to play quite a few of Gibson's Historic Series guitars lately, and they play and sound great. So much so, I almost bought the J-45 Historic, it was just uncomfortable to me, because I mainly don't use a pick. There is a 50's LG-1 thats gonna come home with me though, as soon as I get them to bring the price where I want it.

Aside from past quality issues Gibson has had, I think they get a lot of bad word of mouth because of the approach they've decided too take in running they're business. It's not exactly "player friendly". I think most would agree, they are headed in the wrong direction in many of they're little marketing plots. But, this will pass, cause not long ago it was the same deal with Fender, when certain companies took over... ehh ehm. :lol:

To be honest, if I was asked what I thought the most consistant Acoustic brand was (excluding Luthier built guitars of course) at the moment, I would say Taylor. Not only tone wise, buy playability right out of the box as well. I just don't care for the tone of they're steel strings.

So, as you know it's all a personal thing... tone that is. I personally have experienced it more difficult to find that "Gibson tone" from Gibson's lately, than the "Martin tone" or "Taylor tone" etc. from those makers. I'm sure the ones that don't fancy me are "Holy Grails" to other folks, and thats fine, thats the way it's suppose to be.

I'm still jealous that you've gotten to play the RJ L-1, because thats one I've been dying to play, but just haven't found it locally yet, and I've been looking for awhile. Then again, I live in Ohio, you live in Cali :lol:


Very well put! Now that is "constructive critism" that reflects the "good and the bad." I agree with 99.5% of everything that you said. Your knowlege comes from personel expieriance, not from what you read. I enjoy and respect that type of opinion! :nod:

I more than agree with your assement of Taylor's. I too wish that their sound was my taste. Not many manufacturers can hold a candle near Taylors playability out of the box! Larrivee is a close second in my opinion.

I was shocked when I saw the RJ L-1 on the wall at Jim's music. I was beginning to think that I'd never see one. Especially with how Gibson apparently has shot themselves in the foot after dropping 150 dealers nation wide! (Somebody needs to fire the head of their marketing and distribution department!.....JMYHOP!)

As always....I appreciate your well thought, informative opinion!

[nothin but the blues]

Well it all comes with my 50 years of experience :lol:

Hey bud, another RJ popped up on Ebay. There is "no" shipping available, but it's in Pasadena. The picture they have is not so great, but it the Burst looks fantastic! Might be worth the small road trip in the Porsche to check it out. :thumbsup:

Would save you the $65.00 :speechles the other person wants for shipping on the one they are selling.

Here's the linky in case you haven't already seen it.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=33025&item=7321504455&rd=1

[TexMexMike]

Thanks Eric! I'm going to shoot off a request to the seller and see if I can run down to Pasedena and check it out!

[nothin but the blues]

Thanks Eric! I'm going to shoot off a request to the seller and see if I can run down to Pasedena and check it out!
That be great... It looks like the burst is might lighter/brighter than you usually see on these things... could be a real looker! :thumbsup:

Make sure to document your findings here afterwards :smoke:

[TexMexMike]

I heard back from the seller on the auction that you provided. He wants "local delivery" only. No problemo. I live with in a 45 minute drive! But, he was not interested in letting me examine it before I placed a bid! With 5 hours left and the bid at $1,375.00 it has still not met the reserve price. At that point I'd almost rather spend the extra $$$ to get a brand new one with a life time warranty. If this guy paid the $1,999.00 retail price that he quoted, and has only a 3 rating on E-bay. Looks like buyers remorse to me. I wouldn't be surprised if his reserve is as much, if not higher than what I can purchase a new one for! :beany:

[nothin but the blues]

I heard back from the seller on the auction that you provided. He wants "local delivery" only. No problemo. I live with in a 45 minute drive! But, he was not interested in letting me examine it before I placed a bid! With 5 hours left and the bid at $1,375.00 it has still not met the reserve price. At that point I'd almost rather spend the extra $$$ to get a brand new one with a life time warranty. If this guy paid the $1,999.00 retail price that he quoted, and has only a 3 rating on E-bay. Looks like buyers remorse to me. I wouldn't be surprised if his reserve is as much, if not higher than what I can purchase a new one for! :beany:
Yea if he won't let you go look at it before buying it, he's a moron

[Yankeefan01]

I heard back from the seller on the auction that you provided. He wants "local delivery" only. No problemo. I live with in a 45 minute drive! But, he was not interested in letting me examine it before I placed a bid! With 5 hours left and the bid at $1,375.00 it has still not met the reserve price. At that point I'd almost rather spend the extra $$$ to get a brand new one with a life time warranty. If this guy paid the $1,999.00 retail price that he quoted, and has only a 3 rating on E-bay. Looks like buyers remorse to me. I wouldn't be surprised if his reserve is as much, if not higher than what I can purchase a new one for! :beany:

Smart move Tex. Better off going for a new one. That weiner is going to end up keeping it.

[Dreadnought]

Hi,
What the heck?
The RJ reproduction for $2400 has 12 frets above the body but the pictures of RJ show him whith a 14 fret guitar.
What's with that?
Did he really play a Blues King?
Fred R.

[Bytor1975]

Hmmm... I never noticed that!

[nothin but the blues]

Hi,
What the heck?
The RJ reproduction for $2400 has 12 frets above the body but the pictures of RJ show him whith a 14 fret guitar.
What's with that?
Did he really play a Blues King?
Fred R.
Huh?

The Gibson reproduction is a Gibson L-1 copy (12 Fret), the guitar Robert is holding in the picture of him in a tux, is a 12 fret Gibson L-1. Not sure what you mean.

Most people don't believe he actually owned that guitar anyway, or the tux he's wearing for that matter.

[nothin but the blues]

Oh duh! :lol: Are you talking about the guitar he's holding in the picture I use as my Avitar?

The guitar he's holding there has never been identified, nobody is exactly sure what it is. But, because folks like Johnny Shines, and Honeyboy have stated one of Roberts favorite guitars was a Kalamazoo, most people believe the guitar he's holding in this picture is a 30's Kalamazoo KG-14 (14 fret).

Since the Kalamazoo was the cheaper line of Gibsons made in Kalamazoo, MI. Most people believe this was more likely the type of guitar he actually played, rather than the L-1 he has in the other picture of him.

He always was believed to play Stella's.

[nothin but the blues]

If you are interested, here is a 30's Kalamazoo KG-14. Which was considered a student guitar, and was a cheaper version of the Gibson L-00 of the time.


http://img518.imageshack.us/img518/6828/kalamazoofw9.jpg (http://imageshack.us/)

[TexMexMike]

Great info NBTB's! Been waiting for your, as usual, expert response to this one! :smilewide

[nothin but the blues]

Great info NBTB's! Been waiting for your, as usual, expert response to this one! :smilewide
Thanks big Mike... I've been out of the saddle for awhile.. but I'm back in :thumbsup: :hat-man:

[TexMexMike]

I guess most blues palyers back then did not make alot of money. Their personnel equipment, in many cases, were typically the less expensive guitars of the day. For photo ops and many times recording, etc....I understand that they likely used the studios equipment.

[TexMexMike]

Thanks big Mike... I've been out of the saddle for awhile.. but I'm back in :thumbsup: :hat-man:

>>>Me to! Good to be back.....and GREAT 2CU back! :hat-man:

[nothin but the blues]

I guess most blues palyers back then did not make alot of money. Their personnel equipment, in many cases, were typically the less expensive guitars of the day. For photo ops and many times recording, etc....I understand that they likely used the studios equipment.
Exactly, or they were loaned from manufactors. Many believe the suit he was wearing was most likely a family members... or on loan as well. As for a Bluesman of the day, that suit he's wearing would have not been cheap.

[TexMexMike]

Exactly, or they were loaned from manufactors. Many believe the suit he was wearing was most likely a family members... or on loan as well. As for a Bluesman of the day, that suit he's wearing would have not been cheap.

Erik....I don't know where it is...But for people that may be interested in RJ and are reading this thread. You might want to add a link to the thread where you posted a bunch of RJ info. It was a GREAT read!!! :hat-man: