Four Acoustic Archtops

A four chord vamp played more or less identically on four acoustic archtops: 1947 Gibson L-5N, 1935 Gibson L-12, 2008 Eastman AR-904C, and 2010 Forshage "Captiva." Recorded with Beyerdynamic MC930 small diaphragm condenser mic.

Category:

Music

Tags:

• Roger
• Placer
• Acoustic
• Archtop
• Guitar
• Jazz
• Gibson
• L-5
• L-7
• L-10
• L-12
• L5
• L7
• L10
• L12
• Forshage
• Eastman
• AR-904C
• AR-904CE

[123Fenderman]

way cool! it's nice to see that i'm not alone in liking acoustic archtops. and this is the way comparisons should be done. bravo!

but all this goes to show that it's all matter of taste. i like L-5 sound the most out of of these 4. i guess it depends on playing style and what kind of music one plays.

[rpguitar]

@123Fenderman - And in fact, the L-5 is my favorite, and it actually sounds way better than on this video. I have sold the Eastman and the L-12 (my dad has that one; it's still around!). The L-5 is now fitted with a DeArmond 1100 Super Rhythm Chief and it is the bomb. Thaks for posting.

[Cybernalt]

The L5 has a bit of that honk I dislike .. the Eastman sounds too bit boomy, the Forshage comes closer, but still honky .. but now I want an L12 or at least that one.

[rpguitar]

@Cybernalt - Wow, I remember your handle from Usenet many years ago! The L-12 is an example of a 17" X-braced vintage Gibson, and I agree that these are some of the coolest ones. The L-5 is a better single note guitar because of its somewhat focused punchy tone, but I agree that it is a little simpler sounding harmonically - it has a narrower dynamic range.

[bertreb1]

Now THAT is how to compare guitars. THANK YOU! No talking,no amps, no effects same thing being played on each guitar, editted appropriately. You, sir, are officialy in charge of EVERYONE on you tube who is attempting to "demo" ANYTHING.

[rpguitar]

@bertreb1 - You are too kind! If I could quit my day job and get paid for that, I'd sign up immediately. :)

[fws6]

Great vid, should do the same with mine. Much more info than most "guitar reviews" with lots of blah blah, my compliments. L5 sounds killer, L12 is very sweet, great specimens to demonstrate parallel vs x-bracing. Eastman is very boomy, sounds good but after a while Id get annoyed with that bass and pick one of the f-holes again. The last IMHO seems like a nice experiment gone sightly wrong, rather thin and trebly. More a flattop lacking midrange rather than an archtop with some flattop mixed in

[fpierangel]

Great way to compare! I vote for the L-12!

[Cybernalt]

@rpguitar ... yea, been around a while but mostly quiet. Thanks for the memories.

I use to have a 30's Martin arch-top - C2 as I recall - paid $500 (mid 80's) , but frankly never liked the sound .. sold it WAY to early ... regardless - Thanks for the tone samples. Now I know the sound is possible from an Arch-top (Queen of Guitars) .. and also know what I will be seeking.