Gibson B-25 (1965) vs. L-00??

[Mateo Alou]

Gibson experts, please help: I've always liked L-00s but someone
suggested I look at the B-25s of the mid-60s, which is when they were
starting to phase out the L-00 (pre-reissue) and the B-25s were coming
in. What are the known pros and cons of these guitars? Good for
flatpicking/accompaniment as well as fingerpicking/slide blues?

Oh, can anyone lend me $1,500? ;-)

[Fletch]

Post by Mateo Alou
Gibson experts, please help: I've always liked L-00s but someone
suggested I look at the B-25s of the mid-60s, which is when they were
starting to phase out the L-00 (pre-reissue) and the B-25s were coming
in. What are the known pros and cons of these guitars? Good for
flatpicking/accompaniment as well as fingerpicking/slide blues?
Oh, can anyone lend me $1,500? ;-)

Actually, B25 and LG1 are functionally the same guitar (name change, reason unknown). The L-00
really wasn't produced after the very early sixties, to my knowledge.

I have owned an LG1 and found the mahogany back and sides to be very nice. Projection was great. My
guitar at least was loud. I have played others and they were similarly endowed. Whether
fingerpicking or strumming or playing slide work, it was all good.

Pros and cons depend upon condition of the instrument and the set up. If condition is good and the
setup is well done (bridge ivory in correct intonation position), then it's just a matter of the
neck being to your liking. The one I had was similar to a les paul neck. But i've played versions
with "club-ier" necks, too.

You just have to play them and find one that suits you, that speaks to you. Beyond that, they're a
great instrument for what you want to play on them.

[Jerry Dallal]

Post by Fletch
Actually, B25 and LG1 are functionally the same guitar (name change,
reason unknown).

The B-25 is X-braced. The LG-1 is ladder braced.

[Wade Hampton Miller]

Mateo, I've played a lot of old B-25's and quite a few of the new
L-00's. While I realize that many of the older B-25's have a good
sound and their owners love them dearly, my own feeling is that these
new L body Gibsons are considerably better made, and most that I've
tried have sounded better to my ears than the 60's vintage B-25's.

Your impressions might not match mine, which is why it's wise to try to
search out a few of each so you can make tour own comparison.

But I think the new ones are better, in several regards.


Wade Hampton Miller

[Jerry Dallal]

Post by Wade Hampton Miller
Mateo, I've played a lot of old B-25's and quite a few of the new
L-00's. While I realize that many of the older B-25's have a good
sound and their owners love them dearly, my own feeling is that these
new L body Gibsons are considerably better made, and most that I've
tried have sounded better to my ears than the 60's vintage B-25's.
Your impressions might not match mine, which is why it's wise to try to
search out a few of each so you can make tour own comparison.
But I think the new ones are better, in several regards.

Lately, I'm down on new instruments. No matter how hard they try,
makers can't seem to duplicate the sound of a 40+ year old instrument.

B-25's are 60s Gibsons. That means their necks vary all over the place
from fat to pencil thin. The bridges (if you find one with an original
bridge) are adjustable and some are bolt-on plastic. Still, as Wade
says, many have a good sound. Mine, with its bolt-on bridge often gets
compliments. Prices have jumped lately, no matter what the guide books say.

One advantage to the older Gibsons, if you can buy one privately, is
that it is unlikely you would lose money if you wanted to sell it later.
But, like Wade says, try a few of each. If one of them jumps out at you
during the search, buy it and don't look back.

[Tony Done]

I think among the vintage examples it comes down to individual guitars. I
guess that workmanship and materials are similar in the two models you
mention. I have tried a few old examples of LGs, and most were dogs, but I
have heard that is also true of old L-00s. Mine is good, but it has a had
lot of work done on it, and is not really comparable to an original. It
didn't sound very good when I got it.

Tony D

Post by Mateo Alou
Gibson experts, please help: I've always liked L-00s but someone
suggested I look at the B-25s of the mid-60s, which is when they were
starting to phase out the L-00 (pre-reissue) and the B-25s were coming
in. What are the known pros and cons of these guitars? Good for
flatpicking/accompaniment as well as fingerpicking/slide blues?
Oh, can anyone lend me $1,500? ;-)

[Trent-Lion]

Post by Mateo Alou
Oh, can anyone lend me $1,500? ;-)

I receive numerous emailed offers on a daily basis to loan me money at
reasonable rates and would be happy to forward them if desired. :)