Product: Greco L-5 Copy
Price Paid: US $1750 used
Submitted
03/17/2003
at
01:11am
by
Fren
Email: greco<at>frenasken dot com
Features
:
8
This is a Japanese made Greco L-5CES Copy made in 1978. It's a big jazz box...3 inches thick. It is a sunburst and in excellent condition. Like the Gibson model, it has an ebony fretboard, two non-original Gibson '57 PAF reissue pu's with volume and tone for each, and a 3 way switch. It has laminated sides and back, but unlike most of the L-5 copies made by the same manufacturer during that time period, it has a solid carved spruce top. It is signed by Tamura, who was the head of the Super Real department at the time, and from what I understand, a disciple of D'Angelico. The back is not the quilted maple you've seen on many L-5's, but it's pretty non the less
Sound
:
10
This guitar plugged in sounds just like the real thing to me. I plug it straight into my Fender Pro Junior and it has the most traditional jazz guitar sound I've heard. The solid carved top definitely makes a difference in the sound. I've had Ibanez L-5 copies with laminated tops that didn't sound this good. Like I said...sounds just like a real L-5.
Action, Fit, & Finish
:
9
I bought this used in '02 and was surprised at the quality of the finish. It almost looked new at first glance. Of course there are some VERY minor dings and some yellowing of the binding around the neck. It has the traditional Gibson headstock with the L-5 flowerpot (can you say lawsuit?).
The guitar plays flawlessly...as good as any L-5, and I've played a lot of them.
Reliability/Durability
:
10
This guitar looks excellent after 25 years. I don't expect that will change any time soon. Stays in tune great. Intonates well. Awesome.
Customer Support
:
No Opinion
c'mon...it's used!
Overall Rating
:
9
I've been playing for well over 30 years. I've had 2 Ibanez L-5 copies before this one and had to sell them. I have been searching for another for years and finally found this one. It's everything I'd expect from this model. Of course I miss the solid sides and back, but this axe still sounds awesome electric or acoustic. I have a Fender Strat, a Gibson ES-335, a '42 Gibson J-45, a '32 Dobro and a few more acoustics including a Taylor. I've had probably 30 other guitars in my life, and this one is definitely one of the best I've ever owned. It's not quite as nice as a real L-5 acoustically, but it's damn close, and a third the price!
These are REALLY hard to find. If it was stolen I'd cry for a year. I think it's even cooler than a real L-5, just because it's so rare and in such great condition.
