Product: Lyle F-500
Price Paid: N/A used
Submitted
05/27/2006
at
12:36pm
by
Denton Frenette
Features
:
9
I've got several old Lyles, and my F500 is the best of the bunch.
Low action, great sound, I wouldn't trade it or sell it for the world.
Yes, its the 000 size, laminate spruce top, ( I think laminate) and rosewood back and sides. 14 frets clear. Fairly slim neck, plays like a dream.
Gloss finish, has a few nicks on top, (one especially nasty gash on upper bout, but doesn't seem to affect tone or anything)
I believe this one was probably made in the early 70s, as it has the MOP LYle logo on the headstock.
Seems like the pre-70s models had the gold Lyle logo painted on the headstock.
Sound
:
10
As mentioned, plays very easily, very full, not too punchy on the bass side, more rounded tone, as expected from a 000 size.
I've installed a JLD bridge doctor, for two reasons- one, to help the bridge bellying, which was not bad, but needed a little help.
ALso, the JLDs, IMHO, add quite a bit to the sound of any guitar, giving more clarity to the bass and more ringing to the mids and highs.
Action, Fit, & Finish
:
10
When I received this Lyle, it played fairly well, however, I installed a bone saddle, and shaved and re-shaved it until I had the perfect fit and action that I wanted. The bone saddle also helps in the sound category.
I also installed a better set of tuners- grover style tuners (from Ebay, with pearl buttons-yeah!) These make a world of difference, as one thing that has always been problematic with these old Lyles has been their tuners.
I think the factory tuners, while adequate, are just not good enough if you really want a nice tuner. I always upgrade tuners on these old Lyles.
Reliability/Durability
:
10
THis Lyle is rock solid, I don't think it will ever break!
I've had a Lyle Hummingbird since 1970, and it has never given me any problems structurally.
I installed a neck strap button in the proper place, otherwise the back button is fine.
Yes, I could use it on a gig without a backup.
Customer Support
:
5
Never had to deal with Lyle, although they are not in business anymore??
Overall Rating
:
10
I've been playing over 40 years and wouldn't give up this LYle for anything. It is my #1 player, over some more expensive guitars in my collection.
I've had high end Martins, Gibsons, you name it, and this Lyle would stand up against any of them.
DOn't get me wrong, I'd love to find an old Martin J size, but til then? Give me my Lyles!
Product: Lyle F-500
Price Paid: US $175
Submitted
12/07/2004
at
10:02am
by
Billy Johanssen
Features
:
8
Vintage Old 70's Martin 000 Copy Guitar
Made in Japan
14 Fret
Laminated Spruce Top
Laminated Mahogany Back and Sides
1 3/4" Neck Width
Mahogany Neck, Rosewood Board
High Gloss Finish
Basic Japan Tuners
Nice Headstock Inlay of Gibson Crown and Lyle Name
Basic Features for an acoustic guitar. Everything you need except a pickup.
Sound
:
10
I never thought a cheap laminated guitar could have such a full bodied and sweet sound!
Sounds better than my $2000 dollar Martin 000. =(
But my Martin is relatively new, give it a few more years and the sound of that Martin should sweeten nicely.
But this Lyle,it's ugly with finish checking and bridge lifting, but it still sounds like heaven. I hate to say it, but out of my 7 acoustic guitars, it sounds the best.
Action, Fit, & Finish
:
8
A great playing guitar, except I hate those adjustable saddles and brdiges that are bolted as well as glued to the guitar top. The bolting causes the belly on the rear of the bridge to bulge over time. My buddy said, the bulge probably is adding the sweet tone. Who knows, either way, the guitar plays nice. Except that the bridge lifts and repeatedly has to be reglued. Probably need a new bridge plate sometime soon.
Reliability/Durability
:
8
I beat it up, and it stil plays and plays. I do however have to take it to the doctor to get fixed sometimes.
Customer Support
:
No Opinion
Overall Rating
:
10
Benn playing 10 years. I love guitar and sleep with my girls every night.
