[SatDoug]

Greetings All:
I've stumbled into what appears to be a great vintage guitar web site, joined the forum and thought I'd ask for some opinions (how's that for buttering you all up!). I'm the proud owner of an SG Standard that was purchased used (built 2007) about 6 months ago. I love it. Before that, I (still) have a Fender Lead II from 1979 that I cut my guitar baby teeth on. Life got in the way and I basically stopped playing for about 20 years, but now am back and am sorry I took such a long break! Anyway, I have the opportunity now to purchase a mint condition 1980 L-6S for about $1700, and thought I'd ask how it compares to the SG...what is similar and what's different. I have never played or seen an L-6S in person, but this one looks fantastic (I haven't seen it in person yet). I prefer my SG to the Fender as it's thin and light; it looks like the L-6S may be a bit heavier, but not too much. Would it be a nice compliment to the SG or is it too similar to appreciate any differences (I don't want to but the "same" type of guitar and have two, if you know what I mean). Finally, I've searched (http://www.vintageguitars.org.uk/gibsonL6S_3.php) but have found no mention of the Silverburst finish (I assume it is original, as the seller is reputable and notes it as all original)...this site doesn't mention the 1980 model; it stops at 1979 and there's no mention of the Silverburst for 1979 or earlier. Thanks for any feedback...it's much appreciated!

[jules]

Hi and welcome SatDoug.

Gibson never released shipping figures beyond '79. so we don't know exactly how many there are. The silverburst was one of the newer finishes, not available in the 70s. Certainly a rare, but not super-rare finish. They tried a few diffrent colours in the early 80s when they were scaling down production of various models. Candy Apple Red is another possibility (although I can't recall seeing one). The silverburst tends to turn greenish as the clearcoat yellows.

The L-6Ss are all maple - no mahogany (as in an SG) so it has a different tonal feel to it. Brighter, more middish maybe... you'd be best to try it and chose your own adjectives. Yes definately different from both your current guitars.

My L-6S is a Custom, so a little different, but a really nice guitar. $1700 seems a little high, unless this is absolutely mint. Unless you intend not to play it out, i'd wait for a cheaper one to come up. We all know played guitars don't stay mint for long.

If you go for it, please post some pictures!

[WAB74]

Seems like quite a lot of money. I'd expect $1200 for a mint one. Make an offer?