View Full Version : Gibson a5, a5l
JohnF
Nov-12-2006, 12:22pm
Hoping for some help here.
Is there a difference between an A5L and the current A5. I only ask because I was at a store yesterday and at the Janet Davis site and compared to fqms, there seems to be a price difference of 1 to $2,000. Are these different models? Gibson's site lists an A5 only, but the L seems to have been dropped from the model name.
Anyone. A5, A5L different?
GTison
Nov-13-2006, 8:04pm
I'll try, There used to be 3 (at least) A models ( since the 80's or 90's anyway).
A5L the highest trim level. Sunburst finish, pickguard (finger rest), Flowerpot inlay, Fully bound fretboard-headstock-body, extended Fretboard like an F model. Gold hardware.
A5G (maybe they dropped this one) no binding on headstock or neck, body bound on top only, fretboard end square. no finger rest chrome hardware.
A9 base model, (not a Bass model) well you can find this. flat finish no binding(maybe the top), little or no inlay. no finger rest,
is this what you wanted to know? I prob. forgot something.
pickinNgrinnin
Nov-13-2006, 8:18pm
Calling Big Joe!!
Good question - I've played some Nashville A5-L's and they appear to have the same specifications as the A5 you see on the Gibson website. Anyone know when/why they changed the designation?
I believe the A5G was a Montana made A and it had less flash that the A5-L
Big Joe?
Thanks everyone for your help. If Big Joe doesn't check in soon, I'll shoot him an e-mail and let everyone know what he said.
BTW, the A5L I played was amazing.
Big Joe
Nov-15-2006, 9:35pm
The current A5 is the same mandolin as the older A5L (which I still have available in the Showcase) except it does not have as much binding and is priced lower. The carving, etc. is the same. Both are very fine mandolins. If a scroll is not needed, you can get a very nice playing and sounding mandolin for a fair price. While I prefer scroll models (aka: strap holders http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif ), the tone is similar in both body styles. One of the best mandolins I've ever played was a A model!
JohnF
Nov-15-2006, 10:07pm
Thank you. Have to save my pennies! http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif
Loren Bailey
Nov-16-2006, 4:31am
FWIW I was at the showcase a couple of weeks ago and played everything on the wall. To MY ear the A5L beat everything hands down. Had I had enough pennies and not have for sure ended up in the dog house I would have that A5L right now. As a matter of fact I've been searching *bay and the classifieds for one.
Loren
45ACP-GDLF5
Nov-16-2006, 10:34pm
Hey Loren!
It really bothers and perturbs me that you now live close to Nashville! It's not fair, not fair. http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif I hope you and yours are adjusting to the move. By the way, this is Gaither here. Take care and I'll talk to you later! http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/smile.gif
Buddah
Nov-17-2006, 2:43am
I've got an A5-L that is dated march of 2004, signed by Danny Roberts. The tone is fantastic, and has recently begun to open up appreciably; can't wait to hear this thing in another year or two!
Ken Berner
Nov-17-2006, 3:19pm
Buddah, What strings are you using on your A5-L? I have a close friend with a 1996 (Montana) which is as nice a mandolin as anyone could own. He insists on using light strings, but D'Addario J-74 strings sound far better.
atetone
Nov-17-2006, 9:52pm
I have an A5L that is a great sounding mandolin.
Every once in a while I think about selling it but then by the time I play it in order to give a good description of it, I change my mind and keep it.
The tone is great.
The only reason I even think about selling it is because the neck is skinny #and my other mandos have wider necks so it takes me a while to get used to it again.
I am starting to think that it is a long-term keeper. I just need to play it more and get used to the neck.
The woods and the fit and finish are good on this one too.
jimbob
Nov-18-2006, 5:08am
I bought a Derrington-signed A5L this past spring. It is a really nice mando. I believe it was built in Nashville in '99. I think it sounds as good as my Bibey. The A5's I have seen are nice mandolins,
David Horovitz
Jan-30-2007, 5:07pm
I absolutely love my '89 A5L.
My '02 Weber Yellowstone has become my backup, even after putting a traditional bridge on it, which increased the volume.
cooper4205
Jan-30-2007, 5:45pm
could you still custom order an A5L or A5G? and i have to agree with Loren, other than one an F5G they had up there, the A5's took the cake.
Buddah
Jan-31-2007, 2:23am
Ken Burner,
My apologies. I just realized that you had asked me a question regarding the strings that I use on my A5L...about two and a half months ago!! Gibson Monroes seem to work as well or better than anything else that I've tried (and I've tried most of 'em). Once again, sorry for the ridiculously late reply.
John Hill
Jan-31-2007, 10:43am
FQMS in Louisville has (or had...if it's been sold) an A5 that is a fantastic mandolin. I've been lucky enough to pick on a few A5's along the way in different states & they've been consistently great mandos. Just never been in the right financial place to get one myself!
John
David Horovitz
Jan-31-2007, 12:50pm
Gibson Monroes seem to work as well or better than anything else that I've tried (and I've tried most of 'em).
I've come to love the Gibson Sam Bush (monel) strings and really don't expect to use anything else on my A5L, as long as they're still available. I especially like their tone, longevity and the fact that they don't tarnish, turning both the strings and my fingers black from playing, particularly in hot weather.
Eric F.
Jan-31-2007, 2:19pm
FQMS in Louisville has (or had...if it's been sold) an A5 that is a fantastic mandolin. I've been lucky enough to pick on a few A5's along the way in different states & they've been consistently great mandos. Just never been in the right financial place to get one myself!
John
If that's the one I played at Thanksgiving, I completely agree. That thing rocked!