Gustavsson Order

[jctone]

Hey Everybody,

My son wants a Gustavsson! I'm not familiar with them, anyone have any advice.

Thanks
JCTONE

[wsaraceni]

contact cliff c @ destroy all guitars. ask to be put on the list. one one comes available, he will contact everyone on the list. first to reply, gets the guitar.


then wait.

[Dave Orban]

Hey Everybody,

My son wants a Gustavsson! I'm not familiar with them, anyone have any advice.

Thanks
JCTONEYou looking to adopt any more sons...? :confused:

[2112]

Call or write Cliff Cultreri at DestroyAllGuitars.com (cliff@destroyallguitars.com) and ask him to put you on the list. He can let you know exactly what needs to be done to get one. It is a long wait though and maybe in the interim another resale may come up. I believe there is a 7 string somewhere and I am sure others will chime in with this info.

Have your son check this out as well - The McInturff Carolina - not my photos below.

http://www.thegearpage.net/board/showthread.php?t=301148

http://i180.photobucket.com/albums/x306/AB50/IMG_2737.jpg

Another great builder and guitar. Terry sells through Cliff as well so, one stop shopping :BEER.

[BPlexico]

Another consideration is that these guitars sell for over 5k - not sure what you are looking to spend for your son.

Barr

[ttuck]

5K is a low figure - if you want a Gustavsson , figure on almost $10K, and expect to wait around for 1-2 yrs. The used ones seem to be fetching as much or more as the new ones since they are just so scarce. Amazing guitars, if you are willing to spend the $ and wait.

[Trandy]

5K is a low figure - if you want a Gustavsson , figure on almost $10K, and expect to wait around for 1-2 yrs. The used ones seem to be fetching as much or more as the new ones since they are just so scarce. Amazing guitars, if you are willing to spend the $ and wait.

Yep...I know someone who just turned down 14K for his.

[jctone]

Thanks for all the input.....i knew they were pricey (was thinking about 8K). Maybe I will get him to look at the McInturff Carolina.

jctone

[enharmonic]

Thanks for all the input.....i knew they were pricey (was thinking about 8K). Maybe I will get him to look at the McInturff Carolina.

jctone

Can't go wrong with either guitar. For my time and money, I'd probably go with the Carolina. Terry's great to work with, and you'll get a guitar that's every bit as good as the JG. At that kind of money, I guess the major decision maker would be which body style you prefer. I like 'em both :)

[Neill]

also look at tokai ls320's, guitar clinic/keebler/max burst replicas. actually there is a nice nunis replica for sale in the emporium right now. if i were in the market for a lp type guitar i'd give that one a hard look. made w/ old wood and all. (no affiliation w/ the seller btw)

also look at stevens guitars. never played one myself but by all indications michael stevens is in the same strata of luthiery as jg. his designs are the most appealing to me.

[Thor]

I would recommend a call to Cliff at Destroy All Guitars. He reps several of the premier builders (including JG and McInturff). He can help to match your son to the perfect guitar for him.

www.destroyallguitars.com (http://www.destroyallguitars.com)

If you don't mind me asking, how old is your son, and does he appreciate what it is that you are doing for him? I'm a father and lover of music (my kids are still quite young).

Happy hunting,

Edward

[Drowned Rabbit]

Man! Lucky kid. How old is he?

I remember getting a Hondo painted
like Eddie Van Halen's when I was 14
and thinking It was the coolest thing
ever (& IT WAS).

But JG or a McInturff??? Not too many
guitars standing that high up on the
mountain. Nowhere to go but down
after that!

[jctone]

My son Is 24 and graduating from college, he has been playing since he was 11 and Is pretty good. I had promised him a nice LP when he graduated, but a friend of his has a Mcnaught which made him start looking at the smaller builders. He mentioned the Gustavsson, I'm not really familiar with the small builders making LP style guitars that's why I needed some help! I really appreciate everyones input and will pass on the info to my son. The Mcinturff looks great and I will be looking into the other builders mentioned. Again, thanks for all the help!!!!

jctone

[HHB]

pssst , get a Carolina

[Bassomatic]

For my time and money, I'd probably go with the Carolina. Terry's great to work with, and you'll get a guitar that's every bit as good as the JG.

I've not played a Carolina, but this would sorta surprise me.

[Drowned Rabbit]

I've not played a Carolina, but this would sorta surprise me.

Why?

I'm just curious.

[57special]

Briggs also makes a nice LP style guitar. Heatley makes superb LP style guitars. I believe both are easier to get than Gustavssons, and for a lot less $$- though they are by no means inexpensive.

[GDking]

You looking to adopt any more sons...? :confused:

You are just going to have to suffer with that beautiful vintage blonde ES.

I really feel for you. Honest :)

[Dave Orban]

You are just going to have to suffer with that beautiful vintage blonde ES.

I really feel for you. Honest :)LOL!

[enharmonic]

I've not played a Carolina, but this would sorta surprise me.

Then it would be a pleasant surprise :BEER

[Lex Luthier]

I've not played a Carolina, but this would sorta surprise me.
I played a proto Carolina, it was a damn nice guitar. I'd say it was on par with Mike Stevens or Johans creations. I could see myself owning and operating one.

[edwarddavis]

Lucky kid and a great dad it sounds like. Hey no matter what he gets , its a great guitar and look at it this way, its way cheaper than getting him a new car or a used one and it will go up in value most likely and he will have a great guitar , and a great memory of a terrific thing his dad did .
You cant buy that .

[robbph37]

Okay everyone Please dont throw stones my way but what in the heck is so special about the Gust. that would tempt anyone to spend that kind of money? Now keep in mind I have spent 6K on a Driskill and a Huber but almost twice that amount, I just dont see it! I just cant imagine this model being any better than the two builders that I mentioned. Throw Thorn and Mcnaught in there as well. I could be wrong but I just cant see that kind of $$$$

[daddyo]

Okay everyone Please dont throw stones my way but what in the heck is so special about the Gust. that would tempt anyone to spend that kind of money? Now keep in mind I have spent 6K on a Driskill and a Huber but almost twice that amount, I just dont see it! I just cant imagine this model being any better than the two builders that I mentioned. Throw Thorn and Mcnaught in there as well. I could be wrong but I just cant see that kind of $$$$
I agree that when you start comparing McInturff, McNaught, Huber, Ruakangas, Heatley, to Gustavsson, that substantive differences are replaced by preference. But I think Gustavsson does have an edge in choosing top woods and finishing the guitars to colours and gloss that I personally prefer.

[Neill]

Okay everyone Please dont throw stones my way but what in the heck is so special about the Gust. that would tempt anyone to spend that kind of money?

mcnaught doesn't appeal to me from both a practical and aesthetic design point of view. same with the thorns. the jg does. i can see this being the case with some others.

this is not to mention any kind of intrinsic (cultural or otherwise) value exclusive to or inclusive in a jg bluesmaster (just what these qualities are being dependant on the individual)

[clint]

They were a deal back when they were $3,500 to even $5,500. Once they passed $5,500, I'm not so sure anymore but I checked one out and it was way up there in the sound and feel department. Thought the burl pickguard looked a tad funky, but that's being subjective.

[RvChevron]

Okay everyone Please dont throw stones my way but what in the heck is so special about the Gust. that would tempt anyone to spend that kind of money? Now keep in mind I have spent 6K on a Driskill and a Huber but almost twice that amount, I just dont see it! I just cant imagine this model being any better than the two builders that I mentioned. Throw Thorn and Mcnaught in there as well. I could be wrong but I just cant see that kind of $$$$

All the builders you mentioned make fantastic and probably the best guitars money can buy.

Gustavvson is also the best for those who specifically want a old feeling and sounding LP that's made in 1959.

The catch here is that many who own or have played the real deals LOVE the JG, and I think that's the most important reason why it costs what it costs. A great 59' LP is a pretty big shoe to fill.

The other builders are not inferior in any way. It's just that the Gus, from day one, has this specific old vintage LP appeal. And those who can afford a vintage LP are simply willing to pay what seems to be an outrageous price tag for a newly built guitar.

Few years ago, $3500 could get you a brand new Gus. Supply and demand and exchange rate over the last few years have jigged up the price.

Scarcity dictates price.

[Tommy Tourbus]

Okay everyone Please dont throw stones my way but what in the heck is so special about the Gust. that would tempt anyone to spend that kind of money? Now keep in mind I have spent 6K on a Driskill and a Huber but almost twice that amount, I just dont see it! I just cant imagine this model being any better than the two builders that I mentioned. Throw Thorn and Mcnaught in there as well. I could be wrong but I just cant see that kind of $$$$

when you get up into that price range, you have buyers who are the money-is-no-object purchaser, and guys that have to fenagle ways into nice gear and are careful about every penny. People like the former, it's not a big deal to spend a lot more for reasons that may be negligable to the latter, such as maybe they just like the body style or other aesthetics better. If I was a daddy megabux I'd probably go for one myself over other cheaper alternatives, as I really dig the looks of the Gus's more than the carolina, baker, historic gibbie LP's. But, given my down to earth realistic modest means, I'd have to have my freakin' head examined to buy one :eek:

[JPERRYROCKS]

$4500 was a lot of money to spend on JG guitar 4 to 5 years ago.

But most people - me included- wish they would have bought one at that price, considering it's doubled in less than 5 years.

[r9player]

I would say there are loads of great LP style builders out there.
But eh if you need it right now right away or by a foreseeable time, you have to keep in mind that not every small builder will be able to deliver right away.
Sooooo having said that for around $5K you can get a nice Murphy R9 or a Cloud 9 R9.
It looks like the $$$ don't scare you off and you are pretty sure your son will make good use of the tools he's going to get so I wont suggest any lower price alternatives, but I feel there are some decent ones out there.

[BettyFjord]

Another option in the high-end single-cut style guitars is a Michael Stevens (http://www.stevensguitars.com/).

He makes some of the best guitars available, has an open order book at the moment (although with a longish wait) and is a delight to work with.

Have a search around the forum for previous posts to see what people think.

[tequilaboy85]

I would check out also Jack Briggs with his Reserve Stock Program and Nik Huber with his Orca(maybe for a bit more modern instrument).

[wstsidela]

I got my D'Pergo, now I want a JG.

Next: Soloway, McInturff, McNaught, Huber, Ruakangas, Heatley, DeTemple, Driskill

I want them all!!! That's why I quit doing drugs :D

[LVC]

I think the objective here is to buy a high end Gibson Les Paul 59 like guitar.

Well --- why don't you just buy the real deal?

There are some very nice high end used Gibbys on the market (market is a little soft right now) that I think would make better buys ---- and you would be getting a REAL LES PAUL.

I would check out Mark's Loft -- he usually has some very choice collectable/investment grade Gibbys on his site.

http://marksguitarloft.com/catalog.php?cat=electrics

I would call him before putting down some serious dollars on a "boutique" Gibby wannabe.... and see if he has anything in his private stash that would fit the bill.

[blues]

As of last week,wildwood guitars had a used 7 string Gustavsson.

[LVC]

As of last week,wildwood guitars had a used 7 string Gustavsson.

It is still there.

http://wildwoodguitars.com/electrics/misc/jg11004/jg11004.php

[Scott Peterson]

I deleted a back and forth about JG guitars.

To the parties involved - lay off.

[6120]

I think the objective here is to buy a high end Gibson Les Paul 59 like guitar.

Well --- why don't you just buy the real deal?

There are some very nice high end used Gibbys on the market (market is a little soft right now) that I think would make better buys ---- and you would be getting a REAL LES PAUL.

I would check out Mark's Loft -- he usually has some very choice collectable/investment grade Gibbys on his site.

http://marksguitarloft.com/catalog.php?cat=electrics

I would call him before putting down some serious dollars on a "boutique" Gibby wannabe.... and see if he has anything in his private stash that would fit the bill.



I have an 2007 VOS R9 , Brockburst, at 8 lbs 4 0z. that is the best Les paul you'll ever play,(ask Wasyl). I can sell that to you as I have a Gustavsson that blows it away!!!. PM me or email if anyone is serious.

[LVC]

I have an 2007 VOS R9 , Brockburst, at 8 lbs 4 0z. that is the best Les paul you'll ever play,(ask Wasyl). I can sell that to you as I have a Gustavsson that blows it away!!!. PM me or email if anyone is serious.

Maybe next time.

Just purchased a Duane -- would have loved to have seen your Brockburst before i made the Duane purchase.

Since you selected to comment on how that fine guitar made in Sweden compares to Gibson Historics -- I would be interested in your thoughts on how the JG compares to the other fine boutique guitars recommended by others on this thread.... a quick look through the thread shows me that the following other guitars where suggested as well:

Post # 8 McInturff Carolina
Post # 9 tokai ls320
Post # 15 Carolina
Post # 17 Briggs
Post # 23 Driskill and a Huber
Post # 31 Michael Stevens

[6120]

Maybe next time.

Just purchased a Duane -- would have loved to have seen your Brockburst before i made the Duane purchase.

Since you selected to comment on how that fine guitar made in Sweden compares to Gibson Historics -- I would be interested in your thoughts on how the JG compares to the other fine boutique guitars recommended by others on this thread.... a quick look through the thread shows me that the following other guitars where suggested as well:

Post # 8 McInturff Carolina
Post # 9 tokai ls320
Post # 15 Carolina
Post # 17 Briggs
Post # 23 Driskill and a Huber
Post # 31 Michael Stevens


I rate my JG numner one . Note sure about any of those other guys you name. I love Gibsons, but they fall short of my JG. I have passed on a few Duanes. They never really impressed me. I think the 07's(in genaral) beat any year for historics(in my opinion). I don't know why.

[Terry McInturff]

I am honored to be mentioned in the same thread as JG. I have played two Bluesmasters and have serviced one...and I can say that they are outstanding guitars, and I can reccomend them as an outstanding choice...in my professional opinion.

Terry

[LVC]

I rate my JG numner one . Note sure about any of those other guys you name. I love Gibsons, but they fall short of my JG. I have passed on a few Duanes. They never really impressed me. I think the 07's(in genaral) beat any year for historics(in my opinion). I don't know why.

That is great -- send me an email with the picture so we can take this discussion offline -- would like to look at your guitar. I am eyeing a Carolina proto 2 that is for sale on the emporium as well -- just received the picture from the Toronto based seller ... even though I swore off boutique guitars for a while ... she is definitely a beauty.

Please email the picture of your LP.

I have a 72 hour look over period on the Duane -- so I can probably shift gears if I am so moved.

Thanks

Laz

[kingsleyd]

I think the objective here is to buy a high end Gibson Les Paul 59 like guitar.

I don't think that was the OP's objective at all. The OP specifically referenced Gustavsson, not "a high-end Les Paul 59 like guitar."

And, while we're on the subject of Mark's, talk to Mark -- a vintage LP guy all the way who has also played and listened to more R9s than anyone outside the Gibson Custom Shop -- sometime about what Mark thinks of Johan's work.

One more thing for 6120: you and Wasyl obviously haven't played *my* '07 R9... :cool: Even though I have a lovely Bluesmaster myself, that R9 isn't going anywhere.

[CDaughtry]

I am honored to be mentioned in the same thread as JG. I have played two Bluesmasters and have serviced one...and I can say that they are outstanding guitars, and I can reccomend them as an outstanding choice...in my professional opinion.

Terry


Terry...you are a class act......:dude

[CharlieS]

I have a 72 hour look over period on the Duane -- so I can probably shift gears if I am so moved.



Laz


Is that DA # 19 ?

[PinoyBoy]

jctone

I'll echo what everyone's said about Cliff. He's a great guy and will help you get a JG or find other guitars that your son will definitely cherish for many years to come.

I got my JG a couple of months ago and love it. No regrets on the money spent. I have guitars from a couple of comparable builders -- Baker and Driskill. I've never done a detailed comparison to see "what"s better" and don't intend to do so. Each of those guitars are cool in their own way, and I wanted 'em. If your son wants a JG and you have the means to get him one, I say go for it!

By the way, there's a McInturff (the one with vine inlays) for sale at indoorstorm.com. I saw it live 2 weeks ago and wow, incredible craftsmanship. Ask your son to check that out as well.

[LVC]

I don't think that was the OP's objective at all. The OP specifically referenced Gustavsson, not "a high-end Les Paul 59 like guitar."

And, while we're on the subject of Mark's, talk to Mark -- a vintage LP guy all the way who has also played and listened to more R9s than anyone outside the Gibson Custom Shop -- sometime about what Mark thinks of Johan's work.

One more thing for 6120: you and Wasyl obviously haven't played *my* '07 R9... :cool: Even though I have a lovely Bluesmaster myself, that R9 isn't going anywhere.

By the time I chimed in -- the thread had expanded to include alternatives since the price tag came up as a concern on several posts after OP posted what he thought was the price which was much lower than what the current dealer retail price is for a new JG...and he also stated that he was was going to get his son to look at alternatives -- Post #8.

I think you need to look at entire thread not just OP to understand my posting....and not think I have some hidden agenda. So after post #8, my understanding was that OP was looking for high end LP style guitars.

Some of the builders recommended that OP look at in his desire to find an alternative to the higher priced JG, before I suggested that he look at high end Gibsons were as follows:

Post # 4 McInturff Carolina
Post # 9 tokai ls320
Post # 15 Carolina
Post # 17 Briggs
Post # 23 Driskill and a Huber
Post # 31 Michael Stevens

All good looking guitars.

I think high end Gibson historics are certainly worth a serious look over as well, especially if you are looking at guitars in 8K or less range.

Since this is a "forum" and not a "quorum" I am of the opinion that some used high end Gibson Historics are just as good if not better than some of the guitars discussed on this thread, and will hold their resale value better over time....

[LVC]

Is that DA # 19 ?

Nope

[kingsleyd]

I am of the opinion that some used high end Gibson Historics are just as good if not better than some of the guitars discussed on this thread, and will hold their resale value better over time....

On that we (more or less) agree; while I feel my JG is significantly "better" than any R9, the reasons for that are extremely subtle and far more apparent to me as the person at the helm than they would be to a listener. The R9 probably does get closer to what people think of as "classic Les Paul tone" than the Bluesmaster, although when it comes to "feeling like a real old Les Paul" there is no comparison at all. The JG nails it in a way that even the best R9 doesn't come close to doing. This shouldn't be a surprise; Johan is very experienced with real old Les Pauls, and he has the right raw materials to start with.

Ultimately, I think the best advice for the OP is to start by talking to Cliff. Aside from price issues, it's not like the OP could just get a JG within a certain time frame (it appears that it's a graduation gift) so you're right it makes sense to explore alternatives. The ones listed are all excellent guitars.

As for resale, unless Johan starts pumping them out much faster (which will never happen) I'm willing to bet that his guitars will ALWAYS have the best resale value (on a %-of-original-investement basis) of anything discussed on this thread, with the possible exception of the '03 Brazilian-board LPs. That's because, no matter what anyone around here thinks, it's really NOT hype and kool-aid. Johan is simply the best in the world at what he does.

[CDaughtry]

On that we (more or less) agree; while I feel my JG is significantly "better" than any R9, the reasons for that are extremely subtle and far more apparent to me as the person at the helm than they would be to a listener. The R9 probably does get closer to what people think of as "classic Les Paul tone" than the Bluesmaster, although when it comes to "feeling like a real old Les Paul" there is no comparison at all. The JG nails it in a way that even the best R9 doesn't come close to doing. This shouldn't be a surprise; Johan is very experienced with real old Les Pauls, and he has the right raw materials to start with.




Man....you hit the nail on the head! That's why a soundclip, played through computer speakers, will never get the point across.:BEER

[LVC]

The R9 probably does get closer to what people think of as "classic Les Paul tone" than the Bluesmaster, although when it comes to "feeling like a real old Les Paul" there is no comparison at all.

I am a big fan of that classic LP tone -- add some wolfetone Legends with coil taps and a whole new world opens up.


There were only 1,712 LP Standards produced between 1958 and 1960. I owned one of them and sold it as a senior in HS to help with my college expenses.

If I had it now I could finance both of my kids college education and then some.

Oh well ..... life goes on.

It is all good.

[jctone]

This Is why I got involved in this forum.........Everyones opinion helps a great deal. My problem is im a strat single coil guy and I'm not as up on LP style guitars as I should be. I have no problem spending the money, I just want to make an educated purchase. I have spoken to my son and he has actully been reading everyones threads. Problem Is he likes them all...JG/McInturf/Collings/Huber and historic Gibsons. I know he would be thrilled with a guitar from either of these builders.

The JG's only set back seems to be the lead time. If it was a guitar for myself I probably would probably get the McInturff. Maybe I should call Terry?

Thanks Again for everybodies help...........I will keep you posted!

JCTONE

[r9player]

+1 Call Terry really can't go wrong there!

[xroads]

Problem Is he likes them all...JG/McInturf/Collings/Huber and historic Gibsons.

It seems this is a major purchase. Could you just pay your son a trip to a major guitar store that has an excellent selection to play them? This is an extremely difficult choice (as all these guitars in question are top), and at this level, it comes down to playing them in order to feel if the instrument fits or not.

[jctone]

Good Idea! Maybe I will go with him........no, I probably shouldn't. I would end up getting two!

jctone

[bforest4]

For that kind of money, another alternative is to get some combination(or all of them!) of one great strat style, one great les paul style, one great tele style, one P90 style, and a 335 and maybe put high end boutique pickups in them.

Here is what I would consider:

1. Used Gibson Les Paul 59 Custom shop $3,500 (install Tom Holmes pickups $600 or WCR Darkbursts or Wolfetone Dr. Vintage $300). Checkout Mark's Guitar Loft for a good used selection, or get a new Gibson VOS 1959 2007 $4,500.
2. Lentz or Suhr Strat - $2,000 - $3,000. Or if you want to hit the high end, D'Pergo aged vintage classic for around $6,500 or a used GVCG.
3. Lentz or Suhr Tele - $2,000 - $3,000 (or a D'Pergo or GVCG Tele)
4. Thorn Jr. 90, best new P90 guitar you can get.(the pickups are stunning and only available in this guitar) Around $3,500. Check out Thornguitars.com.
5. Gibson 335 used around $1,900, new around $3,000 and throw in some WCR Crossroads or Lollar Imperials. Or on the high end get a Collings I-35 for around $5,000 with the lollars allready in them.

Other great Boutique guitars to consider are a Thorn Artisan, Driskill, Koll(all 3 not taking orders at this time), PRS Modern Eagle $5,500(best PRS by far), Briggs.

[Quinny]

I'd give Heatley a call and enquire about the new Tradition models he'll have on the way soon. One of them and the right pickups, I think that'll be nirvana for the ol' school lester vibe.

Aside from that, I love bforest4's thinking... get 5 guitars! That's an idea I could go with. :D

Q.

[kingsleyd]

whew, jctone, I'm glad I'm not you right now... I'd be WAY more confused than when I started. :crazy

Do talk to Cliff @ Destroy All Guitars.

Oh, and btw, if you're done paying for college, think of all the money you'll have to buy guitars for yourself now. :drool

[xroads]

Good Idea! Maybe I will go with him........no, I probably shouldn't. I would end up getting two!

does your son know what type of neck shape, fretboard radius, scale, etc. he wants? A builder will ask these questions, and if you don't choose right, the guitar might not see a lot of use. I sold great (and expensive..) guitars, simply because I could not play the necks they had...

[Blauserk]

Another vote for "give Cliff a call." For a special occasion such as this one, perhaps he'll let you "jump the queue" for a JG. They really are something special.

Although I'm a fan of surprises, for something this personal, it may be worthwhile to involve your son to make sure he likes the neck profile and finish color and top and all. Also, he will then have the fun of looking forward to getting the guitar he has helped design.

That said, generally haven't had great luck with custom orders, even from very high-end builders. Maybe I'm just not specific enough. The guitars I've held the longest have been made to someone else's specs, and just happen to work out for me too.

[markom89]

+1 "give cliff a call"

[Zilmo]

Yup. Called Cliff last night. Bought an expensive guitar from him. Couldn't be happier. Great guy to deal with.

[kingsleyd]

Yup. Called Cliff last night. Bought an expensive guitar from him. Couldn't be happier. Great guy to deal with.

Did you buy the Artinger?!?

[markom89]

Yup. Called Cliff last night. Bought an expensive guitar from him. Couldn't be happier. Great guy to deal with.

What a tease :rolleyes: :D

[George Johnson]

Called Cliff last night. Great guy to deal with.
That's a fact. :AOK

So... what did you get Z?

[6120]

Call Cliff , he is the greatest, he will find the right guitar for you .

[go7]

Your son has great taste.Good Luck!