Gibson L-00 Studio vs. Gibson Generation G-00 | Which is Better?

[@T.C..]

You guys are so relaxing to listen to. Even if I'm not really interested in the guitar you are covering on a particular day....I still listen. Thanks for the awesome vids you put out.

[@gabrielfort2574]

I totally relate bro! There content is great… even if I don’t love the guitar itself lol

[@timnewman1172]

I do as well, got Chris' song list almost memorized... LOL!!!

[@deborahmcalister3936]

yeah, they put me to sleep!

[@timmmaytimmay5954]

J8

[@timmmaytimmay5954]

@@timnewman1172 u

[@FanoFan-q4z]

I've left this same comment on a few videos about the G-00 simply because I don't hear anyone giving useful first hand feedback. I've owned this guitar for about 10 months now so I've had plenty of time to get to know it. I use this guitar strictly for fingerstyle. I also play a Martin 00-18 which costs almost 3 times what the G-00 does, and a Custom Shop Breedlove Focus SE Concert that costs 4 times what the G-00 does and a Taylor K26 costing 6 times as much. I only mention these guitars to point out that the G-00 is getting played along side some serious competition. Feel/Playability: This is a hard one to explain. It doesn't have quite the same feel of quality as the Martin, Taylor and Breedlove, but not in a bad way. It is more of a vintage feel maybe. It is a very light guitar which can give the impression of lower quality, but I have to say that it is one of the best playing acoustics I have ever played. Maybe mine is just an exception but the setup on it is incredible. Very low action with zero fret buzz. It is a more effortless guitar to play than any of my other guitars which all cost a lot more. I don't know what it is about this guitar but it takes almost no finger pressure at all to fret a string. Tone: The tone of this guitar is very bright and very loud. As someone that is learning fingerstyle, the G-00 is my favorite guitar to play. The reason is two fold. The volume and high end cut that this guitar has allows me to hear myself well while finger picking. Beginners to finger picking generally don't play with much attack and it can be hard to hear yourself well. The guitar is also super transparent. It lets you hear every little change in dynamics which is great for a beginner since you can hear, and correct, mistakes much easier. Where my other guitars will sort of compress and limit the dynamics a bit, the Gibson lets all of that be heard for better or worse. Again, I think this is a great for someone learning fingerstyle. The tone of the the Martin, Taylor and Breedlove are certainly more refined, but there is something about the tone of the G-00 that I just really like. It is a very fundamental type of tone so not much overtone but a very cool vintage sort of tone. Maybe that's just what walnut sounds like, not sure as it's my first walnut guitar. Quality: I know some content creators have made negative comments that folks on KZbin just took as gospel, but any guitar in any price range can have an issue. I think Driftwood guitars found one glue smear and then made some comments about bracing that were incorrect but that's all it took for the KZbin collective to believe these guitars are of low quality. I can only speak for mine, but it is perfect in every aspect of QC, inside and out. I have been on a mission this year to find the best finger picking acoustics I can. I have played many great ones and have to say that this G-00 just has some little bit of mojo that I'm not finding yet anywhere else. I'm not sure how to explain it and maybe it is just my particular G-00, but after spending many thousands of dollars I still haven't found a guitar that I enjoy playing as much as the G-00, and in the end that's what really matters most.

[@kidguzzi_chrisgalardi]

Thanks for the thoughtful and salient post 👍

[@cashmoney9256]

Great review! Both sounded very good to me. The L was richer but at that price the G is a solid option.

[@chrismccannIRL]

Great video thanks. I've recently received my Gibson G-00 (to replace a Martin 00X2e) as my main travel guitar or for sitting on the sofa. I also then sold my Martin 00-17 guitar not long after it arrived as I felt it made it a bit redundant (which was a big shock for me as a huge Martin fan with custom shop D-14 and 000-14 models). All I can say is the model sounds great, plays well and is comfortable to hold. If I'm honest I prefer the look without the player port but you can definitely hear the difference it makes. Its louder than any other 00 I've played and I think it sounds as loud as my Taylor K14 which is GA body. The woods in the Gibson are very good quality sitka and walnut (with lovely figuring) and the edges seem smooth and well finished. Interestingly my setup came pretty good with the G-00 with an action similar to my Taylor K14 which is a bit higher than the Martins. My only criticism of the guitar is the finishing touches. I think binding would've been a nice addition and I would have paid a bit more to have it. Moving inside the guitar I noticed the bracing is a little bit rough in places with some rough or split edges. For me it wasn't really the price - what the price does for me is mean I'm not too concerned about throwing it in the car or taking on holiday to the beach. Overall as a non-Gibson fan I'm happy to have my first Gibson. Thanks

[@williamlittle4666]

I really think everyone does have different opinions. But in my opinion the G-00 had the best crisp sound. And the L-00 did have a little louder sound. But just wasn't as crisp and clear. Lol, everyone one is different. But guys I really enjoyed this comparison. As I've gotten older and looking for a guitar in the this size range

[@timnewman1172]

Every review I watch helps me shape my opinion of what I/ME/MY want for a guitar. I keep comparing everything to a Martin 00/000-15M... Guess who is now saving up to get one?

[@DriftwoodGuitars]

Thanks for the shoutout in this video. I hear your point on the bracing being like that by design, but my point is that is a bad design and it’s done just because it’s faster, and thus, cheaper to do that way. The fact that just about every single Gibson that has ever come across my workbench has MAJOR construction flaws from the factory is just completely unacceptable. The point of the breakdown videos is to help pull back the curtain on the shady stuff manufacturers do and pass it off as “on purpose.” Great video guys.

[@tadpoleinnit2643]

If you're paying top dollar, you expect top quality. Brand loyalty is hard to get, easy to lose. Big up Driftwood. You do you, pilgrim.

[@kaushalsuvarna5156]

900+ dollars is not a small amount

[@kens.5095]

@@kaushalsuvarna5156 Mid-range for many. It's easy to spend north of $3k these days f you have the scratch. Fortunately, there are more and more decent options at the lower end of the price spectrum, so we all win in that regard.

[@slimturnpike]

Please explain why that brace design is bad. Seems absolutely fine to me

[@GMec78]

@@slimturnpike go look at the Driftwood video, the bracing wasn't connected (i.e. installed correctly) the design is fine, but the execution is crap

[@derekgladden5200]

You guys need a comparison video with an L-00 and Martin CEO-7. I’ve not been able to find any decent videos on KZbin comparing the two

[@TommySG1]

Agreed, that would be a good one for sure.

[@fixfix980]

Yeah, do the L-00 standard. Im thinking of buying and it's not cheap, so I would really appreciate a review.

[@texhaines9957]

Out of these 2, I liked the L-00 sound. The G series sounds more even than the Rosewood back. For that size guitar, I like the Martin CEO-7 (Adirondack top, mahogany back and sides) or its custom cousin with Adirondack top and Rosewood back and sides slope shoulder 00. Of course that adds another thousand or so. Used CEO-7 can be seen for $1500. AND I can Strum on them.

[@guitarzana688]

Thanks for the comparison. As a Montanan I like that Gibson is building guitars in Bozeman and employing people. I don’t currently own a Gibson but who knows what the future holds. Everyone is entitled to their opinion. I say play what you like and can afford regardless of what someone else thinks. If you like it and are having fun, that’s what counts. So what is the best guitar? “The one you are playing!”😉

[@timnewman1172]

At the end of the day if they are also putting consistently decent guitars in the hands of players, then it is a win/win... I don't think the people at the Bozeman factory deserve to take the blame for a lot of the problems that need to be focused at the Gibson corporate HQ!

[@DoDifferent]

@@timnewman1172 As someone from Kalamazoo, Michigan (Gibson's former home) I can say that the folks who worked at Gibson back then weren't to blame for the company's troubles in those days either.

[@timnewman1172]

@@DoDifferent I'm not referring to anything in the past, only the issues of the contemporary time!

[@williamcatalano1762]

I've got the L-00 Studio in burst finish. Love that guitar to pieces and always will. I don't strum hard and beat the snot out of any of my guitars though. Mostly finger pick and lightly strum if I do. Both sound good to me.

[@goodtimes6204]

Thanks for this comparison. Tried out the G-00 and have to say, i was really impressed. Its cool sounding guitar, it’s easy to play, and the soundhole is positive remarkable. Perfect essential guitar, without any bling. A good guitar for a reasonable price. Personal love the burst and have coosen the Studio, anyway thinking about to take the G-00 too😊

[@tomrosa4248]

I have the L-00 Sustainable with hand rubbed bees wax finish. It is a great guitar.

[@kens.5095]

Disagree re the strumming comment. It's easily doable with a thin pick. Regardless, enjoyed the video.

[@anthonyb2334]

Thank you for this video. I am coming around to Cooper’s thinking on the sound port. I thought they were a gimmick but now think for sitting on the couch noodling it could be very good. To Chris’s point, I had a L00 Studio Rosewood . I had a setup done and it was an excellent fingerpicking guitar for me. The bridge came loose, I got ticked off and sold it. I should have kept it.

[@tamboblake4835]

I wasn't really pleased with the G-00 but then I put a set of elixir 10's on it and it's a totally different guitar in playability and sound. Try putting a set of your favorite strings with 10's. It will make a big difference IMO.

[@jimmextorf7785]

Great video, but I respectfully disagree with your "neither of these is very adept at strumming" assertion. It really depends on your approach, the type of music among other factors. I can only strum (and lightly flat pick) these days due to hand injuries but I've found my L-00 Studio Walnut to perform very well with strumming. If you're expecting it to perform as well as a solid Dreadnought, obviously it won't, but I've always been very pleased with how this little guitar stacks up overall.

[@JesseDylanMusic]

I've played a couple LG-2s, and I have a WM-00. They were all great strummers. Not sure why the L wouldn't also be, but I've never played one.

[@vegetableswife]

Nice to see a couple of budget lines from Gibson, both sound decent for their low price points although I prefer the vintage inspired stuff.

[@multipipi1234]

It does strum....very well. I have the walnut version. Its a great Strummer. Cuts through the mix.

[@leelossi1257]

I like your honest opinions. You are both excellent guitarists! Keep up the great work.

[@KeithBowles-p1d]

Love the KZbin channel and the Podcast!! I think these two guitars would probably appeal to two different sets of players but was still cool to hear them side by side. For me it wasn't a choice between these two guitars, but rather the G-00 versus a higher priced import. I did own a Taylor GS Mini-E Koa, also $999 but made in Mexico and layered back and sides. I decided to sell it and go with the G-00 and glad I did. KZbin videos do not do this guitar justice. A good bit louder and more articulate for finger picking than the GS Mini. Also plays better for me. The action on this thing is the best I've ever seen on any acoustic, maybe mine was just a fluke though. My reason for buying a small body acoustic in this price range was to have something I could leave out on a stand all of the time and not worry too much about a ding here and there, something I wouldn't feel comfortable doing with the L-00 or something of similar price. I will say that to my ear it is a bit jangly and doesn't have a lot of depth or resonance. But for me that added high end allows me to hear my mistakes better as I'm just learning fingerstyle and the lack of resonance doesn't cover up my mistakes like I feel some other guitars might.. I'm not crazy about it as a strummer but that's not what I bought it for.

[@ReNNEbab]

The L -00 have a super bass and tone . I have the sunburst color and it’s precious.

[@67Zink]

Great and FAIR review. I do believe that it's really easy to "poison" the well when it comes to KZbin reviews.... at the end of the day, if you play the guitar a lot, then its the one for you. I happened to order the G00 before I saw the Driftwood video and I simply looked in the sound hole with a flashlight and mirror and didn't see the same "sloppiness" that was depicted in the Driftwood critique. I do appreciate the Driftwood video though for highlighting some possible deficiencies to be on the look out. In my case, my G00 didn't have the glue/dirt/dust stuff that was shown on the G45 that was reviewed. There IS value in the Driftwood analysis, you just have to have an open mind.

[@craigmoon3795]

Always very knowledgeable and helpful, great job 👏

[@bws1billsimpson362]

I’m looking for a Gibson acoustic that has a slimmer or thinner body; are either of these like that? Are is the action relatively low?

[@sallybowles2781]

thank you! would you say that the neck in the L00 is thicker / larger than the neck on the G 00?

[@roberttambuscio1061]

I put 10's on the G-00 and IMO it makes a huge difference.

[@CaptainOfMyBurden82]

Goo, reminds me of Billy Madison when Adam Sandler finds out the kid on the field trip peed his pants

[@patricklundquist9869]

I tried a walnut Gibson dread and did not like the dry, one-dimensional tone but in this video I prefer the clarity and note separation of the walnut G-00 over the rosewood. A couple years ago I bought two dreadnoughts, one rosewood and one mahogany, so I could spend a decent amount of time comparing. I finally settled on mahogany. The rosewood sounded lush but had so many overtones and so much sympathetic resonance that the tone turned to mud when digging into it. Those competing tones also confused the clip-on tuner. I have other rosewood guitars that sound great so I can't be sure it is just a rosewood thing. It might be the particular chunk of wood they used or maybe the way the guitar was built. My most excellent (cheap) speakers are picking up a subsonic rumble from your L-00 rosewood. I'm wondering if it could be the above or, might the rosewood be overwhelming your recorder?

[@JesseDylanMusic]

I wish they wouldn't have messed with the body depth of any of these. It does the G-45 no favors, and it's odd that apparently the J-45 Studio walnut also has the shallower body; again, does it no favors. I have a J-15, on the other hand, and it's fantastic. Wish they'd kept that blueprint for these.

[@CaptainOfMyBurden82]

In the video Chris mentions feedback covers for the Generation series guitars. Can somebody point me in the right direction as to where I might find one for the player port?

[@LitchfieldParkFamily]

Great info always enjoy your in-depth videos 🎸👍

[@kathleendeutsch819]

Thank you for the comparison. I was wondering. In my opinion and with my 62 year old ears, the G00 seems a bit crisper or defined (Taylor-ish). The L00 seems a bit more robust, as if mahogany was on the back. My criteria for my instruments is, do they have their own voices? These both do.

[@davidjohncox7333]

May be a stupid question, but can a piezo pick-up be installed in the G-00?

[@anthonyb2334]

I owned the Gibson Chris is holding. I really liked it. It was one of my favorites and agree with Chris- it is NOT a strumming guitar. Strictly a finger picking. I sold it because I also owned a Martin 00, an Eastman E20 00SS, AND an a Breedlove Legacy Concertina at the SAME time and played/compared then over a year or more to compare. They all sounded great. Most of the Gibsons I’ve owned have given me some issue, a pick guard coming loose, a cracked top, a fret getting lose, etc. I sold the L00 when the bridge cracked along the pin line. I humidify my guitars in a controlled environment and really handle with care. What’s up with Gibson? I haven’t had that with Martins or USA Breedloves. I haven’t owned enough Taylor’s to talk about their built. Cooper had a great point I had not thought of. That ported G00 may be the perfect couch guitar. But I had a G45 that did nothing for me as I mentioned on another video. It didn’t feel or sound good”to me” so I am suspect of the G line. But that is only my opinion. For the money, there definitely is a market. Thank you guys. I love watching the videos

[@WysteriaGuitar]

Does the G-00 have a inlaid Gibson logo or printed?

[@jakeweber5578]

The EPIPHONE INSPIRED BY GIBSON ACOUSTICS are better than some of the actual Gibsons. AND ALL SOLID WOOD. TREMENDOUS!!!!!!!!!!

[@benallmark9671]

Lol

[@WolfCat5102]

Wait! There's a world outside of KZbin??? Great line.

[@billfehr256]

Thank you for your information.

[@tankhalffull]

The G-00 is a nice little guitar..., saw a video where the reviewer trashes them (coincidentally, you mention this reviewer..., rhymes with "Griftwood"..., the guys who cut guitars in half.., which is totally unnecessary, as a look at the inside of the guitar could just as easily be done with a small video camera.., and the guitars they review could then be donated to veterans, youth groups, etc., but I digress...) , comparing them to two laminated guitars from other builders from a price-point standpoint..., pretty sure he missed the "apples-to-apples" class..., for an American made, solid wood guitar, at $999., it is a great little guitar... I'm a Martin guy, but picked up a lefty G-00 and am very happy with it... Nice, fair review guys!

[@TommySG1]

Great video as usual you guys, I was just down in Nashville recently and I played the new Generation series guitars over at the Gibson Garage too. I thought they were ‘ok’ for the price. That being said if you decide to go for the G-200 ( Is that correct? I’m referring to the largest bodied one with the cutaway ) there maybe better options once you’re in the 2k ballpark though. Lastly I’d love to see a comparison of these along with a Martin CEO-7 if you guys ever happen to have them all in stock @ the same time 🤙

[@shaneroberts9466]

I'm not a fan of the Generation sound hole. I believe there is a benefit of that sound hole and I don't dislike the sound hole itself, the issue I have is with Gibson in general. I'm a HUGE Taylor fan for many reasons, one is because they listen to their customers. Did Gibson release a Generation series 'with a sound hole' due to customer request? Doubt it. Gibson does what Gibson wants to do and they feel fine charging you enormous money for whatever they decide they want you to buy. Had Gibson released this Generation series without a sound hole I feel they would sell many more. I don't hate Gibson, they just don't have anything to offer 'me' beyond historic branding that is slowly dissipating. There are too many more affordable better guitars available.

[@TheRasta510]

Great video! Loved the point you made about picking your poison ☠️ 🙌🏾

[@doglover31418]

Great video. What we really want is Gibson G-00 vs, Martin jnr 000-10. Please

[@learningguitarmwl3223]

Are they even making them now

[@robertoclemente449]

WOW !!!! Greetings from Europe.

[@christianseltmann1]

Interesting video. (I am an owner of a L00 Studio walnut.) But man, please do not talk so much about your opinion that every possible opinion is okay. Just tell us yours, that's what we wanna hear. Best wishes from Germany Christian

[@allanclark8811]

nice job alamo

[@williamknell864]

Neither sounds like a bad small body guitar. The Studio has a richer sound to the front. The mic hears the Studio model better, prob because it doesn't have a big leak in the side of the upper bout. I have never wished for a hole in the side of any acoustic that I've played, or owned.

[@texhaines9957]

Do you setup the guitar before you sell them to someone?

[@christophermckee659]

It depends. We typically only correct a guitar if it outside of factory specs. We will setup to a personal liking but that may be extra depending on the guitar in question.

[@texhaines9957]

@@christophermckee659 it seems every guitar I've bought from you was setup. But they were all $3k+. BTW Cooper sold me on the Taylor 611eLTD. Thanks

[@NotALizardPerson81]

Generally speaking, the goo usually ends up on the loo.

[@robertnelson1526]

Never heard of tham until this morning took one off the wall laughed at the hole said it wasn’t big enough for a can holder played it blown away took it home cost me $2000 that’s in 0Z down under all good mate 😂

[@jimmycollette9209]

In the end we all want a j-200 or d-45 but if everyone could afford them there would be no g series or road series. And probably less pickers.

[@jimmcguire9190]

I think the Loo had a better sound but not by that much. I would be happy with either one of them.

[@1funkybasslady]

Intonation on treble strings on both guitars is horrendous as you play up the neck! That said, the L sonically blows the G out of the water in every way. It is much warmer and full sounding as compared with the G.

[@texhaines9957]

Ooooo, Loo and Goo Gibsons! So ought you keep "Goo Be Gone" away from this guitar?

[@andygump724]

The G-00 is very Taylor like. Saving my sheckles.

[@stevestalock3200]

The Generation guitar is one louder.

[@luissaldivar2808]

I’m just liking the video because of you guys, the guitars not so much..😮‍💨

[@nixternal]

Gibson had the previous G-45 ($999 & $1200 version iirc) that I think are better than these new ones with a bunghole, especially in sound. Also, Gibson had the J-15 which was another amazing sub $2k guitar. I wish they would have kept those 3 guitars over the new bunghole series, but alas, I'm probably gonna get a Hummingbird Rosewood Burst Studio anyways, oof I love that thing :)

[@koolkobes]

I have one of the original G-45 Studios, I agree, better sounding and way better looking overall… binding, pickup, the whole lot. Glad I got one when I could!

[@nixternal]

@@koolkobes yeah, I f'd up not getting one of the G-45's. I played one at Sam Ash actually in 2019 & was blow away. I wish I wouldn't have been cheap & just spent $500 more that day. Then again I wish I would have gotten the J-15 from Sweetwater before it sold out.

[@christophermckee659]

I will agree that the J-15 needs to make a come back - that is an excellent guitar and I miss it in the line up.

[@Jeymez]

guys there is no difference between these two, i tried them both in store and the sound is the same. the one minor difference is the extra sound hole on the G-00, and the fact that it's not decked out like the L-00. but Rosewood always cost more, that's why American guitars are so expensive. the place it grows from doesn't come from the US, everyone wants Rosewood, but people forget it's expensive. i actually tried both, and that Walnut felt just as good as the Rosewood. i think they could've saved some money by decking out the waltnut and not put in the extra sound hole, sure making it look nice would raise the price a little, but it wouldn't be 2999 because of Rosewood. that's the problem with Gibson sometimes, there not the only ones, but i hate when a company does more for one and not do much for the one that cost them less to make. these companies need to stop being so greedy.

[@Relayer6a]

They left off that fairies come in at night and apply the binding.

[@GMec78]

People bully Gibson because Gibson has made a habit of threatening and or suing other manufacturers for the last 50 years.

[@drearydeary563]

If only they made the G-00 in any kind of burst...

[@Jonathan-py9xr]

Thanks … I’m looking to replace my dreadnaught

[@nicolen.9642]

Less is more. Simplicity works.✌🎶🎶🎶

[@GoblinDiplomat]

Appreciate the effort, but the G-00 just sounds bad. I don't think it stands up well at all to a $250 Yamaha.

[@rubbadubdub6543]

I think it’s called kerfing, rather than kerfling, are you getting your kerfing confused with your purfling? Easily done.

[@zachelmquist4932]

Loo yes please.

[@davidscotbrown3241]

Skip them both and go for the Guild M-40 - oh, sorry, was my anti-Gibson bias showing?

[@musicnasa666]

l oo beats the g oo but anyway...it depends on the musical circumstances...i m going to buy the g oo for its window to the x million apartment..but both have the l oo body shape...L OO rules!!!!!!

[@barjoblues]

i realy think Gibson build better guitars using mahogany back and sides ! then walnut isn't bad at all too !

[@chickenlickin3820]

really not a fan of the generation acoustics, sound port really neccesary?

[@flyingash]

Tusq and grovers is a big no but everything else sounds cool

[@Bluelightbandit]

A long haired Stiffler

[@dnews9519]

Did they ever play the guitars I finally gave up and left after they started talking about booze flasks

[@zorglubmagnus455]

Guys thank you being funny

[@Theguy-y2y]

The G-00 sounds terrible in any application , compared to any other Gibson, Gibson should be ashamed to put out the Generation line in production LOL

[@kaushalsuvarna5156]

Tbh these are some of the worst, perhaps the worst, sounding guitars I've heard on this channel Just because it's Gibson, should not get them a pass