Eagle versus Golden Eagle

[hermesnz]

Hello, this is my first post. I am trying to decide whether to buy a s/h Eagle, mahogany top, single pickup attached to the top made in the early 2000s, or a s/h Golden Eagle, floating pickup, made in the early 90s.

 

Setting aside the price difference, I am trying to decide which to go for.

 

I like the simple, no frills look of the Eagle. And my journey actually began looking for an old Gibson ES125, but as with all journeys, things change.

 

My challenge is that i am deciding and buying remotely.

 

Any comments on the relative merits of each, and whether there is likely to be any difference in quality of workmanship.

 

Thanks in advance.

 

G

[DC Ron]

G, welcome! I dont think there are significant structural differences between the two guitars. In fact they may be dimensionally identical. Main differences are in materials and appointments (bling). All of the 17" Eagles are based on the Gibson L-5, which was/is a spruce/maple/ebony guitar. So the Golden Eagle will be the closer of the two to the L-5. The Eagle is all mahogany, and while a very good jazz guitar, is a cost-effective compromise from the L-5 ideal. Good luck!

[Keith7940236]

I would say that it mostly depends on what you want from your instrument. There is a lot of appeal to the appointments, especially when the instrument is new. I have found however, that over time I get more attached to the sound and feel of the guitar; kind of like an old friend. I don't really notice the bling so much over time.

[big bob]

One is golden, the other is not!

 

Really you asked for that. The eagle being all mahogany will have a darker woodier tone acoustically. However with a set pup it will not resonate as much. The golden eagle being maple and spruce should be brighter and have more volume projection unplugged. Plugged in the major difference will rest in the pups and amp combo.

[hermesnz]

Thank you all. Yes, Gold versus not-Gold was at the heart of the issue regarding appearance. I actually prefer the plainer look.

 

With respect to mahogany, was there any reason, for instance a different tone, other than cost-cutting to go all mahogany?

 

I have noticed that there is a small revival of all-mahogany acoustics from some builders.

 

Thanks again.

 

G