Gibson LG1, Opinions please

Subject: Tech: Gibson LG1, Opinions please
From: DonMeixner
Date: 16 Jan 04 - 08:52 PM

I'm looking pretty strong at one of these clunky looking little guitars. What do we know about them?

Don

Subject: RE: Gibson LG1, Opinions please
From: Mark Clark
Date: 16 Jan 04 - 09:43 PM

I had one of these for many years and just loved it. The only reason I bought my Martin was because I needed one for a working bluegrass band. Mine was purchased (quite) used in 1961 or so. I think it was made in the early '50s. Sleepy John Estes & Yank Rachel used to borrow it sometimes and Gary Davis played it once so it meant a great deal to me. Finally, it was stolen; probably by someone to whom its history would have meant nothing. Everyone that played it liked it. The Gibson necks were great for fingerpicking.

      - Mark

Subject: RE: Gibson LG1, Opinions please
From: Cluin
Date: 16 Jan 04 - 10:40 PM

Very nice guitar, if the price is right. I wouldn't mind one at all. They were cheaper versions of the famous Gibson LG series, made to a lesser standard for "learner" or economy purposes (with laddr bracing rather than X bracing), but they played and sounded sweet. My dad had one and I loved it. Check for lifting/bellying at the bridge and a break at the neck/headstock joint.

More info posted in this thread"

Subject: RE: Gibson LG1, Opinions please
From: M.Ted
Date: 17 Jan 04 - 01:18 AM

In the old days, cheaper Gibson guitars were still great sounding instruments--If you liked the sound and feel, you'd better go get it before someone else does, they're not as easy to find as they once were--

Subject: RE: Gibson LG1, Opinions please
From: GUEST
Date: 17 Jan 04 - 07:47 AM

These can be fun guitars. The ones with the plastic bridge should have it replaced to achieve their best sound.
Sandy

Subject: RE: Gibson LG1, Opinions please
From: Padre
Date: 17 Jan 04 - 11:08 AM

Had one in 1960-1962 and really liked it. A sweet instrument.

Subject: RE: Gibson LG1, Opinions please
From: rangeroger
Date: 17 Jan 04 - 01:44 PM

I used to have a 1953 LG-3 that I dearly loved. It had a natural finish solid spruce top and mahogany sides and back. Tremendous volume and tone for such a small guitar. It could be louder than a Martin D-35 in jams. Looked like a small J-50.

Unfortunately I killed it in a jeep accident 20 years ago. I would love to get another one, but they are running about $1500 and I only paid $49 for mine.

rr

Subject: RE: Gibson LG1, Opinions please
From: GUEST,Russ
Date: 17 Jan 04 - 09:07 PM

Gibsons have a reputation amongst my guitar playing friends for being quite variable. Wouldn't advise buying one without a serious test drive.

Subject: RE: Gibson LG1, Opinions please
From: JustSomeGuy
Date: 19 Jan 04 - 01:00 AM

Russ has good advice, Don. I've got a '62 LG1 in pretty good shape. It plays great, but the sound is dull. Sounds something like an old plywood pawnshop guitar. Russ's test drive will quickly tell you if you found one of the good sounding ones. I saw a twin of mine sold for $625 American last year.

Subject: RE: Gibson LG1, Opinions please
From: Auxiris
Date: 19 Jan 04 - 06:05 AM

Marvellous guitar. . . I have one. Doesn't look like much and people make fun of it, but it's the "friendliest" guitar I've ever played. With its ratty sunburst finish (checked) and (repaired) soundhole cracks, I doubt that many people would give it a second look, but I love it and wouldn't part with it. Great for blues and ragtime.

cheers,

Aux

Subject: RE: Gibson LG1, Opinions please
From: DonMeixner
Date: 19 Jan 04 - 12:24 PM

Thank you everyone, This one is a later 60's edition and it has a wooden, rosewood I think, bridge. With the dead strings thast are on it it sound good. The neck is very narrow. Is that common to LG's? I am going to arrange a test drive with new strings. Thanks for the great information.

Don

Subject: RE: Gibson LG1, Opinions please
From: GUEST,branch
Date: 21 Nov 04 - 03:15 AM

got a 32 56 cant beatem soom will be dead in that case dont buy.
sorry to be so blunt as in any vintage wood insturment its been packed up and not played which in most cases or never had it yes some just dont have the tone.vibration makes these little guys shine
branch

Subject: Gibson LG-0, finding a case
From: GUEST,Taylor
Date: 06 Dec 04 - 03:38 PM

Hi-I'm trying to find a hardshell case, preferably tweed, for my dad's LG-0. I don't know the dimensions, so I was wondering if anyone might know about that, or where I could find a case. I would appreciate any advice you might be able to offer! Thank you!

Subject: RE: Gibson LG1, Opinions please
From: Once Famous
Date: 06 Dec 04 - 03:48 PM

When I replaced the case on my 1962 LG3 years ago, the best fit I came up with was a hardshell case made for a classical guitar. Glassical guitars are not full sized and the littler LG guitar fit in it quite nicely.

It's not tweed, but I believe you will not have a wide range of choices in a harshell case. consider the protection first and the asthetics second.

BTW, I also have an LG0 from 1964 that I had the plastic bridge replaced. I have the original fauz-alligator case for it, but more often use a nice gig-bag, again one that was sized for a classical guitar.

Subject: RE: Gibson LG1, Opinions please
From: Mark Ross
Date: 06 Dec 04 - 04:11 PM

They are about the size of a Martin OO. Good working guitar, I used one for busking for many years.

Mark Ross

Subject: RE: Gibson LG1, Opinions please
From:
Date: 27 Dec 04 - 01:19 PM

Hi...Lost my Gibson LG1 of 30 years in a fire two days before Christmas. I have lots of other guitars (including much more expensive guitars)..but none that fit so well and sounded so sweet. I'm looking to replace right away....go for it. Deb

Subject: RE: Gibson LG1, Opinions please
From:
Date: 04 Jan 05 - 10:53 PM

Are you still looking for a Gibson LG1? I have one that I bought for my son in the mid 60s. He took lessons for about a year and never used it sence then. If you are interested I can send pictures.

Subject: RE: Gibson LG1, Opinions please
From: DonMeixner
Date: 05 Jan 05 - 12:23 AM

Jerry,

I am out of the market just now thanks.

A guitar that old in little used condition can be more valuable than you might guess. Don't sell it too cheaply. Get a good appraisal from some one known to be reputable and get a fair price for it.

Don

Subject: RE: Gibson LG1, Opinions please
From:
Date: 18 Nov 05 - 04:40 AM

I have a 1968 gibson LG1 that is in great condition.I need a wooden bridge for it,the old plastic one raised up.

Subject: RE: Gibson LG1, Opinions please
From:
Date: 02 Apr 06 - 11:50 AM

Got an old LG1(1952) that I used on many a gigs.Installed a Dean Markley pick up inside on the bridgeplate and run it through a D.I. box.Best sounding acoustic/elecrtic I ever had.Acoustically is very sweet and pleasing.Plays effortlessly.Records perfect.You don't need a booming bass in the studio.The little fellow surprises me time and time again when I hear it back.If you find one,buy it,whatever the shape it is in.

Subject: RE: Gibson LG1, Opinions please
From: GUEST
Date: 25 Feb 08 - 11:26 PM

Have a 1965 LG1 that I learned to play on. Lovely guitar....have a real soft spot in my heart for it. Was recently told by experts that it is worth about $750. even though it was in need of repairs and restoration.

Subject: RE: Gibson LG1, Opinions please
From: GUEST,GUEST
Date: 08 Jun 08 - 09:24 AM

At the moment in the UK a 50s LG-1 sells for about £1200 + VAT...

Subject: RE: Gibson LG1, Opinions please
From: GUEST
Date: 09 Dec 09 - 07:39 PM

found a 1963 lg1 in a pile of trash in a basement. Ive had this guitar 11 years and never played it due to the condition I found it in. I cleaned up tuning machines and now she sits in Nashville, Tennesee waiting an assesment from her maker. There were actually 2 of them, one sunburst and one natural. A friend of mine got the natural. This guitar was in playable condition and man it sounded sweet. I remember it being a small guitar with a big sound. Something like the 4 white knob 1964 fender princeton I found tearing down an old building. Ive been lucky.

Subject: RE: Gibson LG1, Opinions please
From: GUEST,LG-1 late 50's early 60's
Date: 30 Jan 10 - 12:07 PM

I am contemplating buying a friends LG-1. He's had it for a few years and out of all the guitars he's bought and restored, this little thing is the best playing sweetest sounding instrument he's owned. Claims these go for $1200-$150; however despite the guitars perfect sound,and amazing playability(sounds awesome all the way up the neck), it has many repairs cracks on the top and the binding is cracked w/pieces missing. As it is, I need to know what a reasonable offer would be. Asking $750 [w/a new case $800]

Subject: RE: Gibson LG1, Opinions please
From: olddude
Date: 30 Jan 10 - 01:05 PM

wish I had one love that guitar

Subject: RE: Gibson LG1, Opinions please
From: GUEST
Date: 01 Feb 10 - 01:58 AM

found out this one is a 1961 Kalamazoo LG1. asking $800 w/new case