CFO Posted August 5, 2015 Share Posted August 5, 2015 Hello, I am new to the site. I came here looking for answers about my Tenor guitar. I'd like to find out what year it is and also what model. I think it is a TG-0, but I am not sure and I do not know what year it is. The number stamped on the neck block inside is 550. It is all original (except for the pegs that hold the strings in the bridge). I have attached some photos here. If you can help me identify the year and model that would be great. I am not sure what the differences are between a TG-1 or TG-0 or TG-00. Thank you for any help you can provide. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CFO Posted August 5, 2015 Author Share Posted August 5, 2015 Any help would be much appreciated. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jayyj Posted August 5, 2015 Share Posted August 5, 2015 This is the 2nd generation of the TG series guitars - the earliest had a unique body style that measured 11" across the lower boot; then when the L style six strings were upgraded from the smaller round body design to the modern L-00/Blues King shape the small tenor was discontinued and subsequent tenors were adapted from the equivalent six string model. I've seen small body tenors from 1930 and possibly even as late as '31. The earliest L-00 sized tenors were 12 frets to the body so yours is a little later. Â The number on the heel block is called a factory order number. There's a great book by Joe Spann that lists many of the numbers used in this period so it should be possible to get an idea from that what year your guitar is. Identifying between 0, 00, and 1 styles is confusing but possible if the date is known, and the tenors follow the same changes as six string versions. A sprayed sunburst with a very small centre is suggestive of the mid 30s - earlier guitars having a hand rubbed burst and later ones the more typical large burst. The burst on your guitar looks a little odd but it's sometimes hard to judge from a photo. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
zombywoof Posted August 6, 2015 Share Posted August 6, 2015 I am in no way even close to any kind of an expert on tenor guitars. But if I had to guess I would say yours is a 1932 to 1935 TG-1. Problem is the 4 digit FONs in this period are not in any kind of order. But the "Gibson" logo (minus "The") would date it post 1931. In 1935 Gibson goes to a different FON configuration. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jayyj Posted August 6, 2015 Share Posted August 6, 2015 Every '32 example I've seen has been 12 frets to the body, and I've seen several from '33 that have the transitional elevated fingerboard - so I think the 14 fret model probably arrived at some point in '33 following the elevated fingerboard examples. That would narrow it down a little more. Â Zomby, what do you think of the sunburst? It kind of looks right for a '34 or '35 but the colour looks odd to me and I can't decide if it's just the photo / monitor. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
zombywoof Posted August 6, 2015 Share Posted August 6, 2015 Based on your assessment of specs, I do think 1933 to 1934 would seem right. The number of frets would place the instrument after 1932. If it was built from 1935 on it would have a very differently configured FON. On the burst, I am leery of judging by a photo for as you said the color will often be off. It does look in the ballpark though. The Kalamazoos and Recording Kings from the period, of course, have a lot of black in the pear edged burst which I always assumed was an attempt to disguise the less than top grade wood used to build them. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jayyj Posted August 6, 2015 Share Posted August 6, 2015 Regarding top quality, I've seen a few 30s tenors with three piece tops - pretty sure I've seen an L00 with a three piece top as well but there seem to be more tenors with the feature. I wonder how the tenors were priced compared to the six string version - whether they were cheaper or if it was the same? Â In any case, I think you're right that we have this one narrowed down to '33 or '34. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CFO Posted August 7, 2015 Author Share Posted August 7, 2015 Wow, I sure came to the right place to get some answers, you guys are awesome , thank you so much for your knowledge and feedback! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
zombywoof Posted August 7, 2015 Share Posted August 7, 2015 A question and probably a dumb one but do they make strings so that you can tune a tenor guitar to fifths? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jayyj Posted August 8, 2015 Share Posted August 8, 2015 I usually tune in fifths (CGDA low to high) - that's the traditional tuning, then there's octave mandolin tuning (GDAE) that is popular for modern players, and Chicago tuning which is the same as the top four stings of a six sting guitar. The fifth tunings are more common though. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
zombywoof Posted August 8, 2015 Share Posted August 8, 2015 Thanks. I wanted to know if you can play them like a mandolin and now I know. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Martin 1940D28 Posted August 24, 2015 Share Posted August 24, 2015 We have a 1933 Gibson TG0, small center burst, mahogany top. Very close to yours. As far as I know, the TG0 and L0 are mahogany tops. I believe the TG00 and LOO have white spruce tops. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tpbiii Posted August 24, 2015 Share Posted August 24, 2015 That batch is documented by Joe Spann -- 1934 TG-00. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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