streetlegalguitars Posted October 17, 2014 Share Posted October 17, 2014 Hi there! I am co-owner of a small guitar shop in Austin. Our consignor brought this Gibson in to sell, not knowing the model or anything. I researched the serial number and got *either* 1966 or 1969. It does not say "Made in U.S.A" below the serial, nor the peghead volute, so that would mean pre-1970. A couple of features supposedly started in 1970, so we believe it's probably late 1969. Seems to be most consistent with an LG-0 in appearance. But, as you can see here, it is clearly X-braced, which was evidently never a feature of LG-0 guitars. Aside from the bracing, the guitar has none of the features of an LG-1, 2, or 3. I have found a few sale listings of guitars claiming to be B-25s that look just like this one, but I'm not sure how confident the sellers were either. I appreciate any info you can give me! Alison Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
j45nick Posted October 17, 2014 Share Posted October 17, 2014 I would say a B-25N, and I would guess 1969 with that pickguard, if the choice is 1966 or 1969. Certainly in that timeframe. Looks like the saddle is cranked all the way down, so it may be headed for a neck re-set soon. Definitely not an LG-O, which would be ladder-braced and mahogany-topped. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
slimt Posted October 17, 2014 Share Posted October 17, 2014 I agree with Nick.. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
streetlegalguitars Posted October 17, 2014 Author Share Posted October 17, 2014 "Definitely not an LG-O, which would be ladder-braced and mahogany-topped." That's what we thought! But we read they introduced a spruce top on the LG-0 in 1970, which could coincide with the veneerless peghead, lack of "Made in U.S.A." stamp and peghead volute, and black pickguard. I feel like the bracing is the biggest indicator, though.. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
streetlegalguitars Posted October 17, 2014 Author Share Posted October 17, 2014 I would say a B-25N, and I would guess 1969 with that pickguard, if the choice is 1966 or 1969. Certainly in that timeframe. Looks like the saddle is cranked all the way down, so it may be headed for a neck re-set soon. Definitely not an LG-O, which would be ladder-braced and mahogany-topped. That's what we thought! But we read they introduced a spruce top on the LG-0 in 1970, which could coincide with the veneerless peghead, lack of "Made in U.S.A." stamp and peghead volute, and black pickguard. I feel like the bracing is the biggest indicator, though.. (sorry--learning how to do this) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
slimt Posted October 17, 2014 Share Posted October 17, 2014 That's what we thought! But we read they introduced a spruce top on the LG-0 in 1970, which could coincide with the veneerless peghead, lack of "Made in U.S.A." stamp and peghead volute, and black pickguard. I feel like the bracing is the biggest indicator, though.. (sorry--learning how to do this) LG0s were ladder braced.. B25s were X braced.. another way to check.. inside looking at the back.. is there a center strip? Lgos did not have the center strip.. I have owned quite a few B25s with no peg head veneer and no volutes Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bobouz Posted October 17, 2014 Share Posted October 17, 2014 This reminds me of a model we've seen on here before. Note the lack of back binding & simple black rosette, along with no back center brace. These indicate a model ranked below the B-25. I'm on vacation so can't access it, but if you check Gruhn's vintage guide, I'm pretty sure it's described in there. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jayyj Posted October 17, 2014 Share Posted October 17, 2014 I think Spruce tops on LG0s were a little earlier than 1970 - I used to have one and research at the time suggested they were introduced in 1968 and only lasted a year. Mine had a '68 serial number. Still, they were always ladder braced whatever the top. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Skinny Boy Jackson Posted October 18, 2014 Share Posted October 18, 2014 Gibson B20 http://www.glennsguitars.com/guitars/gibson/page239/files/page239-1000-full.html Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bobouz Posted October 18, 2014 Share Posted October 18, 2014 Gibson B20 Yup, that's the one! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
j45nick Posted October 18, 2014 Share Posted October 18, 2014 Gibson B20 http://www.glennsguitars.com/guitars/gibson/page239/files/page239-1000-full.html An odd creature. Have to admit I've never seen one before. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
streetlegalguitars Posted October 18, 2014 Author Share Posted October 18, 2014 Hmmmm... I'm not totally convinced about the B-20. The few that I can find all appear to be double-bound with black. This one is single-bound with white. This is all great information, though! Thank you! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Archived
This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.