Old Gibson question

[WIS Bill]

Hello, I am new to this site, and thought someone out there could help me. I just picked up and old Gibson at a garage sale for $50.00. It sounds wonderful, it has the best tone I think I have ever heard in a guitar that I have owned or for that matter anyone's I have heard. Anyway I was curious as to the year it was made and possibly what it may be worth? It is weathered (which I think is a good thing), looks like the bridge has been replaced. Other than that I think everything on it is original. I found inked stamped on it "X9564 4" and "LG 2". If anyone can help I would appreciate it.

Thanks in advance.

[guitarstrummer]

Sounds like a great find for $50. Looks like it's an LG2 model, and from that number, it could be around a 1954. Can you post some photos?

[WIS Bill]

[http://api.ning.com/files/Xwu4IYhMMkSCMYVLyvU7YeFKDiz-B5kOmUFm7w0syRlZ2GrMps-Pr2T-7gGJ2mymQ5HGXuW7Nla8LUKrlJen1c1GUbKLSVvW/P8160430.JPG?width=139&height=104

[WIS Bill]

I don't want to sound like an idiot, (my wife thinks I am one, so I am used to it anyway), but could anyone explain how to post pictures for me.....Thanks

[guitarstrummer]

You have to have your photos hosted somewhere on the internet, such as AOL or photobucket.com. Then copy the URL address for the photo. Then, go to the post window and select the "image" icon at the top (6th box from the left). Paste the URL address from your photo between the two "IMG" markers.

[guitarstrummer]

By the way, pardon my bad manners, WIS Bill. I was so excited about your find of the century, I forgot to welcome you to the forum.

 

As far as it's worth, there are many variables. According to the "Blue Book Of Acoustic Guitars", they list it between $1300 and $1500 if it's in average shape.

[WIS Bill]

http://api.ning.com/files/Xwu4IYhMMkSCMYVLyvU7YeFKDiz-B5kOmUFm7w0syRlZ2GrMps-Pr2T-7gGJ2mymQ5HGXuW7Nla8LUKrlJen1c1GUbKLSVvW/P8160430.JPG?width=139&height=104http://api.ning.com/files/Xwu4IYhMMkTy9rFRzLalRE-O04r9TIMyFYguawWXsb*0KjK53Hpuayn8fhCbzHjL5dagNWxISro2-GxVbgsPWmL4KugwENnH/P8160432.JPG?width=139&height=104http://api.ning.com/files/pfDbSB92hsmzMhjNcAX*rJAplaj-xo518-w3RyTeclQBbDQObVG8e1njfjG9ipPXpppQu5zh7JoBT1*RdP4VVhRfk7fafqvb/P8160436.JPG?width=139&height=104http://api.ning.com/files/I6ZQqufPXDgjewLItiNMJiQvAFlQqJwFMRz8YnwuEy9OnWaOx1xxH69lRsb9-4J1K2jdgwmrBDBFHOvGmRAgcVpo8G9YwNYt/P8150413.JPG?width=139&height=104[/img]

[guitarstrummer]

Your photos didn't post WIS Bill. Let me try it using your address links and see if it works.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[WIS Bill]

I thought I followed your directions properly, it is obvious I did something wrong.

[WIS Bill]

Thanks for having me here, I love these sites. I also belong to the Ovation and Takamine sites. I have received so much information from chatting with real guitar people over the last 3 months than I ever did the previous 30 years of playing. So thank you and to all the experts that help people like me.

[guitarstrummer]

Well, that looks like a great guitar. Some guys have all the luck!! The number you posted is the Factory Order Number. The "X" signifies that it's a 1954. The next four digits are the batch number and the last digit is the count number.

[sfden1]

Wow Bill, nice find indeed, congratulations. The old LG-2's are really nice guitars and one of my favorites. I have a 1946, and agree with you about the tone. Mine also has a bit of a baseball bat neck, but by the 50's the necks were getting a little thinner. By the way, the Vintage Price Guide tends to be a little behind the market, so your LG-2 may be worth a bit more than has been suggested here. I'd love to see larger photos if anyone can figure out how w to make these bigger. Also, what's the condition like?

 

Dennis.

[WIS Bill]

For the age, the condition is great. It is really just weathered, the lacquer is cracking, and around the hole is worn from strumming over 53 years. All in all it is in great shape and sounds fantastic. And yes, the neck is thinner and easy to play and the action is very good, which was much to my suprise. About posting pictures, as you can see Mike took care of that for me, as I just can't seem to figure out how to post.

[sfden1]

About posting pictures' date=' as you can see Mike took care of that for me, as I just can't seem to figure out how to post. [/quote']

 

LOL, I have the same problem. Technically challenged I guess.

 

Finish crazing, as you probably know, is pretty common on these old Gibson's. No big deal for sure, and gives them a bit of mojo that I really like. Mine has the same sound hole pick wear by the way. Come to think of it, maybe that's one of the reasons why Gibson now places the pickguard closer to the sound hole covering up the rosette. That's something that annoys a number of people (including me), but maybe there's some logic to it.

 

Anyway, the next time you change the strings, put a mirror in it and check the bracing and the bridgeplate closely. It's common for the bracing to get loose over time, and of course after 50 or so years the plates will wear at the string holes. These aren't major, major repairs in the hands of someone who knows vintage guitars, but good to get repaired if it needs it.

[WIS Bill]

Thanks for your insight. I will be sure to look at the bracing and plate when I change strings. The only thing that I have noticed is the B string tends to buzz when picked, but only the B string.

[TheLiveSoundGuy]

Talk about walking down the street and finding a $100 bill at your feet!

That has to be the find of a lifetime! $50.00? Incredible.

Congrats, and welcome.

[sfden1]

Thanks for your insight. I will be sure to look at the bracing and plate when I change strings. The only thing that I have noticed is the B string tends to buzz when picked' date=' but only the B string.[/quote']

 

I'm not very good about this kind of stuff, but you might peruse the articles at www.frets.com and see what Frank Ford has to say. As I recall, he has a whole section on diagnosing buzzing. A good read in any case.

[TWilson]

Heck of a find, especially for a " Cheese Head!" Just kidding, welcome to the forum and don't, under any circumstances, sell that LG2. It's like your neighbor selling you a '53 Corvette for $500. I daydream about such things every time I go into one of those old stores that sells anything and everything. Great, great find!!!

[jefleppard]

Talk about walking down the street and finding a $100 bill at your feet!

That has to be the find of a lifetime! $50.00? Incredible.

Congrats' date=' and welcome.

 

[/quote']

 

agreed. wow. what a find! how many of you will now spend labour day weekend combing garage sales because of this thread?

[TommyK]

Hello' date=' I am new to this site, and thought someone out there could help me. I just picked up and old Gibson at a garage sale for $50.00. [/quote']

I think I hate you.

 

Madison' date=' Wis. [/quote']

 

Right in my own back yard... I KNOW I hate you!

 

 

Congrats! You've made the deal most of us only dream about.

[WIS Bill]

I am still pinching myself making sure that this is for real. Should I be afraid of having someone (a professional of course) tinkering with replacing the bridge properly? Right now it is screwed in. It sounds so good right now as is, but it would be nice to have it done correctly. Let me know what you guys think.