Acousticologist Posted April 15, 2011 Share Posted April 15, 2011 I'm currently keeping my eyes peeled for a vintage Gibson, and was considering the LG (it seems to be a popular vintage) Just wondering what a fair price is for one in good condition.. Average condition...? Bad condition? Completely new to the idea of buying vintage, so any info would be appreciated. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ryanfender Posted April 15, 2011 Share Posted April 15, 2011 I'm currently keeping my eyes peeled for a vintage Gibson, and was considering the LG (it seems to be a popular vintage) Just wondering what a fair price is for one in good condition.. Average condition...? Bad condition? Completely new to the idea of buying vintage, so any info would be appreciated. You are talking LG-1s I assume? I traded a late 90s American Strat for my LG with a local forum member. I have seen prices all over the board for LG-1s in the last year or so. I played one at Matt Umanov's shop is New York a few weeks ago (a 1959 I think) that they wanted $3295. This is a crazy, crazy, crazy price!!!!!!!!! I would say that ones from the 50s that need little to no work go for $1300 to $1500 retail. The early 50s tend to be a little more($1500 to $1800) and have slightly different features (pickguard, 19 frets, etc). The 60s models are less, especially ones with the plastic bridge and can be had in reasonable condition for less than $1000. If they need work, I would subtract from there. Pay attention to the need for neck resets. Also, the back braces on these models tend to have problems and the bridges can be problem areas due to the ladder bracing allowing the bridge to roll a little. These guitars were considered "student model" instruments back in the day and many of them were not treated very well and exposed to lots of amateur repair work over the years so it pays to look for a well treated example. If the guitar does not have a case, factor that into the price. The original faux alligator cases are made of cardboard and are not useful in any function manner of protection except the stick in your closet knowing you have the original case. I have a TKL case I would be willing to sell if you need one. I have done a far amount of research on LGs since I got mine so if you have questions, feel free to send me a PM. If I see anything you might be interested in I will let you know. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ryanfender Posted April 15, 2011 Share Posted April 15, 2011 Just noticed that Folkways has a 1949 LG-1 for a nice price. Its worn but all and all I like this guitar a lot. http://www.folkwaymusic.com/instruments/gibson.html Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Acousticologist Posted April 15, 2011 Author Share Posted April 15, 2011 Just noticed that Folkways has a 1949 LG-1 for a nice price. Its worn but all and all I like this guitar a lot. http://www.folkwaymusic.com/instruments/gibson.html That website just messed my mind up.... Too many vintage guitars.... I think I just drooled on my keyboard... This hunt for a vintage is going to be fun.... Thanks heaps Ryan Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bluewyatt Posted April 15, 2011 Share Posted April 15, 2011 Is the LG-1 preferred to and LG-2? I played an incredible 1950's LG-2 the other day but haven't tried a LG-1. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
zombywoof Posted April 15, 2011 Share Posted April 15, 2011 Is the LG-1 preferred to and LG-2? I played an incredible 1950's LG-2 the other day but haven't tried a LG-1. What is preferred is a matter of indiividual taste. But generally the LG-2 is more sought after because of the X bracing. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
brians356 Posted April 15, 2011 Share Posted April 15, 2011 You want '61 or older, with rosewood bridge, after that they changed to plastic! Ugh. LG-2 and LG-3 have X bracing, much better sound (most feel) and worth more $. LG-0 and LG-1 are ladder braced. Some folks like them, but they were the rock-bottom cheapest acoustic guitars Gibson made, period, and were considered "student" or entry-level guitars, and are worth 1/2 to 1/3 what the equivalent (year and condition) LG-2 / 3s are worth. I think you need to amble over to your local book store and pick up a copy of the newest "Vintage Guitar Price Guide" which is a great (but not the only) place to start, and affords hours of reading fun. Brian Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ryanfender Posted April 15, 2011 Share Posted April 15, 2011 Well.... it basically X-braced (LG-2) vs ladder braced (LG-1, with the exception of the early banner LG-1 which were X-braced). So depends on what kind of music you play and how much money you want to spend. An LG-2 tends to be at least $1000 more than the LG-1. The X-braced LG-2 produces a smoother tone which is good for a wide variety of music styles whereas the ladder braced LG-1 produces a harsher tone which works great for blues and old-timey music. The LG-2 is more popular and thus more expensive. It just depends on what your looking for. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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