GarySalg Posted October 23, 2011 Posted October 23, 2011 Ive been given this guitar but I have no idea what model it is. It is very old and rust and beat up so it must be pretty old.. it doesnt seem like a higher-end model so keep that in mind. Theres no writings on it besides on the back of the headstock it has the numbers: 629108 & "Made in USA" under it. On the soundhole(wood straight in the middle of the soundhole) it says: 1-50-D on the back of the machine heads it also says "Gibson Deluxe" on each tuning peg. On the headstock theres also the word "IMPERFECT" Vertically written and on the top of the headstock: "L.G.N." but both of those writings look carved so Im guessing the old owner must've done that not while the guitar was actually made. Anybody ? Im attaching some pictures.
rar Posted October 23, 2011 Posted October 23, 2011 It's an early '70s J-50 Deluxe. Sorry I can't be more precise about the dating, but the serial numbering was pretty messed up during that period. Gibson Customer Service might have a better idea. -- Bob R
tvguit Posted October 24, 2011 Posted October 24, 2011 It's an early '70s J-50 Deluxe. Sorry I can't be more precise about the dating, but the serial numbering was pretty messed up during that period. Gibson Customer Service might have a better idea. -- Bob R I would have to agree. It is interesting that you can see the double X bracing through the top.
E-minor7 Posted October 24, 2011 Posted October 24, 2011 J-50 Deluxe would mean it's a mahogany back'n'sides guitar with spuce top. Same as a square shouldered J-45, just blonde opposed to sunburst. Early 70's would mean a double X bracing as mentioned (the structures of wood underneath the top) The first thing is very attractive. The second more dubious. Some would say the double X makes the instrument too stiff. You shouldn't mind in this phase. If the Gibson feels/sounds good, relax and enjoy it. If you ever think of passing it, be aware of the above.
GarySalg Posted October 24, 2011 Author Posted October 24, 2011 so you guys are telling me this guitar is worth around $700 ?!?!?!?!
E-minor7 Posted October 24, 2011 Posted October 24, 2011 so you guys are telling me this guitar is worth around $700 ?!?!?!?! Hehe, , , what I'm telling you is that you're not the owner of the Holy Grail. The guitar seems to be in a fair shape, but do we see a scar from the Battle of Hastings on the back of the headstock ?
GarySalg Posted October 24, 2011 Author Posted October 24, 2011 Hehe, , , what I'm telling you is that your not the owner of the Holy Grail. The guitar seems to be in a fair shape, but do we see a scar from the Battle of Hastings on the back of the headstock ? Im checking google and every J-50 Deluxe is selling at minimum $700.. jeez thats more than all my other guitars haha. The guitar is not in HORRIBLE shape but it def needs to be taken to a shop asap to replace old everything haha, the tuning pegs are really rusty, the fretboard feels very dry but it could be worse... theres also a small crack on the body (just below the pickguard, you can kinda see it on the picture. I think with a visit to the shop it can be what it used to be again. If it really is a vintage 70s Gibson I def want to restore it and keep it haha, good for bragging rights :P
E-minor7 Posted October 24, 2011 Posted October 24, 2011 Don't change the tuners – they are folkie-funky fab. Give them oil. Change as little as possible – keep the Deluxe original.
GarySalg Posted October 24, 2011 Author Posted October 24, 2011 Don't change the tuners – they are folkie-funky fab. Give them oil. Change as little as possible – keep the Deluxe original. its really beat up though
Jinder Posted October 24, 2011 Posted October 24, 2011 I'd like to echo everyone else's sentiments and say keep it as original as possible! If your machineheads work (or will work with some oil and tlc), keep hold of them-they may not look much but the guitar will be worth a lot more with as original a setup as possible. The only exception to this rule is frets-if the frets are badly worn or corroded, a refret won't impact the guitar's value particularly. Enjoy the adventure, '70s Gibsons are a mixed bag for sure but not all bad-I've played some that would charm the birds out of the trees.
L5Larry Posted October 24, 2011 Posted October 24, 2011 I'd like to echo everyone else's sentiments and say keep it as original as possible! As a general rule, this is good advise to follow, but in this case is just doesn't matter. With the headstock repair and soundboard crack, plus the fact it's a 70's model, this guitar has no collectors or vintage value. The structural damage also decreases the value by 50%. The value of this guitar is in how it sounds and plays, or it's potential thereof with reasonable costs to repair and replace parts and damage as needed. Just do not spend money on this guitar as an "investment", expecting to reap great profits down the line. That said, I would think if dropping $300 (or so) in this guitar in parts and repairs would give you a nice old Gibson to bang around on, I'd say your cost-to-value ratio would be sound (pun intended).
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