Gison L48 script logo

[rfiori9]

I found a Gibson L48 but the owner does not know the date. Can anyone tell the date and approximate value of this guitar?

[bobouz]

I found a Gibson L48 but the owner does not know the date. Can anyone tell the date and approximate value of this guitar?

The L-48 was introduced in 1946. The earliest versions had a solid spruce top, and that very well might be what you've got here (headstock & logo look consistent with the period). I'm thinking $1100 to $1400 would be a fair price (especially in today's market), depending on condition, tone, & playability. Later versions of the L-48 were mahogany topped, and later still versions used laminated mahogany, while the back & sides also varied between mahogany & maple. This is a model that changed specs many times. Most had an arched back, but I had a late '40s version with a solid arched mahogany top, and a flat back & sides that looked like they came straight off of an acoustic flat-top!

[rfiori9]

I'm thinking $1000 to $1300 would be a fair price (especially in today's market), depending on condition, tone, & playability. Looks like the top might be spruce, while most L-48s were mahogany topped. It is also old enough (based on the script logo) to probably have a solid top. Later L48s were often laminated. This is a model that changed specs many times. If the top turns out to be solid spruce, it's value will be enhanced. I had a late '40s version with a solid arched mahogany top, and a flat back & sides that looked like they came straight off of an acoustic flat-top!

Thanks so much Bobouz. Is there an easy way to tell if the top is solid or laminate?

[bobouz]

Thanks so much Bobouz. Is there an easy way to tell if the top is solid or laminate?

The grain lines visible in the F hole cut will clearly go all the way through the top if it's solid.