scottlg2 Posted November 28, 2011 Posted November 28, 2011 I have had my Grandfathers 48' LG-2 since I started playing guitar in the early eighties. I have had it for years in the original case without strings due to some issues it has. The bridge had lifted and the neck was warped from my Grandmother storing it in an attic for years. It is in amazing shape considering this. I have finally descided to take on the neccesary repairs myself. I am going to do a neck angle adjustment and I am going to level and refret the fretboard. I was wondering if anyone knows exactly what fret wire might have been used back then. I have measured it with my micrometer and may go a little taller for better playability. I was so scared to touch this guitar for fear of making it worth less money. But now knowing I will never get rid of it while I am still breathing, I just want it to play nicely again or better than it ever did. I am missing a bridge pin and wanted to know if I can find one close to the original. I am also missing the paper label out of the inside with the serial number on it, that I lost when I was too young to own this precious piece of history. I also just bought a new hard case for it to replace the original cardboard type case. I feel guilty about that but will hang on to it. Also without measuring it, does anyone know the radius of the fretboard?
Jerry K Posted November 28, 2011 Posted November 28, 2011 Scott, you haven't shown any photos but a 40's LG-2 is too good to practice beginning luthier skills. Take it to the best luthier you can find - somebody who really knows how to repair guitars and not just a tech at a guitar center type of guy. Don't be afraid to invest a little in this instrument. In addition to being a fine old thing, it has sentimental value for you. At the very least get some advice from a luthier.
j45nick Posted November 28, 2011 Posted November 28, 2011 Agree completely with Jerry. This is NOT the type of instrument to practice on until you have a clear understanding of what you are doing. I learned that one the hard way.
G McBride Posted November 28, 2011 Posted November 28, 2011 I agree with the others. Take this guitar to a very good luthier and get a great set up. I do a lot of my own set ups but have done them for several years. I would still take a nice vintage like yours to someone much better than myself to be set up. Enjoy that guitar and pass it down to another player in your family to carry on the tradition.
j45nick Posted November 28, 2011 Posted November 28, 2011 After re-reading this, I'm pleading with you not to take this project on yourself. Post some some detail pictures, and we'll try to give you some advice on what you need to do. Just because a guitar looks bad does not necessarily mean that it needs a lot done to it to make it playable. A re-fret and neck adjustment are the very last things you should consider until you have a LOT of experience. You could easily ruin this guitar. And, for your information, the guitar never had a paper label in it. These were reserved for higher-level instruments. It should have a factory order number ink-stamped on the back of the neck block (inside the guitar), and the model number ink-stamped on the centerline back cleat inside the guitar, just below the soundhole. You've come to the right place for advice, so let us help you.
jdd707 Posted November 28, 2011 Posted November 28, 2011 You've come to the right place for advice, so let us help you. What they said!!!! You will probably never be able to make this wonderful gift playable without expert intervention, regardless of how good you are with tools. Go to a professional.
BluesKing777 Posted November 28, 2011 Posted November 28, 2011 I was going to say the same as the others, because in playing condition this guitar could be the best you have ever heard! I have an LG1 (ladder-braced) from approx '52 and it is different guitar from the lg-2, but it just hums.... BluesKing777.
retrorod Posted November 29, 2011 Posted November 29, 2011 I agree with ALL of the above info.... Rod
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