jcappell Posted January 29, 2013 Share Posted January 29, 2013 Hello everyone, I'm interested in purchasing a vintage Gibson, not looking to get crazy. Let me start by saying I have only been playing for about 5 years, I am not a touring musician. To be honest, I'm a bit of a novice when it comes to the technical side of things. I've decided that I want to purchase a vintage Gibson acoustic, looking to spend less than $1000. I've been browsing on eBay and trying to do some research but I'm looking for some opinions. I found a few B-25 models and also a LG-1. I was able to dig up some information on the B series but not a ton on the LG. I can get a LG for $550 but it does need some work. (http://www.ebay.com/itm/281056510878?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1423.l2649) - I'm not sure how much is involved here, I don't want to spend another $1,000 fixing it. I just want something I can play and enjoy. What are your opinions on the LG-1 as compared to the B-25? Its tough because I haven't been able to play either of them. I appreciate the help from everyone, sucks being a noob. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mike.J.Faulkner Posted January 29, 2013 Share Posted January 29, 2013 To be honest, just looking at the bridge on that LG would put me right off, it seems to have had a major repair (and not very well done). There are certain things i would buy online, and things i wouldn't, a guitar is one of the latter. I want to pick it up, feel it and play it before i spend my hard earned cash. Where i live, the music stores take part ex guitars. It may be worthwhile to ask them to keep an eye out for you. Just my opinion, good luck with your search. Hello everyone, I'm interested in purchasing a vintage Gibson, not looking to get crazy. Let me start by saying I have only been playing for about 5 years, I am not a touring musician. To be honest, I'm a bit of a novice when it comes to the technical side of things. I've decided that I want to purchase a vintage Gibson acoustic, looking to spend less than $1000. I've been browsing on eBay and trying to do some research but I'm looking for some opinions. I found a few B-25 models and also a LG-1. I was able to dig up some information on the B series but not a ton on the LG. I can get a LG for $550 but it does need some work. (http://www.ebay.com/itm/281056510878?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1423.l2649) - I'm not sure how much is involved here, I don't want to spend another $1,000 fixing it. I just want something I can play and enjoy. What are your opinions on the LG-1 as compared to the B-25? Its tough because I haven't been able to play either of them. I appreciate the help from everyone, sucks being a noob. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jedzep Posted January 29, 2013 Share Posted January 29, 2013 Never met a B25 I didn't like. Xbrace, Xbrace, Xbrace! Accept no substitute. I'd drop the LG1 from my list for it's ladder bracing and subsequent lack of bass/depth of tone...but that's just me. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
j45nick Posted January 29, 2013 Share Posted January 29, 2013 Never met a B25 I didn't like. Xbrace, Xbrace, Xbrace! Accept no substitute. I'd drop the LG1 from my list for it's ladder bracing and subsequent lack of bass/depth of tone...but that's just me. Probably the best value in entry-level vintage Gibson. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dotneck Posted January 29, 2013 Share Posted January 29, 2013 Probably the best value in entry-level vintage Gibson. ...and the best thing about it is the price. When I think of vintage guitars I think they need to be old and desirable. The B-25 is just old. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bigshot Posted January 29, 2013 Share Posted January 29, 2013 For that amount of money, I'd rather get something recent and good than old and funky. I also would be looking at other brands than Gibson. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jayyj Posted January 29, 2013 Share Posted January 29, 2013 LG-1s can be lovely guitars, epecially if you're into bluesy fingerpicking. It's not a classic Gibson sound in the sense of a J-45 or J-200, and if that's the sound you're looking for there are modern imports that will get you closer than an LG-1, but it has bags of character and if the vintage thing appeals to you it's a very good starting point for (relatively!) little money. If this is your first vintage guitar I'd be inclined to try to find one from a reputable dealer, and read up on common issues that befall older instruments so that you have an idea what questions to ask - "does it need a neck reset?" should be high on the list, otherwise you could be adding a hefty repair bill to the cost of the instrument. A quick search on Gbase throws up several at around the $1250 mark, and you're a good haggler and the dealer is keen for a sale you might just get more or less within your budget. Examples such as the one you linked to could turn out to be reasonable player's instruments, but could just as easily be a disaster - so better to be cautious, particularly if you can't examine it first. I've only played a couple of B-25s, but I've liked those I've tried, a bit more versatile than the LG-1 with a stronger bass response. I also love the look of the Epiphone Cortez, which was essentially a rebranded B-25 with a few cosmetic differences. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tpbiii Posted January 30, 2013 Share Posted January 30, 2013 This may be some help -- a comparison of a 59 LG-1 (ladder), a '46 LG-2 (X) and a '42 LG-1. https://vimeo.com/51018724 Best, -Tom Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cunningham26 Posted January 30, 2013 Share Posted January 30, 2013 I'd recommend craigslist over ebay every day of the week. CL usually has similar inventory, but every once in awhile you can scoop something off for hundreds less. There are just a lot less people checking every local craigslist. Use dailylister.com to search nationwide, as well as regionally. I found my '60s J45 for under $1000 because it was in a vague post with no photo on a saturday when everyone is reposting their $200 ibanez and buried the ad. emailed the guy in the morning, figured out what it was, and was playing it that night. It takes a lot of fishing, but nothing beats catching the big one! good luck Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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