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mcleeder · December 23rd, 2008, 09:19 PM

I've got a beat up old Gibson acoustic that my uncle gave me about 10 years ago. The finish is cracking and it's got plenty of scratches. As far as I can tell the neck is straight, but the frets have been worn down to almost nothing. It's almost unplayable in it's current state.

Anyway, the serial number is 835626, stamped into the headstock. I plugged it into this website: http://www.guitardaterproject.org/gibson.aspx

It returned that it was made in Kalamazoo in 1966 or '69.

My questions are, what have I got here? Is it worth anything? And is it worth restoring?

johnnykf · December 23rd, 2008, 10:04 PM

If you posts some pics we can identify what model it is, and you'd get some opinions. I have some books that can help

Stubee · December 23rd, 2008, 11:18 PM

Quote:

If you posts some pics we can identify what model it is, and you'd get some opinions. I have some books that can help

Yep. I and others here have owned many old Gibsons and know those plus the one's we didn't own. Got books too. A pic or even plentiful details would help.

mcleeder · December 24th, 2008, 02:00 PM

I took a few pictures with my cell phone. Sorry, I don't have a digital camera. But still, this should give you an idea of the general size and shape.

twangcaster1 · December 24th, 2008, 02:03 PM

I have analyzed your picture and I have come to the conclusion that it is, in fact, a Gibson! Man, I'm good.

JohnnyAtomic · December 24th, 2008, 02:29 PM

B15

mcleeder · December 24th, 2008, 04:22 PM

Looks like you're right. Thanks.

Now, what should I do with it?

JohnnyAtomic · December 24th, 2008, 05:00 PM

It's definitely a B15, which is pretty much exactly like an LGO except w/ a Melody Maker peghead shape. I'd say it's more likely a 1969 than a 66.

I'd just have it setup and then either play it, or sell it.

it doesn't look too bad to me.

TeleDrifter · December 25th, 2008, 04:40 PM

Take it to a pro, get a refret done....Good luck..............Cheers

zombywoof · December 28th, 2008, 06:50 PM

I don't think the B-15 was introduced until 1967 and they had a fairly short run - Gibson stopped making them in '70 or '71.

It was one of Gibson's "student" models and are not worth mega bucks. They usually sell for between $400 and $600 (depending on condition).

If it were me I would go ahead and refret it and just play the heck out of her.

December 23rd, 2008, 09:19 PM	#1 (permalink)
mcleeder TDPRI Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Portland, OR Age: 28 Posts: 10	my old Gibson I've got a beat up old Gibson acoustic that my uncle gave me about 10 years ago. The finish is cracking and it's got plenty of scratches. As far as I can tell the neck is straight, but the frets have been worn down to almost nothing. It's almost unplayable in it's current state. Anyway, the serial number is 835626, stamped into the headstock. I plugged it into this website: http://www.guitardaterproject.org/gibson.aspx It returned that it was made in Kalamazoo in 1966 or '69. My questions are, what have I got here? Is it worth anything? And is it worth restoring?

December 24th, 2008, 02:03 PM	#5 (permalink)
twangcaster1 Friend of Leo's Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: SLC, UT Posts: 2,201 15 Photos	I have analyzed your picture and I have come to the conclusion that it is, in fact, a Gibson! Man, I'm good. __________________ Louisiana Twangmaker

December 24th, 2008, 02:29 PM	#6 (permalink)
JohnnyAtomic Tele-Afflicted Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Little Rock, AR Posts: 1,397	B15 __________________ flaming hamper of rock! www.myspace.com/johnnyatomicmusic

December 24th, 2008, 05:00 PM	#8 (permalink)
JohnnyAtomic Tele-Afflicted Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Little Rock, AR Posts: 1,397	It's definitely a B15, which is pretty much exactly like an LGO except w/ a Melody Maker peghead shape. I'd say it's more likely a 1969 than a 66. I'd just have it setup and then either play it, or sell it. it doesn't look too bad to me. __________________ flaming hamper of rock! www.myspace.com/johnnyatomicmusic

December 28th, 2008, 06:50 PM	#10 (permalink)
zombywoof Friend of Leo's Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Back in the Heartland Posts: 3,056 17 Photos	I don't think the B-15 was introduced until 1967 and they had a fairly short run - Gibson stopped making them in '70 or '71. It was one of Gibson's "student" models and are not worth mega bucks. They usually sell for between $400 and $600 (depending on condition). If it were me I would go ahead and refret it and just play the heck out of her. __________________ "I don't play a lot of fancy guitar. I don't want to play it. The kind of guitar I want to play is mean, mean licks." John Lee Hooker

December 23rd, 2008, 10:04 PM	#2 (permalink)
johnnykf Tele-Holic Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Twin Peaks. NY Age: 53 Posts: 579	If you posts some pics we can identify what model it is, and you'd get some opinions. I have some books that can help

December 24th, 2008, 04:22 PM	#7 (permalink)
mcleeder TDPRI Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Portland, OR Age: 28 Posts: 10	Looks like you're right. Thanks. Now, what should I do with it?

December 25th, 2008, 04:40 PM	#9 (permalink)
TeleDrifter Tele-Holic Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Phoenix, AZ, USA Age: 53 Posts: 584	Take it to a pro, get a refret done....Good luck..............Cheers

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