Help dating Gibson LG-1

[j_n_waco]

I found a Gibson LG-1 today and bought it for $129. It was in a pawn shop. I checked it out before I bought, and everything looks original, tuning keys, bridge, pickguard, etc. Kluson tuners, 3 on a plate, with no evidence of them being replaced or worked on. The action is a bit high, but the neck is straight and there's not any evidence of the bridge coming up - the top is still flat.

Anyways, I've read enough now that I believe it's a 1955 or later model, it has 20 frets, the blocked Gibson logo, and a rosewood bridge. It is stamped on the back of the peghead 24491, which I read denoted that the guitar was sold as a second or as a blemished guitar when it was first sold. Other than that, I know these guitars were produced through 1968 or later, and was wanting to narrow the date down a bit. It doesn't have the plastic bridge, so I know it's not too late of a model, but can't be for sure. Anyone have any ideas? I don't see any other serial numbers on the guitar. It is stamped LG1 on the inside of the back of the guitar, but there is no paper label and looks like there never was one.

Thanks

[Smokin OP]

Try one of these links.

http://www.promusicfind.com/new/dating.shtml

http://mediawebsource.com/guitar/serial.htm

[j_n_waco]

Originally Posted by Smokin OP

Try one of these links.

http://www.promusicfind.com/new/dating.shtml

http://mediawebsource.com/guitar/serial.htm

Thanks, but that's the site that I found yesterday. Using that site, I narrowed it down to between 1955 and 1961, OR 1966, since it has a wood bridge and not the plastic one. I'm thinking the 1966 had a different color sunburst than the one on mine, so.... Which I guess is as close as I will get since it doesn't have the normal serial numbers on the neck block.

Thanks for your help, though!

[zombywoof]

My guess if from the stamped 5 digit serial number and rosewood bridge (assuming it has the adjustable saddle) the guitar was made between 1966 and 1968.

[j_n_waco]

Originally Posted by zombywoof

My guess if from the stamped 5 digit serial number and rosewood bridge (assuming it has the adjustable saddle) the guitar was made between 1966 and 1968.

I read that, too. What is meant by "adjustable bridge"? Is it like the saddle can be raised and lowered by turning bolts on each end? Also, the sadle is rectangluar in shape, not curved up like on some pics of 60's models.

[zombywoof]

Originally Posted by j_n_waco

I read that, too. What is meant by "adjustable bridge"? Is it like the saddle can be raised and lowered by turning bolts on each end? Also, the sadle is rectangluar in shape, not curved up like on some pics of 60's models.

Yeah, Gibson used both tune-o-matic adjustable bridges - both becoming standard features on some of their guitars in 1961. Should have screws (i am not sure what the proper name for them is) to raise or lower the saddle.

But you are right, that rectangular bridge was used prior to the 60s. Problem is I have seen my fair share of Gibbys with replaced bridges. The adjustable bridges had the reputation of "tone killers." But again, a five digit serial number does not jibe with a pre-1960s guitar.

If you are dead set on getting an anwer for $35 you have Gruhn do an online appraisal. He should be able to identify the year the guitar was made as well as give you an idea of what the value is (which is always good to know).

[Will Ferrule]

I like this site for info on Gibsons: http://www.provide.net/~cfh/gibson6.html

I think their ideas on the "collectibility" of some guitars is out of date, but there's some good info and pictures.

[j_n_waco]

Originally Posted by zombywoof

Yeah, Gibson used both tune-o-matic adjustable bridges - both becoming standard features on some of their guitars in 1961. Should have screws (i am not sure what the proper name for them is) to raise or lower the saddle.

But you are right, that rectangular bridge was used prior to the 60s. Problem is I have seen my fair share of Gibbys with replaced bridges. The adjustable bridges had the reputation of "tone killers." But again, a five digit serial number does not jibe with a pre-1960s guitar.

If you are dead set on getting an anwer for $35 you have Gruhn do an online appraisal. He should be able to identify the year the guitar was made as well as give you an idea of what the value is (which is always good to know).

http://tinyurl.com/2upmzf

Try this web site for some pics of the guitar at my space. I think they should be available. It definitely doesn't have an adjustable bridge and it really looks like the bridge has not been replaced. I took the strings off of the guitar because someone had super heavy strings on it and I don't want the bridge or neck to be damaged. They are both in really good condition, and the finish on the sides and back is awesome. The front finish has some slight wrinkling, which you can't see in the pics because my camera is a gigantic piece of crap. It needs a new saddle because the saddle that came with it stuck up from the top of the bridge by at least 1/2 an inch, and I am not exagerating. The action was horribly high (due to the three story saddle). Anyways, my pawn shop find of the year, probably.

[zombywoof]

IMHO, it does not really matter what years it is cuz what you paid is a steal for any LG-1 not matter what the year.

Will take a look at the pics.