Who can tell me about this Gibson?

[BlackStrat_Fan]

Friend of mine had some nice vintage Gibsons come into his shop. He's asked me for my opinion - what they are and how much they are worth.

According to the SN it was made in 1965.

 

[nmiller]

It's an LG-3. The LG series were Gibson's cheaper, small-bodied flat tops during the '50s and '60s, but in some cases they've surpassed J-45s and J-50s in price nowadays. This one has the larger-style pickguard, and it appears to be a thick one too, which diminishes the value just a hair because it dampens the vibration of the top, but that's a minor quibble. The bridge saddle has been replaced, but that may be a good thing if the original was one of Gibson's adjustible saddles; they tend not to sound as good as fixed saddles. Any idea what the added pickup system is?

It looks from this photo like there's average wear on the guitar. I'd price it in the $2500 area, but I don't follow these too closely so others may have a better idea.

 

[BlackStrat_Fan]

Thanks nmiller for your reply. I had it as a J50 as well. I have not seen this in person, so I can't comment on the pickup system.

 

[esoteric pete]

could be a B25 too...

i think $2500 is a bit steep for these, as i recently sold a 64' J50 that was very clean for that.

 

[nmiller]

could be a B25 too...

i think $2500 is a bit steep for these, as i recently sold a 64' J50 that was very clean for that.

Looks like you're right, assuming the year is correct. 1965 was when they discontinued the LG-3 and kept the B-25N in its place. Same guitar, different name.

 

[screamtone]

I'm pretty sure it's not an LG-3. LG-3's have w/b/w binding on the body. They almost always have natural tops. I own a 1957 example.

I'm going to say it's an LG-1.

Does it have X-bracing or ladder bracing on the top? X-bracing would make it an LG-2, ladder bracing makes it an LG-1.

 

[DucatiWebDesign]

Is the model name stamped on the center strip?

That one would rank pretty low. I see wires inside so it's had some electronics, the saddle/bridge is likely changed, and that big guard is not popular.

Less than $1000. If a lot of work is needed, much less.

 

[zombywoof]

I agree that the asking price is really steep for a '65 B-25N.

Whether you take to that guitar or not may come down to the neck. 1965 is the year Gibson went a a narrower nut which made the thinner neck profiles they started using in 1960 feel even skinnier.

 

[mc5nrg]

I vote LG2 and about $1000 or a tad more ballpark.

 

[mellecaster]

I vote LG2 and about $1000 or a tad more ballpark.

As stated above....LG 2 was replaced by the B-25 in 62...Do you folks ever

read the thread before posting ??

 

[sideman]

Looks alot like a J-50. Dunno current pricing, but alot less than 2500. Guessing half that.

 

[sunburst79]

The split compensated bridge is not stock is it?