Here is a beautiful Vintage 1965 Gibson LG-1 model acoustic guitar. So many reasons why we love vintage guitars-and this unit encapsulates many of them.
This guitar was produced at the legendary Gibson factory in Kalamazoo Michigan, U.S.A. at the climax of Gibson instrument manufacturing. It sounds absolutely killer-with that classic Gibson 'box' tone that defines the blues and instantly creates an intimate environment for singer-songwriting throughout all musical genres. The vintage cherry sunburst finish looks amazing and the Brazilian rosewood fingerboard has a grain and contrast that you just don't see these days. The neck has that great profile and vintage feel with a soft touch. The guitar has the Mojo inside and out, yet retains a nice clean look and feels super-solid.
The solid spruce top is clean and perfectly flat with no issues. Beginning in 1962, the LG-1 model was made with a plastic bridge-which sounded terrible and had a poor habit of lifting. Seeking to correct this-Gibson returned to the wood bridge along with a ceramic adjustable saddle-which is what this one has. There is evidence that the bridge has been reglued at some point-so I am uncertain if this is the original bridge or was an upgrade long ago. I am certain, however, that this bridge sounds a LOT better than a plastic one. The sides, back and binding are all solid with no creaks or issues anywhere. The sides and back are constructed of mahogany and have a nice clean grain with a touch of flame on the sides. There is a line check in the finish on the backside near an edge-nothing structural. The neck joint is solid and an excellent fitment.
The neck itself is also Mahogany. This guitar has the earlier and desirable wider fingerboard than later examples. The neck has the vintage C-shaped Gibson profile and the nut measures 1 11/16" wide. The neck depth measures .814" at the 1st fret and 1.107" deep at the 12th fret. The original kluson tuners all function smoothly and the guitar stays in tune great. The headstock and logo display excellent. The truss rod functions. The Brazilian rosewood fingerboard is clean, flat and free of wear. It has a beautiful contrast and grain and feels super-smooth. The frets have been professionally leveled, crowned and polished and appear near new condition and have an excellent height as well-see photos.
The guitar has a nice action and plays easily. The string height is currently set at .010" at the 1st fret and .103" at the 12th fret. It plays great up and down the fingerboard with zero dead spots. The guitar has the aforementioned classic box tone and really has a nice solid thump to it. The strings all sound uniform and the volume and response is solid.
The original alligator skin case has some wear and a couple of holes, but retains its handle and clasps and does its job. Looks really cool too.
Here's your shot at a classic vintage Gibson guitar that won't break the bank. It will only appreciate in value. It is a lot of playing around the house and sounds great in the studio as well. It is lightweight and compact and travels excellent. You know what you need to do.
