1953 Gibson LG-1 Black Sunburst

Gibson introduced the LG-1 in April of 1943 as a kind of junior partner to the famous J-45, with the same solid spruce top and mahogany back, sides, and neck. It had full body binding, a simple one-stripe rosette, a straight rosewood bridge with pearl dot inlay and black bridge pins, a 14/19-fret rosewood fingerboard with dot inlay, a blackface headstock with a screened logo and three-on-a-plate nickel tuners, and a tortoise pickguard. Its smaller dimensions (14 1/8” lower bout, with a 24 ¾” scale) allowed Gibson to use straight-across ladder bracing on the top as well as the back, and to use a single piece mahogany back with no center seam. It was usually in a sunburst finish, and was produced at a rate of about 1000 a year until 1968.

Although the label on this LG-1 is long gone, the Factory Order Number Y6133 27 is clearly visible inside, indicating that this was the 27th guitar in batch 6133 in the year 1953—67 years ago! In those 67 years, a number of changes have been made to the original specs, but this guitar has the 14/19-fret fingerboard and the smaller pickguard used until 1955. After almost seven decades, needless to say, the aged and seasoned woods are thoroughly opened up and it sounds great, much clearer than my Guild D-25, for example.

Cosmetically, the soundboard (top) appears to have been professionally over-sprayed at least, and the bridge has apparently been re-set in the process. While the back and sides look original, there is a quarter-sized chip in the finish on the upper bout bass side. Naturally there is some finish crazing, and multiple small dings, scratches, and bruises. The back has several small professionally repaired cracks and a bit of buckle bruising, and the finish along the side of the neck is worn.

As far as I can tell checking the various vintage Gibson books, there have been no actual replacements except probably the 1 11/16” nut and saddle. The original Kluson Deluxe 3-on-a-strip tuners work well, and the binding is intact. There are some chips in the finish of the neck, but no cracks or repairs. An obvious modification is the addition of a pickup with sound hole controls and a jack in the treble side lower bout; if you had any concerns about volume from the smaller body, that problem is solved.

It has been set up to play at a fast and comfortable 3/32” at the 12th fret low E, and it truly plays great. While it is less “collectible” because of the finish and electronics, it is a bright and flashy instrument and a terrific performer. This is an instrument which shows everyone what it is: an absolutely classic guitar from the Golden Age of Gibson, perfect for play in any style at any level. It is an instrument to be played with pride.

The solid TKL black hard shell case is obviously not original, but it fits the LG body very well and is in very good functional condition inside and out. With all due respect to the usual raggedy Gibson chip board cases, this is certainly an appropriate complement to this mojo-full guitar. More importantly, it offers excellent protection for an instrument which any Gibson player will cherish.

Buyer pays a flat rate of $55 for insurance and shipping to the lower 48 states; shipping costs elsewhere will be negotiated as necessary. Payment by Paypal is preferred; cashier’s checks are acceptable, but checks must clear before the guitar will be shipped.

I have tried to be perfectly clear and accurate in describing this vintage instrument, but I am not a luthier and this old guy has been making music for sixty-seven years. Please check out the pictures and ask any questions you might have before offering to buy it, as its return will not be accepted unless it can be shown that it was egregiously misrepresented in this listing.

Thank you for your interest in this totally cool Gibson guitar.