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1955 Gibson LG-3
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FON#: W1199-25
Body size at lower bout: 14 1/8" Depth at endpin: 4 1/4" Scale length: 24 3/4" Nut width: 1 11/16"
Materials: Solid quartersawn bookmatched spruce top; Honduras mahogany back and sides and neck; solid Brazilian rosewood fingerboard and bridge; mother of pearl dot fingerboard inlays; 3-ply top binding, small teardrop tortoise pickguard, nickel Kluson Deluxe tuners, bone nut, adjustable truss rod, pearl dot rosewood bridge with compensated bone saddle.
Notes: Gibson's top-of-the-line compact flat top guitar, the LG-3 made its debut in 1942 and remained in the catalog for the next two decades, until it was re-christened the B-25N in 1963. Together with the sunburst LG-2, these two models were the only smaller postwar Gibson flat tops built with an X-braced soundboard. With its ultra-light construction, tall skinny braces, and stiff resonant soundboard, the LG-3 combined compact size with jumbo guitar projection and sustain. The rarest Gibson of its size, the top-line LG-3 was also its only small flat top with natural finish, and was premium-priced accordingly.
With long rays of satin figure in the Honduras mahogany back, this outstanding example was built in the last year for the small prewar-style teardrop pickguard, and has the lightweight Brazilian rosewood pin bridge, absent the tone-deadening adustable saddle of later years. At a featherweight 3 lb. 12 oz, this instrument is simply delightful to hold, and astonishing to play: the sound simply jumps from the body. The guitar has classic features including the tapered headstock, Brazilian rosewood fingerboard, and X-braced soundboard, making this model a favorite among players today.
With the open, brilliant voice of tonewood now some 60 years old, this instrument has volume and projection many larger guitars would envy. This example has been preserved in superb condition in the family of the original owner, with all-original hardware and amber blonde finish. A single fine hairline crack of less than an inch between fingerboard and soundhole has been soundly resealed, and the instrument shows only minimal playwear. The Brazilian rosewood bridge has excellent saddle height and intonation, and may have been removed and re-installed at some point. The body shows normal finish checking for a guitar its age, and apart from some a few scattered finish dings, a small nick in the peghead, and the typical tiny crack from the end of the board to the rosette, this gleaming instrument shows few signs of play altogether.
A delight to hold and play, the neck has a notably contemporary gentle C profile, with smooth low action over a recent neck reset, fine original fretwork in excellent condition. A vibrant player, this blonde beauty has the clear, full-throttle voice only decades of age and play can bestow. One only: call now.
Setup: This instrument is strung with medium gauge bronze strings
(.013-.056). The guitar will accommodate lighter or heavier gauge strings, according to preference. String action is set at 5/64" to 6/64" at the 12th fret, with moderate relief for acoustic playing with medium strings.
Case: Period deluxe black arched plush lined hardshell case.
