1951 GIBSON LG-3

A beautiful 1951 Gibson LG-3, in magnificent original and preserved condition.

This is a superb example of what can be considered the premium model from the LG line, a series of small-bodied flat-top guitars produced by Gibson starting in 1942. The LG-3 shares the same relationship with the LG-2 as the J-50 does with the J-45, namely that the two models are structurally identical in body proportions and internal construction with X-bracing, and differ only in the natural finish of their top, where that of the LG-2 has a Sunburst. In its catalog from the early 50s, Gibson also boasts a superior choice of wood for the LG-3 model that the clear varnish allows to highlight even further.

The LG-3’s early history was somewhat troubled, as it appeared in the midst of World War II at a time when most of Gibson’s production was focused away from guitar building and towards the war effort, and therefore the lack of rigorous record keeping makes it difficult to account for the precise date of construction of the instruments. The shipping of the first models is estimated to have taken place around August 1942, but like the J-50, due to the lack of supplies of spruce of satisfactory quality, production was interrupted the following year and very few examples from the early period are known to exist to this day. Production resumed in 1946 and continued until 1964, when the model was replaced by the B-25N, a guitar that was essentially identical to the LG-3 apart from the cherry finish now applied to the back and sides.

The guitar presented here is largely comparable to the models of the 40s, extremely light since it is built with very thin thicknesses of wood and is lightly braced, giving it a clear and powerful sound (surprising, considering the reduced size of the instrument!). The only notable difference with the earlier examples is the width and the shape of the neck, here perfectly adjusted and comfortable where many Gibsons of the 40s can be disconcerting because of the more substantial proportions of their neck. The instrument is perfectly preserved to this day and has all its original parts, including its natural varnish, its teardrop-shaped pickguard, its straight rosewood bridge and its set of Kluson Deluxe machine heads stamped PAT APPLD. Having been known to us for years, this LG-3 has been kept clean, set up, refretted and fitted with a new set of bone nuts in our workshop, and therefore remains in irreproachable playing condition.

Sold in a modern fitted case.