Gibson LG-3

dirtprod · Not So Newbie Joined: 12 Feb 2008 Posts: 5

I have a Gibson LG-3. The serial number is 5721 1.

Does anybody know what year that would make it?

It needs major bridge work, (it's split in two piece.) I'd also like to get an idea what it's worth for insurance purposes. It was my aunt's guitar from back in the 50's. Her sister, another aunt, just gave it to me.

I'll also need to find a qualified Gibson service tech in Minnesota. I've heard that Hoffman Music in the Twin Cities has an excellent tech, but I haven't had opportunity to find out, yet.

I haven't taken any pictures, yet, but I will be doing that in a few days.

Any information would be greatly appreciated.

dirtprod · Not So Newbie Joined: 12 Feb 2008 Posts: 5

I finally got some pictures. I'm stll trying to determine the date. I initially thought that because of the "57" being in the SN, that it was from 57, but I found pictures of it being played prior to 56, so that wasn't correct. The last one shows the split bridge and the original card that hung on the tuner when the guitar was new.

After trying numerous times and different methods, since I haven't posted enough, I can't include the pictures or the addresses, even without a link.

After two months and and now being unable to post any pictures, I guess this isn't the place to find out anything... Rolling Eyes

So, never mind... Confused

herb · Posted: Mon Apr 21, 2008 3:05 pm Post subject:

Welcome to the forum! Very Happy

Be patient, someone will show up with more knowledge about LG acoustics than I have and help you. You have to be a member here for 7 days and have made over 10 posts before you can post links or pictures. We had to do this because of all of the spam attacks we have had in the past. It's a bit inconvenient; but we're worth waiting for! Wink

dirtprod · Not So Newbie Joined: 12 Feb 2008 Posts: 5

Nobody has any ideas or suggestions where I might try to find out more information about my guitar?

Captain Bb · Little Guppy Joined: 25 May 2008 Posts: 30 Location: UK

Seems it could be anywhere between 1942 and 1952 but getting an exact year seems difficult at best:

August 1942 LG-3 introduction specs:
14 1/8" wide body with spruce "X" braced top, mahogany back and sides, triple bound top, teardrop tortoise pickguard, 19 total frets, rosewood fingerboard, rectangle rosewood bridge with white bridge pins, two pearl dots on bridge, dot fingerboard inlays, 3 on-a-plate tuners, natural finish, "Only a Gibson is Good Enough" banner logo. The LG-3 is essentially an LG-2 with a natural top finish.
In 1946 the "banner" is dropped (still a script "Gibson" peghead logo).
In 1948 goes to a "block" Gibson peghead logo.
In 1955 larger pickguard with 3 point, 20 frets total, lower braces.
In 1961 adjustable saddle.
In 1962 bridge becomes plastic upper belly, $127.50 list price.
In 1963 Replaced by B-25N.

Quick Overview: Serial Number/FON Identification by Era.

1902-1908: Often no serial number or model name on label, picture of Orville Gibson and lyre mandolin, date sometimes penciled under the top (must be seen with a mirror). Or serial number and model name on white paper label, number range from 0100 to 99999, hand inked or penciled 1908 to 1932, ink stamped serial number 1932 to 1947.
1908-1930: Factory Order Numbers stamped on neck block inside body.
1927-mid 1930s: Some low end models with no numbers. Some models with an ink stamped 3 digit number on neck block.
1935-1941: Factory Order Numbers and Letter Codes, containing the letters A to G, ink stamped on the inside back or on the neck block (flattops), or on the label.
1938-1941: Factory Order Numbers beginning with the letter D to H pressed into the back of the peghead.
1942-1947: Factory Order Numbers with 3 or 4 digits, followed by a hyphen, followed by 1 or 2 more digits, ink stamped on neck block (flattops) or on the inside back,
1947-1952: Factory Order Numbers of 3 or 4 digits, followed by a hyphen, followed by by 1 or 2 more digits, ink stamped on the inside back.
1952-1961: Factory Order Numbers beginning with the letter Q to Z, ink stamped on inside back, all hollowbody models.
1947-early 1955: "A" series serial numbers on a white label, on many models.
early 1955-1961: "A" series serial numbers on a orange label, on many models.
1953-1961: Unique solidbody electric guitar "inked" serial numbers.
1961-1969: 4,5 or 6 digit peghead stamped serial number for all models, no MADE IN USA stamped below.
1969-1975: 6 digit peghead stamped serial number, MADE IN USA stamped below.
1975-1977: tagged (decal) serial number, MADE IN USA below.
1977-present: 8 digit stamped serial number, MADE IN USA stamped below.
1982-present: Reissue and custom shop serial numbers in various formats.

http://www.provide.net/~cfh/gibson.html#serial

dirtprod · Not So Newbie Joined: 12 Feb 2008 Posts: 5

Captain Bb · Little Guppy Joined: 25 May 2008 Posts: 30 Location: UK

Does this bit narrow it down further?

In 1946 the "banner" is dropped (still a script "Gibson" peghead logo).
In 1948 goes to a "block" Gibson peghead logo.

dirtprod · Not So Newbie Joined: 12 Feb 2008 Posts: 5

Could you put links to reference pictures, Captain Bb?

I have shots of mine, but can't post them, yet...

SAguitar · Posted: Fri Aug 22, 2008 6:56 pm Post subject:

Dirtprod, if you post 5-6 more times, you'll be able to post pics!