Pricing and availability
We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 1 store. Prices updated .
Store
Reviews
Price
Average Price: $2,837
High-end/Boutique
$200
$601+
Price Tier
Budget
Standard
High-end
* Product prices and availability are updated by Equipboard every 24hrs and are subject to change. Equipboard may receive compensation for purchases made at participating retailers linked on this site. This compensation does not affect what products or prices are displayed, or the order of prices listed. For more information, please refer to our affiliate disclosure.
Description
Meet the Gibson LG-1, a testament to Gibson's dedication to providing high-quality instruments for players of all skill levels. Born in the era of World War II, this acoustic guitar was designed to be a cost-effective alternative for budding musicians, without compromising on the quality synonymous with the Gibson brand. Its unique ladder-style bracing and construction using a spruce top and mahogany back, originally intended to economize, have now become a defining feature, offering a distinctive tone that sets the LG-1 apart.
Key Features:
- Ladder-Style Bracing: This feature offers a unique tone and resonance, contributing to the guitar's distinct sound.
- Affordable: Originally designed as a cost-effective model, making it a great choice for beginners or budget-conscious musicians.
- Quality Materials: Constructed with a spruce top and mahogany back for a balanced, rich sound.
- Historical Model: The LG-1 is a part of Gibson's legacy, having been introduced during WWII to provide a quality guitar for aspiring players.
Product specs
| Brand | Gibson |
| Model | LG-1 |
| Finish | Sunburst |
| Year | 1947 - 1968 |
| Made In | United States |
| Categories | Concert Acoustic Guitars |
| Active Preamp | No |
| Back Material | Mahogany |
| Body Shape | Concert |
| Color Family | Brown |
| Finish Pattern | Sunburst |
| Finish Style | Gloss |
| Fretboard Material | Rosewood |
| Model Family | Gibson LG-1 |
| Neck Material | Mahogany |
| Number of Frets | 20 |
| Number of Strings | 6-String |
| Pickup | None |
| Right / Left Handed | Right Handed |
| Series | Gibson Kalamazoo Factory Era |
| Sides Material | Mahogany |
| String Type | Steel |
| Top Material | Spruce |
FAQs
-
What is the body shape of the Gibson LG-1 and how does it affect the sound?
-
The Gibson LG-1 features a concert body shape, which is known for producing a balanced tone with a strong midrange, making it suitable for fingerpicking and strumming.
-
What type of bracing does the Gibson LG-1 use?
-
The Gibson LG-1 utilizes ladder bracing, which typically results in a brighter, more direct sound compared to the more complex X-bracing found in other models.
-
What materials are used for the Gibson LG-1's construction?
-
The Gibson LG-1 is constructed with a spruce top and mahogany back and sides, providing a warm, resonant tone with a strong midrange presence.
-
Is the Gibson LG-1 suitable for beginners?
-
The Gibson LG-1 is a vintage model that may not be ideal for beginners due to its historical value and specific tonal characteristics, but it can be a great choice for experienced players seeking a vintage sound.
-
Does the Gibson LG-1 have a pickup system?
-
No, the Gibson LG-1 does not come with a built-in pickup system, as it is a purely acoustic guitar designed for traditional acoustic play.
Videos
TomoFujitaMusic
1963 Gibson LG-1 Unboxing ... Vintage Acoustic Guitar that I bought it without playing...
1963 Gibson LG-1 Unboxing ... Vintage Acoustic Guitar that I bought it without playing...
TomoFujitaMusic
1963 Gibson LG-1
Vintage 'n' Rare Guitars
Sammy Henrichsen playing our 1962 Gibson LG-1 here at Norman's Rare Guitars
Normans Rare Guitars
"Pick of the Day" - 1948 Gibson LG1
Emerald City Guitars
3 Reasons You Should Check Out a Gibson LG-1 | 1964 Gibson LG-1
Evan Ogden
1958 Gibson LG-1
Emerald City Guitars
Buying your first vintage guitar...Will buys my 1959 Gibson LG1
Jeremy Sheppard
The Gibson LG-1 Shoot Out!!! Comparing The 1940's and 1950's
The Neurotic Guitarist
Gibson LG1 Sunburst 1965 played by Milo Groenhuijzen | Demo @ The Fellowship of Acoustics
TFOA Demos
Gibson LG1 1958 VG w/ Anthem played by Leif de Leeuw | Demo @ The Fellowship of Acoustics
TFOA Demos
Reviews
PROS
-
Unique ladder bracing offers a mellow, distinctive tone
-
Exceptionally resonant and punchy sound, great for cutting through other instruments
-
Compact size makes it a comfortable concert guitar and songwriting tool
-
Tobacco Sunburst finish is visually stunning
-
Excellent for blues with a "cheap" honky, boxy sound
-
Harmonically accurate, making it a joy to play
-
Well-suited for amplification with LR Baggs Anthem SL
-
Vintage charm brings nostalgic value for some players
-
Provides value compared to pricier alternatives like the LG-2/3
-
Offers a dynamic pick response for versatile play
CONS
-
Some units may arrive with missing or loose braces
-
Tuners may become stiff over time but are replaceable
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Gibson LG-1.
Build quality
-
The LG-1 features a plastic bridge that is screwed down rather than glued, which some consider a design flaw.
Source
Setup and maintenance
Comparisons
-
The LG-1 has a unique, boxy sound due to ladder bracing, contrasting with the more resonant sound of the x-braced LG-2.
Source
Use cases and applications
-
Some owners use silk and steel strings to compensate for high action without resetting the neck.
Source
Value and pricing
5.0 out of 5
Based on 0 Reviews and 3 Ratings
Artist usage
Add artist
According to this Gibson interview, James Maddock said, "I have a Gibson LG-1 from 1958/9 the Advanced Jumbo and a 1979 Gold Top Les Paul."
Full article here.
Gwenifer Raymond uses a Gibson LG-1, as confirmed by an article written by Pete Prown in Vintage Guitar® magazine.
According to Premier Guitar 2021 interview:
Live, Kazar uses a 1971 Gibson LG-1 that he's owned since he was 14 years old, although it didn't make it onto the record. "It's still what I write everything on," he notes, "it just doesn't record the way I want it to for that sound, so I don't use it in the studio, but I'll use that live."
Album Usage
The Gibson LG-1 has been featured on the following albums:
Genre Usage
Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.
Used With
Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Gibson LG-1, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
-s.webp?v=1775823606)
-s.webp?v=1782327089)
More Gibson Steel-string Acoustic Guitars
$2,499.00 - $4,190.00
in Steel-string Acoustic Guitars Rank
-m.webp?v=1783335627)
$2,999.00 - $3,999.00
in Steel-string Acoustic Guitars Rank
$3,057.22 - $4,649.00
in Steel-string Acoustic Guitars Rank
$1,299.00
in Steel-string Acoustic Guitars Rank
$999.00
in Steel-string Acoustic Guitars Rank
$2,500.00
in Steel-string Acoustic Guitars Rank
$999.00
in Steel-string Acoustic Guitars Rank
$899.99 - $2,877.00
in Steel-string Acoustic Guitars Rank
$2,900.00
in Steel-string Acoustic Guitars Rank
$2,799.00 - $3,200.00
-m.webp?v=1783091213)
$4,699.00 - $21,999.00
$23,999.00
$3,500.00 - $3,999.00
$1,600.00
.jpg?v=1783326385)
$3,200.00 - $7,499.00
$5,000.00
.png?v=1783303049)
.jpg?v=1783339405)
-m.webp?v=1782659931)
.jpg?v=1783222976)
$1,499.99 - $1,739.00
$4,999.00 - $8,999.00
.jpeg?v=1783265544)
Accessories & Related Items
Community setups
Similar
Gear Guides
Most Popular Steel-string Acoustic Guitars
Most Popular Brands
-
Added to Equipboard on by
ssquiresGear IQ 2008
-
