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Average Price: $3,180

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$200

$601+

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Description

Introducing the Gibson LG-3, a timeless classic in the world of acoustic guitars. This steel-string acoustic guitar is a beloved choice among musicians who value rich sound, robust construction, and vintage charm. The LG-3 was originally introduced in the 1940s and quickly became a favorite for its warm tonal quality and excellent projection, making it ideal for both stage performances and intimate studio sessions.

Crafted with meticulous attention to detail, the LG-3 features a solid spruce top and mahogany back and sides, a combination known for its ability to produce a resonant, balanced sound. The guitar's slim neck and smooth fretboard offer a comfortable playing experience, whether you're fingerpicking intricate melodies or strumming powerful chords. Its traditional design is enhanced by a refined finish and intricate inlays, ensuring it looks as good as it sounds.

The Gibson LG-3 stands out not only for its vintage-inspired sound but also for its enduring build quality. This guitar promises longevity, with features that cater to both seasoned professionals and aspiring musicians alike. Whether you're exploring folk, blues, or pop, the LG-3 adapts effortlessly to various playing styles, making it a versatile addition to any guitarist's collection.

Key Features:

  • Solid spruce top for enhanced tonal clarity
  • Mahogany back and sides for rich, warm sound
  • Slim neck profile for comfortable playability
  • Vintage design with detailed inlays
  • Renowned for versatility across multiple genres

Product specs

Brand Gibson
Model LG-3
Finish Natural
Year 1942 - 1962
Made In United States
Categories Concert Acoustic Guitars
Active Preamp No
Back Material Mahogany
Body Shape Concert
Color Family Tan
Finish Style Gloss
Fretboard Material Rosewood
Model Family Gibson LG-3
Neck Material Mahogany
Number of Frets 19
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-3 and how does it affect the sound?

The Gibson LG-3 features a concert body shape, which provides a balanced tone with a focus on midrange frequencies, making it ideal for fingerstyle playing and solo performances.

What materials are used in the construction of the Gibson LG-3?

The Gibson LG-3 is constructed with a spruce top and mahogany back and sides, offering a warm and resonant sound with excellent projection.

How many frets does the Gibson LG-3 have?

The Gibson LG-3 has 19 frets, allowing for a wide range of notes and making it versatile for various playing styles.

Is the Gibson LG-3 suitable for beginners?

The Gibson LG-3 is well-suited for both beginners and experienced players due to its comfortable concert body shape and balanced sound, although its vintage nature might appeal more to collectors and enthusiasts.

Does the Gibson LG-3 have any built-in electronics or pickups?

No, the Gibson LG-3 does not have built-in electronics or pickups, making it a purely acoustic guitar designed for natural sound projection.

Normans Rare Guitars

Normans Rare Guitars

Guitar of the Day: 1958 Gibson LG-3 | Norman's Rare Guitars

Video thumbnail for Guitar of the Day: 1958 Gibson LG-3 | Norman's Rare Guitars by Normans Rare Guitars

Guitar of the Day: 1958 Gibson LG-3 | Norman's Rare Guitars

Normans Rare Guitars

Normans Rare Guitars

Video thumbnail for 1950's Gibson LG-3 | Guitar of the Day by Normans Rare Guitars

1950's Gibson LG-3 | Guitar of the Day

Normans Rare Guitars

Normans Rare Guitars

Video thumbnail for Gibson LG-3, Mahogany & Sitka Spruce | Carl Miner by Carter Vintage Backstage

Gibson LG-3, Mahogany & Sitka Spruce | Carl Miner

Carter Vintage Backstage

Carter Vintage Backstage

Video thumbnail for Gibson LG-3 1948 at The Fellowship of Acoustics by The Fellowship of Acoustics

Gibson LG-3 1948 at The Fellowship of Acoustics

The Fellowship of Acoustics

The Fellowship of Acoustics

Video thumbnail for 1948 Gibson LG-3 | Vintage Beauty at The Fellowship of Acoustics by The Fellowship of Acoustics

1948 Gibson LG-3 | Vintage Beauty at The Fellowship of Acoustics

The Fellowship of Acoustics

The Fellowship of Acoustics

Video thumbnail for Gibson LG3 1957 played by Leif de Leeuw | Demo @ The Fellowship of Acoustics by TFOA Demos

Gibson LG3 1957 played by Leif de Leeuw | Demo @ The Fellowship of Acoustics

TFOA Demos

TFOA Demos

Video thumbnail for Beautiful 1958 Gibson LG-3 Natural | GuitarPoint Vintage Guitars by GuitarPoint

Beautiful 1958 Gibson LG-3 Natural | GuitarPoint Vintage Guitars

GuitarPoint

GuitarPoint

Video thumbnail for Gibson LG3 Mahogany Spruce 1951 played by Milo Groenhuijzen | Demo @ The Fellowship of Acoustics by TFOA Demos

Gibson LG3 Mahogany Spruce 1951 played by Milo Groenhuijzen | Demo @ The Fellowship of Acoustics

TFOA Demos

TFOA Demos

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Gibson LG-3.

Build quality

  • The original rosewood bridge and large pickguard suggest a 1955-1961 build, with the tuners likely replaced.

    Source
  • The LG-3 is X-braced, distinguishing it from the ladder-braced LG-0 and LG-1 models, which affects its tonal quality and durability.

    Source

User experience

  • Owners report that these guitars, even with minor body cracks or neck indentations, maintain excellent playability and sound quality.

    Source
  • Owners consistently praise the LG-3 for its sound quality, with some noting it as the best-sounding guitar they've heard, highlighting its desirability.

    Source

Other

  • Identification of manufacturing year can be challenging due to partially visible serial numbers and similar features across years.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The pickguard point addition and transition from 19 to 20 frets started in 1955, which helps narrow down the manufacturing year for models from this period.

    Source

Comparisons

  • LG-3 models from the 1950s are more common than those from the 1940s, influencing both availability and potential pricing in the vintage market.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • Despite needing TLC, the action can remain surprisingly good with no buzzing, indicating robust initial setup quality even over decades.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • A well-maintained 1960 LG-3 can be valued between $2,500 and $3,000, depending on its condition without needing significant repairs.

    Source

5.0 out of 5

Based on 0 Reviews and 1 Rating

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Artist usage

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See how beabadoobee uses Gibson LG-3

beabadoobee

Composer, Guitarist

...
Verified via YouTube

During the performance at St. John's Church in Kingston on July 14, 2022, beabadoobee is seen using a 1957 Gibson LG-3 Reissue in Natural, equipped with an LR Baggs pickup. This is confirmed by the video uploaded by Abbi on YouTube titled "Beabadoobee - 1999 acoustic 14/07/22 St. John's Church, Kingston live 2022". The guitar can be purchased here: https://www.gibson.com/products/gibson-certified-vintage-1957-gibson-lg-3-natural.

See how Nick Perri uses Gibson LG-3

Nick Perri

Guitarist

Shinedown

...
Verified via Photo

A special thank you to my friends at @gibsonguitar for always having my back. Last year I sold my 1962 LG-3 to pay for studio time and I found myself acoustic-less for the first time in a long time. I’ve been borrowing various guitars since but today this brown case showed up at my door. I am so grateful to be the custodian of this absolutely stunning 2019 Gibson Hummingbird. She plays like a dream and sounds fantastic. My daughter named her “Redwing” which I thought was clever and fitting on multiple levels. Ok, bye! Gonna go write 50 new songs..

See how Michael Tighe uses Gibson LG-3

Michael Tighe

Singer, Guitarist

Jeff Buckley(band)

...
Verified via YouTube

Michael Tighe can be seen using the Gibson LG-3 in this video

See how Jason Loughlin uses Gibson LG-3

Jason Loughlin

Guitarist

...
Verified via Photo

In an Instagram post, Jason Loughlin discusses his use of the Gibson LG-3, stating, "1961 Gibson LG3. Love this guitar."

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-3, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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