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Average Price: $999

High-end/Boutique

$200

$601+

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Budget

Standard

High-end

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Description

The Gibson LG-O is a classic steel-string acoustic guitar designed to deliver a warm, balanced sound that has been cherished by musicians for decades. Originally introduced in the 1950s, this model has become a favorite among folk and blues guitarists for its distinctive tonal qualities and manageable size. The LG-O features a solid mahogany top that provides rich, resonant tones, while the mahogany back and sides contribute to its robust midrange projection.

The 24.75-inch scale length and comfortable neck profile make it an ideal choice for both beginners and seasoned players, allowing for easy playability across all frets. Its small body design ensures that it is lightweight and easy to handle, making it perfect for gigging musicians who need an instrument that delivers exceptional sound without the bulk. The traditional scalloped X-bracing inside the body enhances the guitar's ability to produce a dynamic range of sounds, from delicate fingerpicking to robust strumming.

The Gibson LG-O is not just a nod to the past; it incorporates modern craftsmanship techniques to ensure reliability and longevity. Whether you're playing at home, in the studio, or on stage, this guitar offers a timeless blend of quality, performance, and style that will inspire your music for years to come.

Key Features:

  • Solid mahogany top, back, and sides for warm tones
  • 24.75-inch scale length for comfortable playability
  • Traditional scalloped X-bracing for enhanced sound projection
  • Small body size for easy handling and transportability
  • Ideal for a variety of playing styles, from folk to blues

Product specs

Brand Gibson
Model LG-0
Finish Natural
Year 1951 - 1974
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-0
Neck Material Mahogany
Number of Frets 20
Number of Strings 6-String
Pickup None
Right / Left Handed Right Handed
Series Gibson Kalamazoo Factory Era, Gibson Norlin Era
Sides Material Mahogany
String Type Steel
Top Material Mahogany

FAQs

What type of wood is used for the Gibson LG-0's body?

The Gibson LG-0 features a body made entirely from mahogany, including the top, back, and sides. This wood choice contributes to its warm, rich tonal characteristics.

Is the Gibson LG-0 suitable for fingerstyle playing?

Yes, the Gibson LG-0's concert body shape and mahogany construction make it well-suited for fingerstyle playing, offering a balanced tone with clear articulation.

How does the Gibson LG-0's neck feel in terms of playability?

The Gibson LG-0 has a mahogany neck with a rosewood fretboard, providing a smooth and comfortable playing experience. Its neck profile is generally considered easy to handle, making it suitable for both beginners and experienced players.

Does the Gibson LG-0 come with any electronics or pickups?

No, the Gibson LG-0 is a purely acoustic guitar without any built-in electronics or pickups, making it ideal for those seeking a traditional acoustic sound.

What era does the Gibson LG-0 belong to?

The Gibson LG-0 was produced during the Gibson Kalamazoo Factory Era and the Gibson Norlin Era, specifically from 1951 to 1974.

kyle orla stringworks

kyle orla stringworks

What's so special about a Gibson LG-0?

Video thumbnail for What's so special about a Gibson LG-0? by kyle orla stringworks

What's so special about a Gibson LG-0?

kyle orla stringworks

kyle orla stringworks

Video thumbnail for Martin 00-15M VS Gibson LG-0 by Zach Oswald

Martin 00-15M VS Gibson LG-0

Zach Oswald

Zach Oswald

Video thumbnail for A couple of vintage Gibson LGs by williesguitars

A couple of vintage Gibson LGs

williesguitars

williesguitars

Video thumbnail for Gibson LG-0 late 60's underrated gem by Acoustic Music & Things

Gibson LG-0 late 60's underrated gem

Acoustic Music & Things

Acoustic Music & Things

Video thumbnail for Kirk Fletcher plays a 1963 Gibson LG-0 at GuitarPoint Maintal / Vintage Guitars by GuitarPoint

Kirk Fletcher plays a 1963 Gibson LG-0 at GuitarPoint Maintal / Vintage Guitars

GuitarPoint

GuitarPoint

Video thumbnail for '62 Gibson LGO by PTD Unlimited Vintage

'62 Gibson LGO

PTD Unlimited Vintage

PTD Unlimited Vintage

Video thumbnail for Gibson LG-0 (1958) by Organic Sounds Select Guitars

Gibson LG-0 (1958)

Organic Sounds Select Guitars

Organic Sounds Select Guitars

Video thumbnail for 1961 Gibson LGO Acoustic Test by Brook Hoover

1961 Gibson LGO Acoustic Test

Brook Hoover

Brook Hoover

Reviews

PROS

  • Unique throaty sound, reminiscent of a National resonator and small body acoustic

  • Ideal for blues and folky fingerpicking

  • Low action makes it effortless to play

  • Surprising projection and resonance for its size

  • Stays in tune easily

  • Compact size makes it a great songwriting companion

  • Warm, resonant, full-bodied mahogany sound

  • Can be customized with bone components for enhanced sound quality

  • Rich, full sound despite being a lower-end model

  • Distinctive Gibson acoustic plucky sound

CONS

  • Lacks the low-end sound of larger dreadnought guitars

  • Plastic bridge on some models can render the guitar non-functional

  • Requires significant restoration if not properly maintained

  • Adjustable saddles can be problematic and often need replacement

Owner Insights

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

Build quality

  • The 1959 Gibson LG-O features a mahogany top, contributing to its darker appearance compared to other LG models.

    Source
  • The finish on these guitars is typically dry and cracked, which some believe enhances the vintage sound by allowing the top to vibrate more.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • This model has a neck with a 1 11/16” nut width, typical of the era, providing a comfortable playing experience.

    Source
  • The tortoise shell binding is highlighted as a particularly attractive feature of the guitar’s build.

    Source

User experience

  • The ladder bracing creates a distinctive "boxy" sound, making it a fun choice for vintage guitar enthusiasts.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • Owners report that the plastic bridge is often held with sheet metal screws, which can be fixed by epoxying the holes for better hold.

    Source
  • High action on lower frets is noted, with a neck reset often required due to aging and neglect, costing around $500-$800.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • Modern three-on-a-plate Kluson Deluxe reproduction tuners are recommended for an upgrade that maintains the guitar’s vintage appearance.

    Source
  • Replacing the plastic bridge and bridge plate is suggested to improve playability, with some owners opting for silk and steel strings to ease tension.

    Source

Critic Reviews

1964 Gibson LG-0 Flattop Guitar

jakewildwood.blogspot.com

The 1964 Gibson LG-0 guitar is a cherished vintage model, especially adored by fingerpickers and folk musicians for its woody, mids-forward sound. Its all-mahogany body and ladder-bracing offer decent volume and a comfortable playability, with the desirable 1 11/16" nut width and medium-slim neck profile. While it has undergone repairs, including crack fillings and a bridge replacement, these updates have improved its playability. Despite typical vintage wear like weather-checking and finish cracks, its structural integrity is intact. The sentiment is overall positive, celebrating its unique sound and comfortable handling, while acknowledging its vintage quirks.

positive

1965 Gibson LG-0 Vintage Acoustic Guitar - zZounds Music Blog

zzounds.com

The Gibson LG-0 vintage acoustic guitar is a charming relic from 1965, offering a unique sound perfect for Americana and folk styles. Its historical allure is undeniable, with components similar to those used in high-end Gibson models. However, the student-level build, including a plastic bridge that often requires replacement, limits its potential. While not for everyone, those seeking a nostalgic, strumming companion may find its imperfections endearing.

Add

4.5 out of 5

Based on 2 Reviews and 5 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
axe2084

1967 Gibson LG-0

Inherited this from my father after he passed. It's a parlor guitar.

jacob_keplinger

Mine is from 1967

Bought it in a pawn shop in my hometown in MA. Sounds tiny, but that's because it's tiny.

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Matthew Bellamy uses Gibson LG-O

Matthew Bellamy

Singer, Guitarist

Muse

...
Verified via Premier Guitar

Listed as a guitar used recording the album Will Of The People at the bottom of the article

See how Justin Vernon uses Gibson LG-O

Justin Vernon

Singer, Guitarist

Bon Iver

...
Verified via Photo

This photo, from the Instagram of Bon Iver's guitar tech, shows a Gibson LG-O, and includes a caption that reads, "@amystroup our green room LGO. He needs surgery. @boniver."

See how Kurt Vile uses Gibson LG-O

Kurt Vile

Guitarist, Singer

The War on Drugs

...
Verified via YouTube

Here’s a video of Vile performing a song on a vintage Gibson LG-0. Likely borrowed.

See how Lula Bertoldi uses Gibson LG-O

Lula Bertoldi

Singer, Guitarist

Eruca Sativa

...
Verified via YouTube

Gibson LG-O at 12:42

See how J.B. Lenoir uses Gibson LG-O

J.B. Lenoir

Guitarist

...
Verified via YouTube

In this video from 1965 J.B. can be seen using his Gibson LG-0. Also pictured on the album covers for “Alabama Blues!” and “Down in Mississippi.” Also, listed in the definitive list on earlyblues.com. https://www.earlyblues.com/blues_singers.htm

See how Cary Ann Hearst uses Gibson LG-O

Cary Ann Hearst

Singer, Guitarist

Shovels & Rope

...
Verified via Photo

Cary Ann Hearst is pictured with her Gibson LG-0, likely from the 1958-1962 era, in a user-uploaded photo.

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

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Community setups

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