1970 Gibson B-15/LG-0 Flattop Guitar


This Gibson has one of those odd serial numbers that doesn't seem to fit exactly. It should read as a 1970 model but it does have features of a '68 or '69 model instead. Traditionally this should be called an LG-0 model as it's ladder-braced, 00 in size, and solid mahogany throughout the body. In this period, though, the LG-0 was transitioning into the B-15 model which is often just an LG-0 with a smaller (Melody Maker-style) headstock and weirder "big rectangle" bridge.

B-15s can also be seen very similar to this one but with a spruce top, ply back and sides, spruce top and ply back and sides, solid mahogany top and ply back and sides, or any sort of variation of these mixed elements.

Anyhow, this one is a customer's guitar and received a neck reset, fret level/dress, modifications to its replacement bridge, cleaning, and setup work. It's now playing on-the-dot and has plenty of saddle height for later adjustments to be made. The owner additionally had me install a K&K acoustic pickup, so it's ready for the gigging-road as well.

Intriguing oddities include a narrow nut (typical of late-'60s Gibsons) and really-curvy fretboard (Gibsons usually run about 10" radius at this point but this one is roughly a 7" radius).

Repairs included: neck reset, fret level/dress, new bone saddle, bridge reglue, bridge adjustments, cleaning, setup, and K&K pickup install.


Top wood: solid mahogany

Back & sides wood: solid mahogany

Bracing type: ladder

Bridge: unknown

Fretboard: rosewood

Neck wood: mahogany

Action height at 12th fret:
3/32” bass 1/16” treble (fast, spot-on)
String gauges: 54w, 40w, 30w, 22w, 16, 12

Neck shape: slim-med C

Board radius: 7"

Truss rod: adjustable

Neck relief: straight

Fret style: medium-wide


Scale length: 24 5/8"

Nut width: 1 9/16"

Body width: 14 3/8"

Body depth: 4 1/2"

Weight: 3 lbs 15 oz


Condition notes: it's a bit beat-up but overall in good order. The bridge, bridge pins, saddle, and tuners are all replacements. It has a new K&K pickup installed.














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