1948 Gibson LG-3 00-Size Guitar

This beaut is a 1948 Gibson LG-3 per its factory order number stamped at the neckblock. It's very clean and it was a pleasure to work on something that required so little work. To that end, it got a neck reset, fret level/dress, a new bone saddle, replacement (vintage) tuners, and setup work. It originally came in with a set of big old Grover sealed tuners.

I'm not sure what's going on with the bridge but it's in the style of a '40s Southern Jumbo "normal belly" Gibson bridge and has the correct dimensions, curves and "big curve" on the back edge, and whatnot except that it has a deep drop-in saddle slot. So -- a repro? Or an old one that was modified? Or something Gibson-looking to cover-up the spoiled top when someone put a Martin-style bridge on? Whatever the case, it looks nice with it and the rosewood used matches the fretboard beautifully.

Suffice to say, it sounds like a boss. It's loud, snappy, woody, percussive, and cuts beautifully. It's really hard to go wrong with a nice old LG-3/LG-2 style guitar from this period.

Repairs included: a neck reset, fret level/dress, saddle work, and setup.

• Weight: 3 lbs 11 oz
• Scale length: 24 3/4"
• Nut width: 1 11/16"
• Neck shape: medium C
• Board radius: 10"
• Body width: 14 1/4"
• Body depth: 4 3/8"
• Top wood: solid spruce
• Back & sides wood: solid mahogany
• Bracing type: x
• Bridge: rosewood
• Fretboard: rosewood
• Neck wood: mahogany
• Action height at 12th fret: 3/32” bass 1/16” treble (fast, spot-on)
• String gauges: 54w-12 lights
• Truss rod: adjustable
• Neck relief: straight
• Fret style: lower/smaller

Condition notes: aside from a replaced bridge and tuners, it's all-original and pretty dang clean. There's the usual light Gibson weather-checking in the finish throughout the guitar and minor wear around the soundhole and back of the neck. The back has some buckle rash and/or moisture rash to the finish in its mid-section. There's some heavier-lined weather-checking to the finish on the sides.

It comes with: a good hard case (not pictured).

Consignor tag: DC