For many guitar enthusiasts, vintage instruments hold a special charm. Each scratch and imperfection whispers tales of past players and journeys, sparking daydreams about the guitar’s history and evolution. Like countless others, I often find myself yearning to experience a vintage guitar in its pristine, brand-new state, to truly understand how time and countless hours of playing shape its sound and feel. The Gibson LG series, particularly the Lg2 Gibson Guitar, has long occupied a prominent space in my guitar-related fantasies. I’ve always been captivated by the understated elegance of these guitars, yet strangely, I’ve never actually owned one. It seems every LG2 I encounter leaves a stronger impression than the last. The new 50s LG-2 reissue is no different. From the moment I picked it up, it possessed an instantly familiar quality, evoking the sensation of holding a perfectly preserved, new-old-stock guitar straight out of the 1950s. Having spent years exploring well-loved vintage models, I feel I have a solid sense of how this reissue will mature and open up over years of dedicated playing.
The Legacy of the Gibson LG Series: Designed for Enjoyment
Introduced in 1942, the Gibson LG series emerged as a trio of models: the LG-1, LG-2, and LG-3. The LG-0 model joined the lineup later. These small-bodied, flat-top guitars shared a minimalist aesthetic and were strategically positioned to attract a more budget-conscious demographic. As Gibson’s 1960 catalog eloquently stated, they were intended for “students, teachers, strolling players, and anyone who wants to have fun with the guitar.” The ladder-braced LG-1 sat at the entry point of the series, while the LG-2 and LG-3, positioned higher in the range, boasted X-bracing for enhanced tonal complexity. The LG series demonstrated remarkable staying power, with the LG-0 and LG-1 remaining in production into the 1970s. The LG-2 and LG-3, however, were succeeded by the B-25 and B-25N models in the late 1960s.
Over the decades, the LG guitars have garnered a devoted following among players and collectors. Once readily available at attractive vintage prices, their market value has appreciated considerably. Gibson’s decision to reissue the LG-2, alongside a series of reissues featuring the ’50s J-50, is a clear acknowledgment of this enduring appeal and increasing market demand. In 1960, an LG-2 was a moderately priced instrument at $105, which translates to approximately $920 in today’s currency. Priced at a street value of $2,499, the new 50s LG-2 occupies a higher-end position than its original counterpart. It strategically targets the vintage market by offering a compelling and more accessible reissue, capturing the essence of the sought-after lg2 gibson guitar experience without the risks and potential maintenance concerns associated with a true vintage instrument.
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Gibson 50s LG-2 reissue side view, showcasing its vintage sunburst finish and compact body shape, ideal for comfortable playing.
Compact Body, Expansive Tone: The Sonic Character of the LG2
The 50s LG-2 faithfully embodies the simplicity and fundamental specifications of the original lg2 gibson guitar. It features solid tonewood construction throughout, with mahogany back and sides paired with a Sitka spruce top adorned with a classic sunburst finish. The Sitka spruce top is known for its balanced tone, offering both clarity and warmth, which is crucial for the versatile sound of the LG-2. The mahogany back and sides contribute to the guitar’s focused midrange and overall tonal warmth. Its dimensions—a lower bout width just under 14-1/2 inches, a length of 19 inches, and a depth of approximately 4-1/2 inches at the tailblock—give the LG-2 its characteristic strong midrange presence. Notes exhibit a distinct pop and articulate attack, while the X-bracing pattern, a significant upgrade from the ladder bracing of the LG-1, contributes a warm low end that adds body and richness to the tone without sacrificing clarity or becoming overly mellow. This X-bracing is key to the lg2 gibson guitar’s balanced and dynamic sound.
While the tonal qualities are undeniably impressive, the playability of the LG-2 arguably constitutes its most compelling attribute. It’s an exceptionally enjoyable guitar to play, proving difficult to put down once you pick it up. The mahogany neck is carved into a comfortable “Historic V” profile, providing a substantial yet manageable feel in the hand. The rosewood fretboard, with its 24.75-inch scale length and 12-inch radius, contributes to the guitar’s smooth and inviting playing experience. Navigating the 20 frets (14 accessible to the body) feels almost effortless, facilitating both intricate chord work and fluid lead lines. The 12-inch radius fretboard is a player-friendly specification, offering a comfortable balance between chord accessibility and bending notes without fret buzz.
From its effortless fretting action to its well-defined tone and resonant body, the 50s LG-2 responds readily and rewards even subtle nuances in playing. It seems to excel across diverse musical styles, and I consistently found satisfying results at both ends of the fretboard. It projects a surprising volume for its size and maintains remarkable clarity. Chords ring out with fullness and balance, while single-note lines possess a focused quality, making it an outstanding all-around choice for virtually any playing style imaginable, from delicate fingerstyle arrangements to driving bluegrass rhythms, smooth jazz harmonies, and energetic rock riffs. This versatility is a hallmark of the lg2 gibson guitar design.
Once immersed in playing this reissue, the line between new and vintage blurs. The sonic character and responsiveness are strikingly similar to a vintage lg2 gibson guitar. I anticipate that with further playing and the accumulation of natural wear and tear, differentiating this reissue from a well-preserved vintage model might become increasingly challenging.
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Final Verdict: The Enduring Appeal of the LG2 Gibson Guitar
My pre-existing enthusiasm for the LG series made embracing the 50s LG-2 effortless. Gibson has successfully captured the essence of the original, both in feel and sound. My primary reservation pertains to the inclusion of an L.R. Baggs VTC undersaddle pickup as a standard feature. While a pickup adds versatility for amplified performance, I personally would prefer electronics to be an optional add-on. I feel the undersaddle pickup, while functional, doesn’t fully capture the nuanced acoustic character of the guitar, and I would appreciate the option to select a different pickup system tailored to my preferences. However, it’s worth noting that for many players, having a built-in pickup system is a significant advantage for live performance and recording.
Nevertheless, for those captivated by the LG series but hesitant to navigate the uncertainties of purchasing a 60 to 70-year-old acoustic instrument, the 50s LG-2 presents an ideal solution. While not inexpensive, the meticulous attention to detail evident in the 50s LG-2 reissue justifies the investment. Ultimately, its exceptional tone and effortless playability solidify the lg2 gibson guitar reissue as a valuable and essential addition to Gibson’s current acoustic guitar catalog, offering both vintage charm and modern reliability.
SPECS
BODY LG-2 body shape; Sitka spruce top with hand-scalloped X-bracing; mahogany back and sides; multi-ply top binding, single-ply back binding; Vintage Sunburst or Antique Natural nitrocellulose lacquer finish
NECK Mahogany neck with Historic V profile; 24.75″ scale length; rosewood fingerboard with mother-of-pearl dots; 12″ radius; 1.72″-wide bone nut
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OTHER Nickel-plated tuners with plastic cream buttons; rectangular rosewood bridge with bone saddle; teardrop pickguard; Tusq bridge pins; L.R. Baggs VTC pickup with volume and tone controls; hardshell case; available left-handed
MADE IN USA
PRICE $2,499 street
This article originally appeared in the January/February 2021 issue of Acoustic Guitar magazine.
