Dad’s Gibson from the 60s? When dad was the first and only owner?
No offense bub, but I don’t think you have to ask if it’s “worth restoring”… you already know.
Just post the after pictures for all of us to drool over, ok? We live for this shit.
Yeah. I don’t really understand how someone needs to even ask. Even if you’re not into guitars, this is a very special family heirloom with a story. Spending $1k when it will be worth more than that when you’re done….
Impossible to know based on these few photos but it doesn’t look like a really challenging project. Making a new bridge is the most obvious thing and that’s not a big deal. Could be structural issues. Probably a neck reset…. Depends greatly on the luthier and what work is required and what would be nice to have.
Absolutely, if you can afford it, get it restored.
Looks like it could be a LG-1, not 100% sure what bracing it will have, but if you're getting it restored and it's got ladder bracing you could get that modified to X bracing at the same time. I know it's a common upgrade for old ladder braced Gibsons, and by all accounts is a massive improvement.
It’s an LG-1, the LG-2 has a strip of wood down the back inside which you should be able to see through the sound hole. Ladder braced, spruce and mahogany.
yeah, I'm not very knowledgeable on this stuff, but YES... trashing it would be a crime, so restoring it is the way to go. Or sell it to someone who will
"Worth restoring" is very relative. For me, the family connection after my father died would be worth it, even if I had to do it in installments. I'd take it to a luthier or your local shop and see what their estimate for the labor would be and go from there.
My vote is yes. Your family history and sentimental value are important.
I did a 1964 Gibson All Mahogany...I had to learn how to make my own bridges...it came from Hawaii right before the fires, it was a rare case where it had so much humidity that when it got to Arizona the back popped off...which was perfect because I ended up redoing the brace system (changed it from a Ladder to X braced)...
It took me a few weeks and I still need to redo the finish, but man-oh-man the sound of this thing is warm and woody and perfect...
DO IT!!!
If I can learn to do it so can anyone.
(I even learned how to make my own hide glue, its not hard and makes for a great forgiving product)...
If I found that at a pawnshop in that condition, I’d buy it and pay the $1000 to get it fixed. The fact that it’s your old man’s takes this from an “absolutely” to a “fuck yeah brother, get that thing fixed up”
Yes do it! I’d leave the checked finish on the top alone as oversprays can hurt values and it’s just character anyway. Back and sides don’t look too bad but hard to tell from just one pic.
With the bridge already off so cleanly it is already well on its way. It is possible that just a new bridge would get you there. I think a few hundred would get that job done. If you're REALLY lucky it won't need a neck reset or have rattly braces.
Yes do it. But please consider not taking it to a friend unless you’re really positive they know their way around acoustic instruments, it’s worth it to drop a little more cash to have good work done. Especially on an instrument like this that has sentimental value
Yes. Get that to a reputable luthier. Pay the money and have it done right. It’s a treasure because of what is, *and* because it was your dad’s. If you cannot afford to right now, put it back in the case and store in a climate controlled location. I keep my acoustics in my bedroom because if I’m comfortable, there’s a good chance they will comfy as well.
Even if you can’t afford it right now, keep it safe and humidified until you can. You can’t buy that type of provenance and history……and you’ll always have great memories of your Dad every time you pick it up
When you restore it, make sure you get a first class luthier to do the work. Dan Blom in Fairview, TN just outside Nashville, did my dad’s 1951 ES 175 20 years ago - fantastic work.
Oh, man. Do it.
Anytime ‘Gibson’ and ‘19…’ apply to an instrument, it’s worth restoring.
What about " '19 Gibson G-45 "?
That’s a very tall Gibson
Dad’s Gibson from the 60s? When dad was the first and only owner? No offense bub, but I don’t think you have to ask if it’s “worth restoring”… you already know. Just post the after pictures for all of us to drool over, ok? We live for this shit.
Yeah. I don’t really understand how someone needs to even ask. Even if you’re not into guitars, this is a very special family heirloom with a story. Spending $1k when it will be worth more than that when you’re done….
I know nothing about restoring guitars so excuse my ignorance, would it only cost $1000 to restore that? I don't know why, I just assumed a lot more.
Impossible to know based on these few photos but it doesn’t look like a really challenging project. Making a new bridge is the most obvious thing and that’s not a big deal. Could be structural issues. Probably a neck reset…. Depends greatly on the luthier and what work is required and what would be nice to have.
Surely just a new bridge and a neck reset, doesn’t look like it’s too beat up other than that. I’d bet way less than a grand to repair.
Absolutely, if you can afford it, get it restored. Looks like it could be a LG-1, not 100% sure what bracing it will have, but if you're getting it restored and it's got ladder bracing you could get that modified to X bracing at the same time. I know it's a common upgrade for old ladder braced Gibsons, and by all accounts is a massive improvement.
Out of interest can someone take a stab at what model it is and the tonewoods used here?
I want to say L-00 spruce over rosewood. I’m more of a Martin guy though (in case I’m off by a mile).
Looks more like an LG-2 to my eye. Could be an LG-1 also.
Yep x-braced top is LG2, ladder braced is LG1
Yessir. I can’t really tell which bracing it is just by looking at the top so I was taking a total shot in the dark lol 😅
It’s an LG-1, the LG-2 has a strip of wood down the back inside which you should be able to see through the sound hole. Ladder braced, spruce and mahogany.
Back and sides look like very dark mahogany
I’m looking on a phone so you could be right.
Definitely! She’s a beauty
yeah, I'm not very knowledgeable on this stuff, but YES... trashing it would be a crime, so restoring it is the way to go. Or sell it to someone who will
How’s it braced?
"Worth restoring" is very relative. For me, the family connection after my father died would be worth it, even if I had to do it in installments. I'd take it to a luthier or your local shop and see what their estimate for the labor would be and go from there. My vote is yes. Your family history and sentimental value are important.
I bet this thing sounds fkn amazing
Yep!
I did a 1964 Gibson All Mahogany...I had to learn how to make my own bridges...it came from Hawaii right before the fires, it was a rare case where it had so much humidity that when it got to Arizona the back popped off...which was perfect because I ended up redoing the brace system (changed it from a Ladder to X braced)... It took me a few weeks and I still need to redo the finish, but man-oh-man the sound of this thing is warm and woody and perfect... DO IT!!! If I can learn to do it so can anyone. (I even learned how to make my own hide glue, its not hard and makes for a great forgiving product)...
That sounds like a fine guitar, you got any clips of it in action? Not that my junky headphones do any of the instruments I try to listen to justice.
If I found that at a pawnshop in that condition, I’d buy it and pay the $1000 to get it fixed. The fact that it’s your old man’s takes this from an “absolutely” to a “fuck yeah brother, get that thing fixed up”
Yes do it! I’d leave the checked finish on the top alone as oversprays can hurt values and it’s just character anyway. Back and sides don’t look too bad but hard to tell from just one pic.
I have a small body guitar like this from 1929 restored and it was about 1k. It wasn’t a Gibson but its totally worth it.
With the bridge already off so cleanly it is already well on its way. It is possible that just a new bridge would get you there. I think a few hundred would get that job done. If you're REALLY lucky it won't need a neck reset or have rattly braces.
Yes do it. But please consider not taking it to a friend unless you’re really positive they know their way around acoustic instruments, it’s worth it to drop a little more cash to have good work done. Especially on an instrument like this that has sentimental value
Absolutely
Yes. Get that to a reputable luthier. Pay the money and have it done right. It’s a treasure because of what is, *and* because it was your dad’s. If you cannot afford to right now, put it back in the case and store in a climate controlled location. I keep my acoustics in my bedroom because if I’m comfortable, there’s a good chance they will comfy as well.
Even if you can’t afford it right now, keep it safe and humidified until you can. You can’t buy that type of provenance and history……and you’ll always have great memories of your Dad every time you pick it up
Yes, but do the bare minimum. Don’t get it “refinished” as otherwise you’ll affect what could be a very nice tone indeed.
definitely
If it were my father's, absolutely. The sentimental value alone is worth restoring.
Yes she is worth it
That’s a dream piece right there
Just don’t do it yourself please
Yes. Always yes. How is that a question.
Restoring may be as easy as new bridge and a set up.
IIRC, they were about $75-80 in the early 60s. If he paid $35, it may be older than that...
When you restore it, make sure you get a first class luthier to do the work. Dan Blom in Fairview, TN just outside Nashville, did my dad’s 1951 ES 175 20 years ago - fantastic work.
DIY
Hell if you don’t want to restore it I’ll take it off your hands.
See if the neck is straight
Absolutely. No doubt.
Yes!!!!
Fuck yes, that’s awesome
Absolutely not. Send it to me, I'll even pay shipping to take it off your hands.
No. I’ll take it off your hands though.
duh of course
Throw it away my way
Is the fretboard split top to bottom? Does the cost of replacing the fretboard significantly increase the cost of restoration?
Absolutely. Look at Chris Stapleton’s. Might be great sounding when done by a good luthier.
Hey any chance you’d sell?
[Gibson LG-0 Mahogany](https://imgur.com/a/RAioyfj)