DATE :
Friday, June 13, 2025
1946 Gibson LG-2: The Post-War Script Logo Classic
1946 Gibson LG-2: The Post-War Script Logo Classic
Why the 1946 Gibson LG-2 Matters
The 1946 Gibson LG-2 represents a pivotal moment in American guitar manufacturing history—the triumphant return to civilian production after four years of wartime constraints. These instruments were built just after Gibson ceased wartime production that had been focused on "doing mostly war work for 4 years." The 1946 LG-2 stands as one of the most distinctive and collectible small-body Gibsons ever produced, featuring the coveted gold script headstock logo that marked the brief transition between the wartime "banner" guitars and the modern block script logo that would appear in 1948.
What makes the 1946 LG-2 historically significant:
Features the rare gold "fat script" logo—a transitional headstock marking used for less than two years
Built during Gibson's quality renaissance as materials and skilled craftsmen returned from the war effort
X-style top bracing that "lands this instrument squarely in the realm of 'coveted' by collectors"
Ultra-light construction with scalloped bracing that delivers surprising volume and projection
One of the first post-war small-body guitars to showcase Gibson's refined manufacturing processes
The 1946 model year represents Gibson's commitment to returning to premium guitar construction after wartime material shortages and production limitations had constrained quality during the early 1940s.
Historical Context: Gibson's Post-War Renaissance
The year 1946 marked a crucial turning point for Gibson Guitar Corporation. After dedicating much of their Kalamazoo factory to military production during World War II, Gibson faced the challenge of transitioning back to civilian instrument manufacturing while dealing with material shortages that would persist into the late 1940s.
The LG Series Evolution The LG-2 and its natural-finish equivalent, the LG-3, were both introduced in 1942, but production was immediately constrained by wartime limitations. The 1946 LG-2 represents the first full year of post-war production, allowing Gibson's craftsmen to refine the design without the material constraints that had plagued earlier models.
Manufacturing Renaissance By 1946, Gibson had reestablished access to premium tonewoods and could once again focus on the scalloped X-bracing that made the LG-2 such a remarkable small-body guitar. 1946 proved to be "a good year in Kalamazoo" as the factory hit its stride with skilled workers returning from military service and material supplies stabilizing.
The Script Logo Transition The gold script logo found on 1946 LG-2s represents one of the most distinctive transitional features in Gibson history. This elegant headstock marking replaced the wartime "banner" logo and preceded the block script logo that would become standard in 1948, making 1946-47 instruments highly sought after by collectors.
Detailed Identification Guide
The Gold Script Logo
The most reliable identifier of a 1946 LG-2 is the distinctive gold script "Gibson" logo on the headstock. This "old gold Gibson balloon script logo used in 1946, just after the Banner was discontinued" represents a brief transitional period in Gibson's branding history.
Dating Challenges
For some reason lost in Gibson history, these 1946-48 flat tops have no serial or factory order numbers, so can only be dated by the features. This makes feature identification crucial for proper authentication.
Key Visual Identifiers
Headstock Features:
Gold script "Gibson" logo (not banner, not block letters)
Blackened peghead face
Tapered headstock depth
WWII-pattern Kluson tuners with riveted gears
Body Construction:
14 3/8" body width
Deep Cremona sunburst finish
Small tortoise celluloid pickguard
Triple-bound top, single-bound back
Brazilian Rosewood fingerboard and bridge
Bracing Pattern:
Advanced scalloped X-bracing
Tall, skinny braces that contribute to the instrument's exceptional projection
Ultra-light construction with stiff resonant soundboard
Authentication Points
Pearl dot position markers (not blocks or diamonds)
Bone nut and saddle
Abalone dots covering extra mounting screws that Gibson historically almost always employed
Period-correct white binding with age-appropriate yellowing
Detailed Physical Specifications
Body Dimensions:
Overall length: 39 1/2 inches (100.3 cm)
Width at nut: 1 3/4 inches
Lower bout: 14 3/8 inches
Weight: approximately 3 lb. 9 oz (remarkably light)
Neck Specifications:
Lovely round-backed "C" profile
Substantial feeling but slimmer than the thick wartime "baseball bat" style
Truss rod equipped
Brazilian rosewood fingerboard
12-fret neck joint
Construction Details:
Mahogany back, sides, and neck
Spruce top (some examples may be Engelmann spruce)
Appears to be one-piece back in many examples
Original narrow fretware typical of the period
Kluson Deluxe tuners (many examples have replacement buttons)
Hardware:
Original Brazilian rosewood bridge with through-saddle design
Bone nut and saddle
Small tortoise celluloid pickguard
White plastic (aged to cream) binding
Chrome-plated tuners
Tonal Characteristics
The 1946 Gibson LG-2 delivers a remarkably rich and complex tonal palette that defies its compact size. With its ultra-light construction, tall skinny braces, and stiff resonant soundboard, the LG-2 combines compact size with jumbo guitar projection and sustain.
Sound Profile:
Thick and warm voice, yet retains excellent punch and clarity when played higher up the neck
Very open through the mid-range, beautifully rich overtones, well developed bass response with more presence than is typical of this model
Balanced frequency response with articulate note separation
Airy, responsive quality that responds dynamically to playing technique
Playing Characteristics:
Colorfulness perhaps not typically associated with a postwar Gibson flattop
Excellent for fingerstyle and flatpicking applications
Perfect for exploring alternate tunings and rich-sounding dropped-D chord melodies
Surprising volume and projection for a small-body guitar
The scalloped X-bracing allows the top to vibrate freely while maintaining structural integrity, creating the perfect balance of power and nuance that makes these instruments so coveted by recording artists and serious players.
Common Issues & Modifications
When evaluating a 1946 Gibson LG-2, understanding common problems and typical modifications is crucial for accurate assessment:
Structural Issues
Very long repaired side crack running through the endpin up along both lower bouts to the waists
Loose or failed bracing requiring regluing
Multiple old side crack repairs that stretch long ways on the bass side
Top bellying behind the bridge due to string tension over decades
Common Repairs
Neck reset - extremely common and necessary for proper playability
Bridge replacement - often "slightly oversized replacement"
Maple bridgeplate replacement, made to the original pattern but often thicker
Refrets using period-appropriate narrow fret wire
Hardware Modifications
Tuner button replacement with later Gibson buttons
Original tuners have been neatly re-buttoned
Strap button additions (impacts value negatively)
Tailpiece installations (note filled holes above endpin)
Finish Issues
Weather-check throughout the finish
Finish flaking at the headstock and pretty-much removed at the back of the neck
Touch-up work around high-wear areas
Overspray in areas where repairs were conducted
Warning Signs
Non-period tuners (significant value impact)
Refinished tops or backs
Replaced pickguards (originals are small tortoise celluloid)
Non-original bridges (should be Brazilian rosewood with specific dimensions)
Why Players and Collectors Value This Model
Historical Significance
The 1946 LG-2 represents a unique moment in American guitar history—the triumphant return to quality guitar manufacturing after the constraints of World War II. The script logo serves as a tangible link to this transitional period, making these instruments highly sought after by collectors who appreciate historical significance.
Playing Characteristics
Classic post-banner feel with round, somewhat chunky neck carve
Smooth and versatile guitar that is well preserved
Perfect for sensitive flatpicking and recording applications
Comfortable size for extended playing sessions
Investment Potential
Script logo Gibson acoustics have shown consistent appreciation over the past decade. The 1946-47 production window was relatively small, creating natural scarcity that supports long-term value growth. As baby boomer collectors continue to seek out instruments from this pivotal period, demand consistently exceeds supply.
Recording and Performance Qualities
This is a no-brainer of an LG2 for anyone who's been searching for that elusive small-bodied Gibson for use in the recording studio and the jam session. The instrument's clarity, projection, and tonal complexity make it equally at home in professional recording environments and intimate performance settings.
Selling Your 1946 Gibson LG-2
If you own a 1946 Gibson LG-2, you possess a piece of American guitar history that has likely appreciated significantly since its original $150-175 retail price. At Edgewater Guitars, we specialize in purchasing premium vintage guitars and consistently offer 30-40% more than typical guitar shops for exceptional examples.
Why Choose Edgewater Guitars?
Expert Authentication: Our team includes specialists in vintage Gibson acoustics who understand the nuances of script logo identification, period-correct hardware, and structural evaluation. We can quickly distinguish between original and reproduction features that significantly impact value.
Premium Valuations: Unlike guitar shops that need substantial resale margins, we operate as direct buyers with deep market knowledge. Our offers typically exceed local shop quotes by $800-1,500 for quality examples.
Streamlined Process:
Free initial evaluation via photos and detailed description
In-person assessment for high-value instruments
Immediate cash offers with transparent pricing
Secure transaction handling for valuable vintage instruments
No Hidden Costs: Unlike consignment arrangements, you receive the full agreed-upon amount with no deductions for fees, commissions, or marketing costs.
Ready to discover what your 1946 Gibson LG-2 is worth? Contact us at (440) 219-3607 or submit photos through our online evaluation form for a free, no-obligation assessment.
Related Resources
Gibson Dating and Authentication
Selling Guides
LG Series Information
Geographic Service Area
Edgewater Guitars provides premium vintage guitar purchasing services throughout Ohio, Michigan, Pennsylvania, Indiana, and West Virginia. For high-value instruments like 1946 Gibson LG-2s, we offer in-person evaluations and secure pickup services.
Ready to sell your vintage Gibson LG-2?
Contact Edgewater Guitars today:
Phone: (440) 219-3607
Email: guitars@edgewaterguitars.com
Why wait? The vintage guitar market continues to appreciate, but getting the best price requires working with buyers who understand true market value. Let our expertise work for you—contact us today for your free, no-obligation evaluation.
About the Author: This guide was prepared by the vintage guitar specialists at Edgewater Guitars, Ohio's premier vintage guitar buying service. Our team has over 20 years of combined experience in vintage Gibson authentication, evaluation, and fair market pricing. We've handled hundreds of script logo Gibsons and understand the nuances that determine true collector value.
