DATE :
Monday, March 10, 2025
1959 Gibson LG-2: The Golden Era Workhorse That Defined Folk Music
1959 Gibson LG-2: The Golden Era Workhorse That Defined Folk Music
The 1959 Gibson LG-2 represents a pivotal moment in American acoustic guitar history—the final year of Gibson's golden era craftsmanship before corporate changes would alter the company's approach to guitar manufacturing. These instruments were built during what collectors consider the peak of Gibson's acoustic guitar production, combining time-tested construction methods with premium materials that would soon become increasingly rare.
What makes the 1959 LG-2 particularly special is its position as the last of the truly vintage LG-2 models before Gibson's redesign in 1960. This was the year Gibson perfected the LG-2's voice while still using the construction methods and materials that made pre-1960 Gibson acoustics so coveted by collectors and players today. The 1959 LG-2 captures the essence of American folk music's foundation—the guitar that countless musicians used to define the sound of acoustic music in the late 1950s.
Historical Context: Gibson's Golden Era Acoustic Production
In 1959, Gibson was operating at the height of their acoustic guitar craftsmanship. The company had refined their construction techniques over decades, and the LG-2 represented their successful "working musician's guitar"—an affordable instrument that delivered professional-quality tone and projection. Unlike the more ornate J-45 or the flagship J-200, the LG-2 was designed as Gibson's entry-level slope-shoulder dreadnought, yet it was built with the same attention to detail as their premium models.
The year 1959 marked the end of an era for Gibson acoustics. The following year would bring significant changes to the LG-2 design, including a switch from the classic "banner" headstock logo to the more modern script logo, changes in bracing patterns, and modifications to the body dimensions. These alterations fundamentally changed the character of the instrument, making 1959 examples the last of the original LG-2 design philosophy.
During this period, Gibson was still using old-growth Sitka spruce for tops and high-quality mahogany for backs and sides—materials that would become increasingly difficult to source in subsequent decades. The 1959 LG-2 benefited from these premium materials while retaining the hand-crafted construction methods that gave each instrument its unique character.
Folk music was experiencing a renaissance in 1959, and the LG-2 was becoming the instrument of choice for many emerging folk artists. The guitar's balance of affordability and quality made it accessible to working musicians, while its distinctive voice—bright, clear, and cutting—made it perfect for the fingerpicking and flatpicking styles that were defining the folk revival movement.
Current Market Value (2025 Update)
The 1959 Gibson LG-2 has seen substantial appreciation in recent years as collectors and players have recognized its significance as the last of the original design. These guitars represent exceptional value compared to their more famous Gibson siblings, offering similar construction quality and vintage mojo at a fraction of the price of a 1959 J-45 or J-200.
Key Value Factors:
Originality: All-original examples with intact finish, bridge, and bracing command premium prices
Structural Integrity: Guitars with original neck sets and no major repairs are highly sought after
Sunburst vs. Natural: The classic sunburst finish is more desirable than natural finish examples
Playability: Instruments that have been properly maintained and remain highly playable bring top dollar
Provenance: Documentation of famous ownership or recording history can significantly increase value
At Edgewater Guitars, we consistently pay 30-40% more than typical guitar shops for quality vintage Gibson acoustics, recognizing the true market value that many local dealers overlook.
Detailed Identification Guide
Serial Numbers
1959 Gibson LG-2 guitars typically feature 5-digit serial numbers beginning with "9" (representing 1959), stamped inside the sound hole on a white oval label. Numbers generally range from 90000 to 95000, though Gibson's numbering system had some overlap between years.
Factory Order Numbers
More reliable than serial numbers, the Factory Order Number (FON) is stamped in ink inside the guitar, usually visible through the sound hole on the back strip or internal bracing. 1959 LG-2s typically show FONs in the "T" series, indicating they were built in Gibson's Kalamazoo factory.
Headstock Logo and Binding
The 1959 LG-2 features Gibson's classic "banner" headstock logo—the script "Gibson" with a banner underneath reading "Kalamazoo, Michigan." This logo was discontinued in 1960, making it a key identifier. The headstock has simple white binding, not the elaborate multiple binding found on higher-end Gibson models.
Body Construction Details
Top: Sitka spruce with traditional X-bracing pattern
Back and Sides: Mahogany with single white binding around the top edge
Neck: Mahogany with a comfortable medium profile
Fretboard: Rosewood with simple dot inlays
Bridge: Rosewood with through-saddle design
Finish: Nitrocellulose lacquer in sunburst or natural
Hardware Specifications
The 1959 LG-2 came equipped with:
Kluson Deluxe tuning machines with white plastic buttons
Adjustable rosewood bridge with through-saddle
Simple white pickguard (often shrunk or missing on vintage examples)
Nickel-plated tailpiece pin set
Detailed Physical Specifications
Body Dimensions:
Length: 20 inches
Width (Upper Bout): 11.5 inches
Width (Lower Bout): 15 inches
Depth: 4.75 inches
Neck Specifications:
Scale Length: 24.75 inches (Gibson standard)
Nut Width: 1-11/16 inches
Neck Profile: Medium "C" shape, comfortable for both fingerpicking and strumming
Fret Count: 20 frets (14 clear of body)
Fretboard Radius: 12 inches
Weight: Typical weight ranges from 4.2 to 4.8 pounds, with most examples falling around 4.5 pounds. The use of solid mahogany for back and sides, combined with the braced spruce top, gives the LG-2 a substantial feel without being overly heavy.
Case: The 1959 LG-2 was typically sold with Gibson's standard brown hardshell case, featuring orange plush lining and the Gibson logo embossed in the lid. Original cases in good condition add approximately $500-800 to the instrument's value.
Tonal Characteristics: The Folk Music Voice
The 1959 Gibson LG-2 possesses a distinctive voice that made it the choice of countless folk musicians. The combination of the solid spruce top, mahogany back and sides, and traditional X-bracing creates a sound characterized by:
Fundamental Tone:
Midrange Focus: The LG-2's voice centers in the midrange frequencies, making it cut through a mix while maintaining warmth
Clear Articulation: Each note rings clearly, making it excellent for fingerpicking patterns and complex chord voicings
Balanced Response: Unlike some dreadnoughts that emphasize bass response, the LG-2 maintains balance across all frequencies
Playing Dynamics: The guitar responds beautifully to different playing intensities. Light fingerpicking brings out the instrument's sweet, woody character, while aggressive strumming reveals surprising power and projection for a guitar in this size class.
Recording Characteristics: The 1959 LG-2's midrange focus made it a favorite in recording studios of the era. The guitar's voice sits perfectly in a mix without requiring extensive EQ, and its natural compression gives recordings a vintage warmth that modern instruments often struggle to replicate.
Many notable folk recordings from the early 1960s feature the LG-2, though specific documentation is often lacking. The guitar's affordability made it accessible to working musicians who were creating the soundtrack of the folk revival movement.
Common Issues & Modifications to Watch For
When evaluating a 1959 LG-2, experienced collectors look for several common issues that can affect both playability and value:
Structural Concerns
Bridge Problems: The original rosewood bridge on many 1959 LG-2s has developed issues over 65+ years. Common problems include:
Bridge lifting due to hide glue failure
Cracks in the bridge from string tension
Saddle slot wear requiring professional attention
Top Cracks: The combination of age and string tension often results in:
Cracks running parallel to the grain, usually repairable
Finish checking that can develop into structural cracks
Areas around the bridge showing stress from decades of string pull
Neck Issues: While less common than with some Gibson models:
Neck angle changes that affect playability and intonation
Fret wear requiring replacement (original frets were relatively small)
Headstock repairs from impacts or tuning machine stress
Finish and Cosmetic Issues
Sunburst Fading: The original sunburst finish on 1959 LG-2s was prone to fading, particularly:
Red pigments fading to orange or yellow
UV damage creating uneven color patterns
Natural aging that can actually enhance the guitar's character
Pickguard Problems: The original white plastic pickguards commonly:
Shrink and crack with age
Yellow or become brittle
Pull away from the top, sometimes causing finish damage
Common Modifications
Tuning Machine Upgrades: Many owners replaced the original Kluson tuners with:
Grover tuning machines (reducing collector value)
Modern enclosed tuners for improved tuning stability
Higher-ratio tuners that change the original feel
Electronics Additions: Some 1959 LG-2s have been fitted with:
Pickup systems that required body modification
Preamps that altered the instrument's natural voice
Output jacks that compromised structural integrity
Refinishing: Unfortunately, many vintage LG-2s have been:
Completely refinished, destroying collector value
"Touched up" in ways that are immediately obvious to experts
Over-polished, removing the natural patina that adds character
Why Players and Collectors Value the 1959 LG-2
Playing Characteristics
The 1959 LG-2 offers several qualities that make it exceptional for modern players:
Comfort and Playability: The neck profile strikes an ideal balance—substantial enough for solid chording but not so large as to impede technical playing. The 1-11/16" nut width accommodates both flatpicking and fingerstyle techniques comfortably.
Tonal Versatility: Unlike guitars voiced specifically for one playing style, the LG-2 adapts well to:
Traditional folk fingerpicking patterns
Aggressive bluegrass flatpicking
Contemporary singer-songwriter applications
Recording situations where clarity is paramount
Stage Performance: The guitar's natural compression and midrange focus make it excellent for live performance, cutting through a mix without overwhelming other instruments.
Collector Appeal
From a collector's perspective, the 1959 LG-2 represents:
Historical Significance: As the last year of the original LG-2 design, these guitars mark the end of an era in Gibson's acoustic production.
Affordability: Compared to 1959 J-45s or other premium Gibson acoustics, the LG-2 offers similar vintage construction at a more accessible price point.
Investment Potential: Recent market appreciation suggests that high-quality examples will continue to increase in value as collectors recognize their significance.
Rarity Factor: While not as rare as some Gibson models, excellent original examples are becoming increasingly difficult to find.
Musical Heritage
The 1959 LG-2 played a crucial role in American music history, serving as the foundation for countless folk recordings during the music's revival period. While specific artist documentation is often incomplete, the guitar's affordability and quality made it the choice of many working musicians who shaped the sound of American folk music.
Selling Your 1959 Gibson LG-2
If you own a 1959 Gibson LG-2, you possess a piece of American music history that has likely appreciated significantly in value. At Edgewater Guitars, we specialize in providing fair market valuations for vintage Gibson acoustics, and our expertise in authentication ensures you receive full value for your instrument.
Why Choose Edgewater Guitars
Premium Valuations: Our deep knowledge of vintage Gibson acoustics allows us to recognize details that other buyers miss. We consistently pay 30-40% more than local guitar shops because we understand the true collector market for these instruments.
Expert Authentication: Our team can quickly identify original features, assess condition factors, and spot modifications that affect value. We provide detailed condition reports that justify our offers.
Immediate Transactions: Unlike consignment situations or private sales, we offer immediate cash transactions. For high-value instruments like quality 1959 LG-2s, we travel throughout Ohio, Michigan, Pennsylvania, Indiana, and West Virginia to provide in-person evaluations.
Hassle-Free Process: We handle all aspects of the transaction, from initial evaluation to final payment. No listing fees, no waiting for buyers, no dealing with low-ball offers from uninformed buyers.
The Edgewater Advantage Over Other Selling Options
Versus Local Guitar Shops: Most local shops lack the specialized knowledge to properly evaluate vintage Gibson acoustics. They often offer generic "vintage guitar" prices rather than recognizing the specific value factors that make 1959 LG-2s special.
Versus Online Marketplaces: Selling vintage guitars online involves significant risks—shipping damage, return policies, payment disputes, and the challenge of conveying condition accurately through photographs. Our in-person evaluation eliminates these concerns.
Versus Private Sales: Private buyers often lack the expertise to recognize authentic vintage features, leading to extended negotiations and lower offers. Professional buyers understand market values and can make decisions quickly.
Ready to get a professional evaluation of your 1959 Gibson LG-2? Contact us today for your free, no-obligation assessment. Call (440) 219-3607 or fill out our online quote form.
Related Resources for Gibson LG-2 Owners
Authentication and Dating Resources
Related Vintage Gibson Guides
Maintenance and Care Information
Your 1959 Gibson LG-2 Deserves Expert Evaluation
The 1959 Gibson LG-2 represents more than just a vintage guitar—it's a piece of American musical heritage from the final year of Gibson's golden era acoustic production. Whether you're considering selling, need insurance documentation, or simply want to understand your instrument's history and value, Edgewater Guitars provides the expertise and fair dealing you deserve.
We serve guitar owners throughout Ohio, Michigan, Pennsylvania, Indiana, and West Virginia, traveling to you for high-value vintage instruments. Our reputation is built on fair valuations, expert knowledge, and transparent transactions that benefit both buyer and seller.
Contact Edgewater Guitars today at (440) 219-3607 for your free consultation. Let us show you why serious collectors trust us with their most valuable instruments.
About the Author: The Edgewater Guitars team combines decades of experience in vintage guitar authentication, valuation, and sales. Our expertise in Gibson's golden era instruments has made us the preferred buyer for collectors throughout the Midwest region.
