Gibson ’50s LG-2 acoustic-electric guitar

The Gibson ’50s LG-2 acoustic-electric guitar

The Gibson ’50s LG-2 acoustic-electric guitar represents a contemporary iteration of a classic small-bodied acoustic design, drawing inspiration from the instruments produced by Gibson during the 1950s. This instrument is designed to cater to musicians seeking a blend of vintage aesthetic, comfortable playability, and amplified versatility. Here’s a detailed breakdown:

Construction and Materials:

• Body Shape and Size: The Gibson ’50s LG-2 acoustic-electric guitar has a small body. This makes it more comfortable, especially for players who find larger dreadnought guitars hard to handle. This compact size contributes to its distinct tonal properties.
• Top Wood: The top of the Gibson ’50s LG-2 acoustic-electric guitar is constructed from solid Sitka spruce. Sitka spruce is a tonewood renowned for its strength, flexibility, and ability to produce a broad dynamic range. It contributes to the guitar’s clear and articulate sound.
• Back and Sides: The back and sides of the instrument are crafted from solid mahogany. Mahogany is valued for its warm, rich tonal characteristics, which complement the brightness of the Sitka spruce top. This combination of woods contributes to a balanced and nuanced sound.
• Neck: The neck is also made of mahogany, providing structural integrity and contributing to the guitar’s overall tonal warmth.
• The neck profile is often described as a “Historic V” shape, which replicates the feel of vintage Gibson necks. This profile can offer a comfortable grip for certain playing styles.
• Fingerboard: The fingerboard is typically made of rosewood, a dense wood that provides a smooth playing surface.
• The fingerboard is inlaid with mother-of-pearl dot markers, which serve as visual guides for fret positions.
• Bridge: The bridge is also made of Rosewood.
• Nut and Saddle: The nut and saddle are made from bone. This material is chosen for its density and ability to transfer string vibrations well.

Structural Features:

• Bracing: The interior of the guitar features scalloped X-bracing. This bracing pattern helps improve the top’s sound and projection. It adds to the guitar’s volume and tone.
• Neck Joint: A compound dovetail neck joint is employed, which provides a secure and stable connection between the neck and body. This joint is designed to maximize resonance transfer.

Electronics:

• Pickup System: The Gibson ’50s LG-2 acoustic-electric guitar is equipped with an LR Baggs VTC pickup system. This system is designed to accurately reproduce the guitar’s acoustic tone when amplified.
• The VTC system has an undersaddle transducer and an onboard preamplifier. It also includes volume and tone controls. These are discreetly placed inside the soundhole.

Finish and Hardware:

• Finish:The guitar is typically finished with a gloss nitrocellulose lacquer. This type of finish is known for its thinness, which allows the wood to resonate freely. Finishes such as Vintage Sunburst, or Antique natural are common.
• Tuning Machines: Grover Strap tuners with cream buttons are used, providing stable and precise tuning.
• Pickguard: Typically a Tear drop style pickguard.

Sonic Characteristics:

• The small size of the Gibson ’50s LG-2 acoustic-electric guitar helps create a clear and detailed sound. It has a balanced response across all tones.
• The combination of Sitka spruce and mahogany produces a rich, warm tone with clear highs and defined lows.
• The scalloped X-bracing enhances the guitar’s projection and dynamic range, allowing for expressive playing.
• The LR Baggs VTC pickup system amplifies the guitar’s natural acoustic tone. This makes the guitar very versatile for live performances.

Playability:

• The compact body size and relatively short scale length of the LG-2 contribute to comfortable playability, particularly for fingerstyle and folk playing.
• The “Historic V” neck profile may offer a comfortable grip for players who prefer vintage-style necks.

Overall:

The Gibson ’50s LG-2 acoustic-electric guitar is a well-crafted instrument that blends vintage design elements with modern features. It is designed to appeal to musicians seeking a comfortable, versatile, and tonally rich small-bodied acoustic guitar. The inclusion of the LR Baggs VTC pickup system enhances its versatility, making it suitable for both acoustic and amplified performances.