1943 Banner Gibson LG-2 Sunburst
Description
This banner-era LG-2 is a shop favorite. Built in 1943 in Kalamazoo during the height of wartime shortages, it’s a great example of Gibson ingenuity—thanks in no small part to the “Kalamazoo Gals.” This one is an all-mahogany variation of the LG-2 with ebony neck reinforcement. Otherwise, it follows typical wartime specs: ivoroid top and back binding, four-ply b/w rosette, faux-tortoise pickguard, rosewood bridge and fingerboard, and X-braced top. The headstock carries both the script “Gibson” logo and the “Only a Gibson Is Good Enough” banner. The neck is mahogany with a full profile and slight V. The back and sides are stained a bit lighter than usual, and the top wears a lovely teaburst.
Maintenance has been steady over the years, and I’ve handled the most recent work. The neck was reset prior to my ownership. Two cracks—one at the waist and one in the top—were cleated; a couple of checks remain. I had the guitar fully refretted and PLEK’d by Mike Lull Guitar Works in Bellevue, WA. Their setup work is outstanding, and the guitar now plays exceptionally well. The saddle was replaced after the refret, and the pins were replaced earlier. Internally, everything is clean and original, including the bridge plate, the lightly scalloped tone bars, and the tall, tapered back braces.
Tonally, it stands apart—even from other all-mahogany Gibsons. The mids are more relaxed than expected, the bass is strong without boom, and the trebles are clean and chimey. It responds best to a light touch and has a nice old timey tone when played with a pick.
Comes with a hardshell case.
Specifications:
Status: Available
Builder: Gibson
Year: 1943
FON: Only partially legible
Model: LG-2
Condition: Good
Back & Sides: Mahogany
Top: Mahogany
Neck: Mahogany
Nut Width: 1-3/4"
String Spacing: 2-1/8"
Tuners: Golden Age Repro
Appointments: Bound top and back.
Body Length: 19"
Upper Bout: 10-13/16"
Lower Bout: 14-1/16"
Body Depth (at Endpin): 4-3/8 "
Scale Length: 24.9"
Maintenance has been steady over the years, and I’ve handled the most recent work. The neck was reset prior to my ownership. Two cracks—one at the waist and one in the top—were cleated; a couple of checks remain. I had the guitar fully refretted and PLEK’d by Mike Lull Guitar Works in Bellevue, WA. Their setup work is outstanding, and the guitar now plays exceptionally well. The saddle was replaced after the refret, and the pins were replaced earlier. Internally, everything is clean and original, including the bridge plate, the lightly scalloped tone bars, and the tall, tapered back braces.
Tonally, it stands apart—even from other all-mahogany Gibsons. The mids are more relaxed than expected, the bass is strong without boom, and the trebles are clean and chimey. It responds best to a light touch and has a nice old timey tone when played with a pick.
Comes with a hardshell case.
Specifications:
Status: Available
Builder: Gibson
Year: 1943
FON: Only partially legible
Model: LG-2
Condition: Good
Back & Sides: Mahogany
Top: Mahogany
Neck: Mahogany
Nut Width: 1-3/4"
String Spacing: 2-1/8"
Tuners: Golden Age Repro
Appointments: Bound top and back.
Body Length: 19"
Upper Bout: 10-13/16"
Lower Bout: 14-1/16"
Body Depth (at Endpin): 4-3/8 "
Scale Length: 24.9"