1944 Gibson LG-2 Banner
This guitar was built during war years when most of the men were overseas fighting. That left the Kalamazoo factory with a workforce of primarily women... who were the ones that constructed these unique instruments.
As a way of commemorating those instruments the guitars were given a special headstock decal with a banner that said 'Only a Gibson is good enough.'
Although many LG-2 guitars during this time period were made with spruce tops there were some that had mahogany tops... this guitar being one of them. The back and sides are also mahogany. The 14 1/8" top is also X braced. The guitar sports an adjustable truss rod, a full neck profile and a square neck block. The rosewood fingerboard is original and has 19 frets total. The old growth Brazilian rosewood replica bridge, compensated bone saddle and all restoration work was performed by David Hatchard who resides in New Hampshire.
By the way, John Thomas has just released a book called 'Kalamazoo Gals' which tell the whole story about the history of these remarkable instruments. Check out his web site: http://www.kalamazoogals.com/
Here's a video I made as part of my 'Robert Johnson and BEYOND' Pack of lessons where I'm using this particular guitar. I'm demonstrating how Johnson played part of 'Hell Hound On My Trail.'
As a way of commemorating those instruments the guitars were given a special headstock decal with a banner that said 'Only a Gibson is good enough.'
Although many LG-2 guitars during this time period were made with spruce tops there were some that had mahogany tops... this guitar being one of them. The back and sides are also mahogany. The 14 1/8" top is also X braced. The guitar sports an adjustable truss rod, a full neck profile and a square neck block. The rosewood fingerboard is original and has 19 frets total. The old growth Brazilian rosewood replica bridge, compensated bone saddle and all restoration work was performed by David Hatchard who resides in New Hampshire.
By the way, John Thomas has just released a book called 'Kalamazoo Gals' which tell the whole story about the history of these remarkable instruments. Check out his web site: http://www.kalamazoogals.com/
Here's a video I made as part of my 'Robert Johnson and BEYOND' Pack of lessons where I'm using this particular guitar. I'm demonstrating how Johnson played part of 'Hell Hound On My Trail.'
And here is a little more about the guitar.
Features include an adjustable truss rod and a full neck profile with a square neck block. After a thorough cleaning with Virtuoso Cleaner a rich and pleasing color pattern has appeared showing the outer dark rim of the sunburst partially faded yet stunning in its aged original glory with abundant checking and wear.
The restoration work was lovingly performed by luthier David Hatchard to bring this LG-2 back to optimal playing shape. David fabricated a beautiful old growth Brazilian rosewood replica bridge with an aged bone saddle. Not a centimeter over sized and properly hide glued to the mahogany top. A proper maple bridge plate using the original hardware was installed as well. The typical loose braces were glued and a complete refret makes the playing surface a dream. David’s fretwork is a thing to behold – intonation is precise, notes ring true, your bends are clean and easy. Action set to 3/32″ low E and 2/32″ high E to ensure the guitar is maintenance free with no compromises for the accomplished player.
Cosmetic blemishes include a repaired crack in the back, a capo dent on the back of the neck, and the scars from a removed tailpiece. The top and sides are crack free and the general level of wear and character makes for an extremely attractive instrument. The LG-2 remains an exceptionally versatile guitar for performing and writing, whether you strum, play finger style or accompany a singer.
When you’ve got a Banner you’ll always have a story to tell when someone asks you about your guitar…
Condition - Very good.
Features include an adjustable truss rod and a full neck profile with a square neck block. After a thorough cleaning with Virtuoso Cleaner a rich and pleasing color pattern has appeared showing the outer dark rim of the sunburst partially faded yet stunning in its aged original glory with abundant checking and wear.
The restoration work was lovingly performed by luthier David Hatchard to bring this LG-2 back to optimal playing shape. David fabricated a beautiful old growth Brazilian rosewood replica bridge with an aged bone saddle. Not a centimeter over sized and properly hide glued to the mahogany top. A proper maple bridge plate using the original hardware was installed as well. The typical loose braces were glued and a complete refret makes the playing surface a dream. David’s fretwork is a thing to behold – intonation is precise, notes ring true, your bends are clean and easy. Action set to 3/32″ low E and 2/32″ high E to ensure the guitar is maintenance free with no compromises for the accomplished player.
Cosmetic blemishes include a repaired crack in the back, a capo dent on the back of the neck, and the scars from a removed tailpiece. The top and sides are crack free and the general level of wear and character makes for an extremely attractive instrument. The LG-2 remains an exceptionally versatile guitar for performing and writing, whether you strum, play finger style or accompany a singer.
When you’ve got a Banner you’ll always have a story to tell when someone asks you about your guitar…
Condition - Very good.
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