1944 Gibson Banner Logo LG-2 Vintage Wartime Acoustic Guitar w/ Case

Up for sale, a circa 1944 Gibson "Banner Logo" LG-2, complete with the original chipboard case. One of a limited number of Gibson’s produced during the Second World War, this LG-2 is emblematic of the varying wood choices used due to wartime shortages, boasting an Adirondack spruce top, Honduran mahogany back and sides, a fairly massive two-piece maple "baseball bat" neck with a walnut stringer, and a Brazilian rosewood fingerboard. This LG-2 benefits from all the maintenance due an instrument of its vintage with a professional neck reset complete with carved bone nut and tall compensated saddle, and a few crack repairs and reglued braces, retaining the original bridge plate.

A miniature cannon with tons of projection, this LG-2 offers a bold, woody sound. Extremely lively and sensitive to picking dynamics, the plain strings are round and punchy while the wound strings have a growl and richness. The midrange has exquisite cut, and this LG holds its own against a dreadnought with ease and is sympathetic to fingerpicking too. Weighing 4lbs 1oz, this LG-2 has been professionally setup here at Mike & Mike’s Guitar Bar with 12-53 bronze strings and easy-playing action.

Neck Specs:

• Wood: Eastern maple (two-piece, walnut stringer, maple neck block)
• Shape: ‘40s “baseball bat” C, measuring 1.035” 1st fret, 1.075” 7th fret
• Fretboard: Brazilian rosewood, dot inlays
• Frets: Slender, light wear on the crowns of frets 1-6
• Scale Length: 24 3/4”
• Nut: 1 3/4", bone (modern)
• Headstock: Banner logo
• Tuners: Wartime open-gear strip
• Serialization: 2xxx FON on heel dates to 1943-44

Body Specs:

• Wood: Adirondack spruce, Honduran mahogany
• Bracing: X
• Bridge: Brazilian rosewood (replacement, original footprint), long compensated bone saddle (modern), original maple bridge plate
• Plastics: Tortoise pickguard
• Marquetry: Multi-ply rosette

The gloss two-tone nitro lacquer Sunburst finish is 100% original with no touch up or overspray, exhibiting extensive checking throughout. There is a singular repaired crack on the treble side lower bout edge on top, with a few professionally repaired side cracks as well. There are various dings, scuffs and signs of use across the body, most prominently on the rims at the lower bout. There’s some finish loss at the neck heel and also in the first position on the neck carve. There is also a cleanly filled-in ding on the treble-side edge of the fingerboard at the 10th fret.

The original chipboard case is included.