|
|
#1
05-13-2021, 02:53 AM
|
|||
|
|||
Gibson LG-2 size guitars - Alternatives?
There have been a couple of Gibson LG-2 threads on AGF recently. And I would love to have a Gibson 50s Original (2020 re-issue) LG-2 but can't afford to even dream about getting one! And the price of buying an old vintage Gibson is ridiculous. However, I would like to explore alternatives. I know that the Farida Old Town Series gets a good press here but they are not available outside the US (I have talked to the UK Farida importer who actually says that Farida has stopped trading altogether due to the pandemic).
Looking at its history, the LG-2 seems to be based on an older Gibson classical guitar model. I was wondering if there are other "folk" size guitars out there that are still sitting under $1000 (well under hopefully!). I'm not too worried about b/s woods. Some of the nicest LG-2 clips I have heard on Youtube were maple back and sides, rather than mahogany, with x braced spruce tops. There are hundreds of 000 size guitars out there but I'm interested in hearing about anything based on a classical guitar size body but with a 14 fret neck. I think the term "folk guitar" is sometimes used to describe this size?
__________________
I'm learning to flatpick and fingerpick guitar to accompany songs. I've played and studied traditional noter/drone mountain dulcimer for many years. And I used to play dobro in a bluegrass band. 
|
|
#2
05-13-2021, 03:10 AM
|
|||
|
|||
|
I guess you could be happy with some guitars from Godin (Canada).
They produce three lines of acoustics, Simon&Patrick being quite known, but their higher line is Seagull. I do own a Seagull Performer CW QIT that has nothing to be shy besides my other higher grade guitars from reknowned US companies. I paid this under 1000$CAD, so well under 1000$US.
__________________
Needed some nylons, a wide range of acoustics and some weirdos to be happy...
|
|
#3
05-13-2021, 03:19 AM
|
|||
|
|||
|
If you like the genuine American sound of Martin, I think one of the best alternatives right now is Eastman guitars. You will surely find an OM model that fits your budget.
__________________
2023 Loef 00 13 fret 2018 Loef Dread SS 12 fret 1972 Yamaha FG-75 Red Label 2017 Kremona Romida rd-c
|
|
#4
05-13-2021, 04:28 AM
|
|||
|
|||
|
I've never played one but these gets lots of love here and are less than half your budget.
https://www.elderly.com/collections/...ic-guitar-ot22 
__________________
1953 Gibson LG-2 1966 Martin D-28 (really still my dads) 1979 Yamaha SG2000 (SB electric) 2014 Yamaha LS16 2020 Squier CV 50's Telecaster 2022 Yamaha FG3
|
|
#5
05-13-2021, 06:11 AM
|
|||
|
|||
|
The Godin family of brands has their “Folk” size which is right where you are looking. As mentioned - Simon and Patrick, Norman, Seagull, Art and Lutherie.
A second for the Farida mentioned above - great value and a straight ahead LG copy with a range of quality options all the way to all solid. Eastman used to make a LG copy and it was killer, including versions with adi tops. If you can find one, price will be right in your range most likely. If you can double your budget, Iris OG of an LG-inspired guitar and one of the best guitars on the planet - high end boutique luthier build at a real bargain price.
|
|
#6
05-13-2021, 10:06 AM
|
|||
|
|||
|
Many thanks for all the responses so far. It is surprising how few makers have targeted the Gibson LG-2 body size; if I had asked for Martin 000-18 alternatives there would have been a list as long as your arm! Perhaps now Gibson is starting to make re-issues, and the vintage value is rocketing, others may sit up and take notice.
The Godin folk model is a little larger I think that the LG-2 and Seagull, Art & Lutherie and Norman seem to have have dropped the size from their range, which leaves just the Woodland Folk Pro showing on the Simon and Patrick website. The Farida OT-22 and OT-25 look great but are not available in the UK. Perhaps Gibson will start to produce an Epiphone LG-2 in the next few years?
__________________
I'm learning to flatpick and fingerpick guitar to accompany songs. I've played and studied traditional noter/drone mountain dulcimer for many years. And I used to play dobro in a bluegrass band.
|
|
#7
05-13-2021, 10:33 AM
|
|||
|
|||
|
Quote:
__________________
'59 Gibson J-45 "Spot" '21 Gibson LG-2 - 50's Reissue '94 Taylor 710 '18 Martin 000-17E "Willie" ‘23 Taylor AD12e-SB '22 Taylor GTe Blacktop '15 Martin 000X1AE https://pandora.app.link/ysqc6ey22hb
|
|
#8
05-13-2021, 11:24 AM
|
|||
|
|||
|
What about a used LG-2 ? I know it would be slightly over your budget and they don’t come up often but they are great guitars and worth stretching the extra for .
__________________
http://www.Facebook.com/NickSpencerMusic Gibson Songwriter Standard EC Lowden WL-22 Maton SRS808 Taylor AD11-SB Taylor 811 GT Taylor Big Baby Walnut
|
|
#9
05-13-2021, 01:50 PM
|
|||
|
|||
|
Given your geographical location, an Atkin 47 would be an option, but not a cheap one of course.
There is a little know Sigma, the LM-SG2, that you might be able to source. https://www.musicradar.com/reviews/sigma-lgm-sg2 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tp2aG_0eSJ0 Last edited by Conomor; 05-13-2021 at 02:38 PM. Reason: Correct model name and link
|
|
#10
05-13-2021, 03:18 PM
|
|||
|
|||
|
Coda appear to still have one of the Sigma’s mentioned above.
https://www.coda-music.com/acoustic-...ma-lgmsg2.html and a 50s LG-2 to compare it to. Regards, Clive.
|
|
#11
05-14-2021, 04:37 AM
|
|||
|
|||
|
Thanks for the steer towards the Sigma. Unfortunately it is out of stock. I'll keep an eye out for one second hand.
__________________
I'm learning to flatpick and fingerpick guitar to accompany songs. I've played and studied traditional noter/drone mountain dulcimer for many years. And I used to play dobro in a bluegrass band.
|
|
#12
05-14-2021, 04:53 AM
|
||||
|
||||
|
A Thumbs of for the OT-22.
My advice would be first to look for a used LG-2 American Eagle for about $1200ish? Because Gibson has this sound nailed. And if you can't find that the OT-22 is a great choice. I owned them and think they are great. https://www.elderly.com/collections/...ic-guitar-ot22
|
|
#13
05-14-2021, 06:52 AM
|
|||
|
|||
|
Eastman do a few OO Gibson type models, tend to be just over the £1000 mark but Maks Guitars London has a used example Adirondack/Sapele for about £700. Nice little guitars well made great tone, I had one for a while.
|
|
#14
05-14-2021, 07:22 AM
|
|||
|
|||
|
This is the LG-2 tone that's missing in the Faridas and other copies I've heard. My OT-22 is a really good guitar but it just doesn't get all the way there.
__________________
'59 Gibson J-45 "Spot" '21 Gibson LG-2 - 50's Reissue '94 Taylor 710 '18 Martin 000-17E "Willie" ‘23 Taylor AD12e-SB '22 Taylor GTe Blacktop '15 Martin 000X1AE https://pandora.app.link/ysqc6ey22hb
|
|
#15
05-14-2021, 12:29 PM
|
|||
|
|||
|
Robin,
Sorry the Coda link turned out to be a dead end. Probably not of interest, but Sigma also did a version with block inlays and a cutaway. Guitar Village’s supposed “live stock” says they have one in stock: https://guitarvillage.co.uk/products...g100f-sunburst In case you’re unsure if the aesthetics will suit you, Sigma thoughtfully supplied this image in a past catalog to show you how cool you’ll look.  Have a great weekend, Clive.
|
