Gibson 872188

by Jason
(ohio)

I helped a lady clean 50 years worth of accumulations out of her barn this past summer and one of the things of interest that I kept was this guitar. I really do not know much about guitars and was wondering if you could help me out a little. Can you tell me year, model, approx value, etc.? After many many years in her barn it is in my opinion rather rough but I was just looking to get an idea of what I have here. I will probably use this to learn to play on. Thank you. Jason

ANSWER

Hi, Jason--

Thank you for the donation.

While I cannot guarantee that this information is absolutely correct due to the sparsity of information, I think that I was able to identify your guitar.

The serial number comes back as being manufactured in or about 1968. The model appears to be a "B-15". Here is what the Blue Book says:

"B-15
- small body, spruce top, round soundhole, tortoiseshell pickguard, one-stripe rosette, bound top, mahogany back/sides/neck, 14/20-fret rosewood fingerboard with pearl dot inlay, rosewood bridge with white pins, three-per-side tuners with plastic buttons, available in Natural finish, over 12,000 mfg. 1967-1971.

Excellent $500 - 600

Average $300 - 350

Here is a link to a page of user reviews about the B-15:

Gibson B-15

This guitar appears to have steadily increased in value year after year. My advice is to clean it up the best you can without altering it. Any alterations from the original will decrease the value.

If you want to use it to learn on, please visit
Absolutely Free Guitar Lessons

Best Wishes!
Lynne