GIBSON L-48

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GIBSON L-48

by B-rad
(Minnesota)

GIBSON L-48

I have a Gibson L-48 that has been sitting forever in storage. I know its an early one but I'm not sure of the exact year or approximate value. It is ALL ORIGINAL in the original alligator style case .The serial# is S1310 5 My guess is 1946 from what I could find out. Is that correct?

ANSWER

Hi, B-rad--

I was unable to find the exact date from the serial number, but this is close. Here is the Blue Book info:

L-48
- arched mahogany top, f-holes, raised black pickguard, bound body, mahogany back/sides/neck, 14/19-fret rosewood fingerboard with pearl dot inlay, adjustable rosewood bridge/trapeze tailpiece, blackface peghead with screened logo, three-per-side tuners, available in Cremona Brown Sunburst finish, mfg. 1946-1970.

Excellent $1,000 - 1,200

Average $675 - 800

It's a really pretty guitar!

Lynne

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GIBSON L-48

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Mar 01, 2011
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L-48... such a sweet ride
by: brenny

i purchased a 1957 L-48 from an add in the paper. when i got there, he insisted that he had only listed it for $300, but it was listed at $400. i made him take $350. (but then he loaded me up with his old mics and delay units, etc). the guitar itself was really beat-up in appearance, but the frets showed NO wear. the original tuners were crumbling and the tail-piece was broken. the finish is all "spider webbed" or whatever you call it, and tons of scratches. eventually i had a custom low profile humbucker type pick-up made and installed (two small screw holes and the hole in the side for the 1/4" patch cord), added a set of new grover tuning machines, and repaired the original tailpiece.
i am so lucky to have this guitar and it has literally changed my life as prior to this instrument, i only played a dreadnought with a piezo. i am sure that my guitar is in the lowest price bracket for these instruments but is absolutely unreplaceable to me.

Dec 15, 2010
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Lucky duck
by: Anonymous

You are a very lucky person!
That thing is in great condition!
I have the exact same guitar, not in the best condition, and my appraiser says it's worth $1,100.
You could probably get way more if you sold it.

Dec 10, 2010
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2 bit THIEF
by: Anonymous

You were willing to rob that old woman of her husbands legacy BEWARE INSTANT KARMAS GONNA GETCHA

Jul 01, 2010
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Be fair with people
by: Anonymous

Ugh. You paid $200 for 14 vintage guitars, two of which were worth more than 10k? What makes me sick is that you didn't go back and give that poor woman more money. If she's still alive it's not too late to go back and make this right.

Oct 27, 2009
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Flea Market $25 Guitar
by: Anonymous

I've bought several vintage guitars at local flea markets. I bought a Gibson L-48 in excelent condition for $25 with the hard case that looked as new as the instrument. inside was a few music books dated 1942 and 1945. The best one yet was at a yard sale, I stoppedto buy $3 plants and struck a conversation with the old lady sitting in the garage. I asked if she had anything else to sell, she said I wish I did, I need $150. She laughingly said, I have my husband's old guitars, but I doubt you'd be interested in them. I said I'd like to see them. She showed me 14 vintage guitars which I bought for $200. The list of beauties will make you sick. Two alone are worth upwards of $10 grand. God must love me. My son has a nice collection going too. He's gonna be very lucky some day. Moral of my story is look for hidden treasures - they are out there. I bought 3 Martins for less than $425. O)ne is a D45.

May 20, 2009
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I had one too.
by: Gordoin

I had a 1957 L-48 that was in excellent condition. It was stolen in 1990 and I have missed it. I had Mark Erlewine (Austin, Tx) install a passive pickup as part of the adjustable bridge (was invisible). The guitar played like a dream and I even played it, occassionally, with my band "StarTrail". I miss this instrument. I wish you good playing!

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GIBSON L-48

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GIBSON L-48