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I stumbled across a Gibson LG-12 folk-sized 12-string that needs rescuing. It's in a local collectibles shop that also sells the overflow from the owner's collection of musical instruments. It's got to be a rare model since I can't seem to find much info about it — not even from Gibson. I didn't think to jot down the serial number so I could verify my theory that it's from the late '60s or early '70s.

It appears to be pretty original, except some unfeeling dolt stained the spruce top to make it look like an all mahogany model. Back and sides are mahogany. I wouldn't mind so much, but whoever it was did a lousy job. Action is pretty good. Neck is straight. Frets are in good shape. They feel like vintage Gibby frets, but might have been reset sometime. Looks like the neck has been reset or it has lived most of its life unstrung. Tuners are Kluson deluxe, and it has a belly bridge with an adjustable saddle.

I suspect that the adjustable saddle is responsible for what the owner says is an intonation problem — either that or the owner doesn't have the patience to deal with tuning a 12. (Nothing wrong with that, The people who love them are sometimes driven insane for that very reason.)

I'm sure that any collectible value is long gone thanks to the varnish slopper, but I don't really care. I'm thinking of rescuing the old girl, blueprinting her to share details with my friends, and then keep her around to make music with once in while. Oh yeah, and I'd probably wipe that makeup off her face, too.

If so, what would be a reasonable price to pay? Remember, zero collectible value.

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D..

Gas will pass. Buyers remorse remains, until you get rid of it. The one that got away, remains as well, forever. a couple hundred bucks should kill it.

Dennis, I'd go for it. Bruce's estimate sounds reasonable. What I would do for sure is replace the adjustable saddle w/ a solid one-- since the collectible value is already destroyed. You would be doing it as well as yourself a huge favor. If you are going to get measurements etc. from the guitar, you could just write the whole thing off as an educational expense.

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From Nacogdoches...the oldest town in Texas.

http://www.stephenkinnaird.com

Yeah, a good CPA could figure out how to make it "deductible".

Will you be using the Imperial or Metric system

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