1939 Gibson LC Century of Progress Excellent, Hard

c. 1939 Gibson LC Century of Progress

This guitar is entirely original, right down to the chrome plated metal strap bracket that is screwed to the back of the headstock. There is a corresponding metal bracket that was mounted over the end pin which has been removed and the mounting holes filled, but it is included with the guitar. The lack of a pearloid headstock veneer dates the guitar to late '38 or perhaps '39, though they made the guitar into '42 (though in single digits after '39). The back and sides of this LC are some of the best flamed maple I've seen in an example of this model, very high and deep curl figure. The top is super tight grained. The top shows an old seam separation repair and plenty of fine lacquer crazing. There is one very fine hairline top crack (repaired) along the bass side of the fret board that is tight, level and stable. The back and sides are crack free. The neck has a defined 'V' shape and full profile, and the finish and frets are in good condition. The finish all over the guitar shows some dings and minor scrapes, and on the lower bout of the treble side there is a dime sized abrasion through the finish that was likely due to rubbing against the inner clasp of a chip board case hinge for years. Overall the cosmetic presentation is excellent, and the guitar is structurally excellent as well. All of the bracing is secure and intact, there's evidence inside of some regluing having been done in the past to some back braces and everything is solid. The neck was reset a few years back at Kovacik Guitars and the neck angle is correct. The action is set at 6/64" at the low E and 5/64" at the high E with plenty of saddle left. The neck is straight under tension of light gauge strings. The guitar has a loud, balanced voice that lends well to ragtime and country blues type play. Comes with a new 5 ply hardshell case. MORE PICS AVAILABLE ON REQUEST. $5700.