eldegas.com

Hi,

Would anyone have any information on the acoustic guitar GB81... has made in japan sticker on back
can't find any info on it...

Much appreciated,

GB- models are copies of Gibson acoustics.
I'm not totally certain, but I think the GB-81 is a copy of the "Southern Jumbo"... maybe? I only have a couple of photos of that model.

https://www.dropbox.com/s/v3hnm4v8scmj5 ... 1.jpg?dl=0
https://www.dropbox.com/s/mv2wod960kc6p ... 7.jpg?dl=0
https://www.dropbox.com/s/sdsx8m2tb70qm ... 7.jpg?dl=0

Here are some pics of the guitar...
Seems in good shape....

Do they play well once fixed up? Solid wood ? seems heavy...

Unfortunately, it's impossible to vouch for the playability of a 40+ year old used acoustic. If possible, try to get to try it out in-hand and see how it feels and sounds in person. Best of luck!

I got some info on it... it was purchased new in 1971. for the sum of $125.00

So i'm guessing it was an entry level guitar... brought it to a reputable luthier, and he quoted $150 to get it back into playable shape...

Right now, its pretty hard to play... action is way high. and strings are probably original...

$150 might be a very good investment if you get a good playing instrument out of it. Do you already own this, or are you looking to buy one? For some reason I assumed you were looking to buy a GB-81.

It was given to me as a gift. It looks nice and seem solidly built.. I figure $150 is not a bad investment if it plays nicely.

Do you have any other information on that model? It's a Gibson clone of ?? I haven't seen any information regarding that model anywhere on the web.


Thanks,

I still think it might be a copy of the "Southern Jumbo".

or maybe a copy of a J45 ?

I'm guessing there aren't too many of these around....

I'll keep you posted on how the repairs go...

I'm looking forward to playing it. (right now its good as a slide guitar)...

The pickguard seems much more reminiscent of the Southern Jumbo.

You don't see a lot of GB- models up for sale, I feel most of them sit in closets or are held onto by their owners. It also seems like there are more Hummingbird and Dove copies out there than the others like the GB-81. Hard to say!

very true...

A mystery guitar is always good... I'll look forward to having it fixed properly... He is extremely busy and and advised turnaround time is about a month.'

I could be in for a pleasant surprise. I currently play a Seagull S6 slim.

Could be my new open mic guitar..... who knows..

I'll keep you posted..

Thanks..

I'm looking forward to an update!
Hope it all goes well.

better close up pics...

https://www.dropbox.com/s/lbticu2xe93xw ... 0.jpg?dl=0
https://www.dropbox.com/s/wjqlzwzncphs1 ... 9.jpg?dl=0
https://www.dropbox.com/s/a7otpgmlwd7kh ... 5.jpg?dl=0

Keeping my fingers crossed...

Suggestion (your luthier may also suggest this):
See if, as part of the efforts to improve the playability, your luthier can replace that adjustable plastic saddle to a fixed saddle in a better material such as bone.

Yes..

He advised he would be putting a new bone saddle and doing some fretwork...

Thanks,