Seeking Info About LDGs

Bill Bassett · From: Papamoa New Zealand

Good Morning,

I have a line on a Sho-Bud LDG that I'd like to work a deal for but frankly I don't know much (anything) about that model. I know they were made for several years and that there may be differences as the technology changed. If someone has any advice as to what to look for and how to tell what's what I'd appreciate it. I have not seen this guitar yet, I just want to be informed when I do.

Thanks,

BDBassett
Rimrock AZ

James Morehead · From: Prague, Oklahoma, USA - R.I.P.

The first year roundfront with barrels behind two hole pullers is the best of the LDG's. That model was the first to appear in 1973. In '74 and onward, the quality was gradually compromised, as shobud was introducing the "wonderful world of steel guitar" to potmetal.

The'73 IS the legitamate real honest pure LDG.

Bill Bassett · From: Papamoa New Zealand

Thanks,

So I gather it is very similar to the 1972 "The Professional" I had back then. But it's green and has a pad.

BD

James Morehead · From: Prague, Oklahoma, USA - R.I.P.

Well, nearly--If it IS a '73 LDG, it's exactly like the Pro II with barrels behind two-hole pullers rather than the rack and barrel of the Professional. The Pro II evolved from the Professional, which evolved from the Crossover, which evolved----well you know.

Now there was The Pro II, and later there was a Pro II Custom--two different guitars. The roundfront guitars were the earlier, and better made guitars. YMMV

Jon Hyde · From: Seattle, Washington, USA

Bill, there were several different versions of the LDG like any Sho Bud. Some folks love the early ones, some love the later ones. I've had 3, ranging from the 73 to an 80's "super pro" style LDG with a 75 in the middle for good measure. Each one sounded great to my ear and each worked perfectly mechanically although every one needed serious cleaning and tuning up. I play my 75 as much or more than my 73 and I think they sound equally good. What are some of the characteristics of the one you're looking at? Got any pics?

Bill Bassett · From: Papamoa New Zealand

Thank you Jon and James,

I still have not seen this guitar yet. But when I do I'll know a little more about what to look for.
The guy who has it used to own a small music store and took it in on trade some years ago. Now the store is closed and he has no interest in it, just wants to off-load some of his old 'inventory'. He's no novice wheeler and dealer that's for sure, so I better be well informed when I make an offer.

Thanks,

Bill

Mike Christensen · From: Cook Minnesota

If it were me looking for an LDG,if it has the old "gumby" style gear head I would be the most interested. The later ones with the squared off head used the Super Pro mechanism which had a lot of pot metal in them. The bell cranks,pull rod arms or whatever you want to call them and the rest of the parts under the hood of the mid 70's models are basically the same style that JOhn Coop uses when he restores a Bud so I feel that says something about the system in itself. The later LDG's with the squared off head seem to sell a little cheaper as a general rule. These are my thoughts on the subject and if I am wrongly advising you I'm very sure I will be corrected and soon. Happy Trails, Mike C.

Chris LeDrew · From: Canada

I would like to add that no matter what era the LDG is from, you are still dealing with a guitar that is probably 30-plus years old and will need work, especially if it hasn't been played. I've seen Sho~Buds that have been laying up for years, and often they are initially unplayable. The pot metal on the later ones can oxidize and stiffen up the mechanism pretty bad.

All I know is at this point in my steel playing existence, after being through a bunch of old guitars, I wouldn't give any more than $1,000 for any vintage steel - unless was completely overhauled in advance. You can end up with a very nice steel if it's brought back to its original playing condition. But they can be money pits and a rat's nest of frustration unless you're very patient and mechanically inclined.
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Brint Hannay · From: Maryland, USA

Maybe I've just been lucky, but I've bought two LDG's in the last couple of years--a '73 and a late model with the "Super Pro" mechanics--one was from a private individual and one was on consignment from an established dealer--and they were both in perfectly good playing shape when I got them. There may be some junkers out there, but certainly not all thirty year old guitars are trashed. IMO, any Sho-Bud in good shape (i.e. needing no more than cleaning and adjustment) that sold for $1,000 would be an amazing bargain, actually unfair to the seller. Even a beater bought for $1,000 could be brought up to speed for an outlay that, added to the 1,000, would still cost no more, and probably less, than most comparable modern steels (assuming one doesn't go for the entire-mechanism super-premium shiny parts upgrade--or maybe even if one does)--and the resulting guitar would at the least be just as good as the modern ones.

FWIW, both of my LDG's work very well and sound exceptionally good to me, but the late model actually has a slight edge in sustain at the upper frets. I am just as much into the "vintage vibe" as anyone--the more classic the better--and you can't beat the look of the round-front, rope-inlay Buds, but it still comes down to the individual guitar.

Paddy Long · From: Christchurch, New Zealand

other than Lloyd Green himself, I can't think of anyone else who made himself a career playing one !! Very Happy

Show Pro make a far better "Lloyd Green" !
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Jeff Hyman · From: West Virginia, USA

Bill,

I've got two LDGs. The Gumby head stock along with the narrow pedals is my preference. That's the one I play at gigs. In my practice room, I have a later model LDG with the flat head stock. I have an old (pristine condition ) SHO~BUD Professional with the rack and barrel brass collars. I prefer to stay away from the brass collars as there are more parts to deal with. Let me say, that I love them all. They have all given me decades of great tone. Purchasing a SHO~BUD LDG is something you won't regret IMHO.

I also prefer the original pickups. I'd confirm if any changes were made.

Posting some photos will get you a more detailed response.

$.02

Tommy Gibbons · Posted 11 Nov 2009 7:03 pm **Ldg Sp**

Bill, I got my Sho-Bud LDG SP this week. It's a 1983 model. I tweeked the pedals and levers, and replaced the original pickup with the same type but newly rewound. It has a great sound. I couldn't be happier with it. I sold a 2 year old GFI SD-10 to buy it. The GFI was really a good guitar, but I just want the LDG. Tommy

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Joe A. Camacho · Posted 11 Nov 2009 7:49 pm

I've got a '73 LGD, plays great, I can't imagine it played much better brand new.

Jon Irsik · From: Wichita, KS USA

I own a Gumby headstock, narrow pedal, square front model that I bought from Jeff Surrat last December, not sure of the year. Jeff had AJ refinish it in black with gold rope inlay. I had always said if I found a black LDG I'd buy it, and the fact that Jeff had just gone through it sealed the deal. Sounds great, I love this guitar.

I'd sure take a chance. If you can get the guitar right you can put a little into it and have a great guitar for years to come. Can't beat a 'Bud.

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