Gibson LC-1 Cascade - USA 2003

Gibson’s LC-1 Cascade is a rare acoustic gem that balances refined craftsmanship with boutique-level tonewoods - and this 2003 example is a knockout. Built in Montana during one of Gibson’s strongest acoustic production eras, the LC-1 offers a high-end experience at a fraction of the price of its contemporaries.

Front and centre is the solid cedar top, offering warmth and touch sensitivity with excellent response for fingerstyle, strumming or flatpicking. But it’s the back and sides that steal the show - jaw-droppingly quilted solid maple, with intense figuring that shifts and dances in the light. The bookmatched pattern is exceptionally bold, offering the kind of aesthetic you’d expect from a hand-selected boutique build.

The natural gloss nitro finish shows off every detail of that maple, while the ivoroid binding and herringbone purfling round out a look that’s both vintage and elegant.

Tonally, the Cascade is crisp, articulate and wonderfully balanced - the maple lends tight low-end and shimmering highs, with exceptional clarity and projection. The bound rosewood fingerboard plays fast and smooth, while the soft “C” neck profile feels familiar and comfortable.

Condition is excellent, with just light signs of honest playwear and no structural issues. It comes in its original Gibson hard case.

Features:

Action at 1st Fret: 0.75mm

Action at 12th Fret: 2.25mm

Neck Depth at 1st Fret: 21.11mm

Nut Width: 43.29mm

Width at 12th Fret: 53.7mm

Weight: 1.74kg / 3.83lb

Model: LC-1 Cascade

Year: 2003

Made in: Bozeman, Montana, USA

Top: Solid Cedar

Back & Sides: Solid Quilted Maple

Neck: Mahogany

Fingerboard: Rosewood

Bridge: Ebony

Scale Length: 24.75"

Inlays: Snowflake

Binding: Ivoroid

Rosette: Herringbone

Bracing: X-Bracing

Finish: Natural Gloss Nitrocellulose

Tuners: Gold Gotoh

Case: Original Gibson Hardshell Case