Description
This is a late 1950’s Lyric Mark V electric guitar made by Magnatone of California. This beyond, extremely rare guitar was designed by Paul Bigsby. Do a little research and see if you can find one of those with the astronomical prices they sell for, if you can find one. Here’s an opportunity to own one of Bigsby’s guitars for a fraction of the price. The Lyric models are identical to the Magnatones. Although, there are a lot of variations on parts for this model that came directly from the Magnatone factory. Knobs and pickups are the most common variations.
This Mark V features a hollow, double cutaway, Mahogany body, sunburst finish front and back, two Paul Bigsby designed single coil pickups, a black plastic pickguard, two metal strap pins, Paul Bigsby designed bridge and tremolo, This guitar is nearly 100% original and in good condition. The action is medium-fast and has an excellent range of tones with the bridge/bridge+neck/neck selector switch options. It is missing its serial number plate and the screws that hold the logo faceplate to the headstock. This gorgeous guitar plays and sounds amazing. It comes with the original hardshell case.Description from VintageSilvertones.com
CONDITION:
This guitar is nearly 100% original (but missing serial number plate on back of headstock) and it is in very good condition. It has a lot of playing wear around the body and headstock but overall pretty clean for a 65 year old guitar. Check the photos for the details. The hard shell case (ohsc) is in good shape but definitely has some wear on the back. But, it’s been protecting this baby for 65 years and done an admirable job.Description from VintageSilvertones.com
TUNERS:
The six inline Kluson Deluxe tuners with metal buttons, are in good working condition. The high E tuner is a bit tight but works fine.Description from VintageSilvertones.com
NECK:
It has a straight, glued-on, neck with circular inlays on a rosewood fretboard, a metal (presumably aluminum) nut, 20 frets, 25″ scale with medium fast action. It gets a little high after the 9th fret. There are a bunch of nicks on the back of the neck. The headstock, features a Lyric logo on a black plastic plate which is glued on. The screw holes are there but the screws have been lost to time. The headstock has a some finish wear on the top and a few spots around the edges. Description from VintageSilvertones.com
PICKUPS:
There are two single coil pickups. The bridge pickup is bright, raw, and trebly. The neck pickup is strong, clean, bright and warm. With the proper usage of the selection switches and the volume and tone knobs, this guitar is very versatile offering the player a myriad of tones suitable for rock, blues, country, rockabilly, soul, funk, jazz and many more styles. This guitar has one volume and one tone knob for both pickups. There is a toggle switch for neck, bridge, and both pickups combined. The pots and switches are clean sounding and in fine working order. Description from VintageSilvertones.com
The Dimensions are:
Overall length: 40″Description from VintageSilvertones.com
Body width: 14″
Body thickness: 2″ with neck 2.5″Description from VintageSilvertones.com
Scale: 25″Description from VintageSilvertones.com
Width of the nut: 1 1/2″ (depth 7/8″)
String height at 12th fret: 0.12″Description from VintageSilvertones.com
Here’s the original description from the 1958 Magnatone catalog:
MARK IV AND MARK V GUITARS Description from VintageSilvertones.com
MAGNATONE takes great pride in presenting two exciting new models shown below. For the pattern and design of these models, Magnatone is indebted to America’s Leading Guitar Authority, Paul Bigsby. The standards of these guitars will meet the most exacting requirements of the finest professional performer and their modest price will permit even the guitar “enthusiast” to enjoy. Description from VintageSilvertones.com
MARK V Description from VintageSilvertones.com
Sides and back finished in a deep rich Mahogany with Sunburst top. Fitted with the World Famous Bigsby Vibrato Unit. $249.50.
FINISH:Description from VintageSilvertones.com
Bodies are hand rubbed, 7 coat processed lacquer (Magnatone exclusive), Carefully worked to resist checking due to abrupt temperature changes, Guitar necks are finished with clear coats, except for metallic black and metallic white models.
Description from VintageSilvertones.com
