The L looks like kind of like a Leedy L from some of the old marking material.

Also like a leedy n Ludwig badge.

That is, almost without a doubt, an MIJ guitar. I have seen that headstock and tailpeice on a few other MIJs of the 60s and they go for big bucks. I would not be surprised to find out this a late 60s-early 70s prototype. It is an MIJ, no doubt in my mind.

MIJ "stencil" guitar. I disagree with the idea that it'd be worth much, though. Old Ibanez guitars are a different story. The true "lawsuit" guitars from Japan in the 70's are quite good and very desirable.

As far as prototypes go, most are not worth much. I know a collector who has a 1951 Gibson Les Paul prototype. 1952 was the first production year. The prototype has value in the sense that it's worth thousands... But it's also worth MANY thousands less than several other Les Paul models. Well under $10k last I heard.

I personally own a guitar that was almost definitely made in the Ibanez factory, though it's not branded as such. It's got the exact same shape as another original Ibanez design that came later, though with more ornate appointments and a carved maple top (like a Les Paul). The later production guitar was a flat slab mahogany body.

Here's a great example: Washburn intended to market a Les Paul copy in the late 80's. It was the WP-50. They were hand-built and therefore inconsistent in terms of weight and finish (Washburn confirmed it on the phone with me) and they were never intended to be production guitars. Gibson put a stop to it. The production WP-50 that came out later was a very different guitar.

Washburn (and a few other sources I've found) told me that roughly 12 were made. I own SEVEN of them. Never paid more than $375 for any of them.

:D

[IMG]http://liveassets.rationalpathinc.netdna-cdn.com/usercontent/gear/1696256/p1_u045yhkri_st.jpg[/IMG]

In 1974 I bought a guitar like this from a former girlfreind and haved loved it ever since. I think Yairi/Alverez was sued over making this copy of a Martin 35/45 with now banned Brazilian Rosewood and more Abalone than you could imagine. They are really under valued as this has been one of the best guitars I've ever played. After 40+ years of playing guitar, I'm still not sure I'm doing it judgest....just as the MIJ drums I've played over the last 40 years too.

All good information everyone. Thanks.

BTW, we're having a tough time in New Zealand after a big earthquake devastated the city of Christchurch (one of our biggest cities) yesterday (the second big quake there in 6 months) and looks to have killed many people as well as destroying much of the inner city. Spare them a thought. The only forum member I'm aware of that lived there (trevlak) moved cities after the last quake in Sept.

Hate to hear that... Stay safe. Thoughts and prayers sent.

I saw this on the news tonight and like all the folks having hard times around the world right now, they are all always in my thoughts. The Christchurch footage was very sad to see. Take care and I hope all our Kiwi brother and sisters well.