LR Baggs Lyrics
by claesgellerbrink
Levin LT-18, Made in Sweden in 1968
I recently installed a LR Baggs Lyrics in my 1968 Levin LT-18 and I’m well pleased with the result. This has been my main guitar for the past year and I’ve already tried a LR Baggs M1A, M80 and now a Lyrics. I’ve had a LR Baggs Lyrics installed in my Japan made Sigma DR-41 for about two years but I never really use that guitar since I have so nice Levin guitars to play on. The Sigma sounds fantastic with the Lyrics so I decided to leave it there and buy a brand new one for the LT-18 instead. The LR Baggs Lyrics sounds similar to the LR Baggs M80 but better, more natural and woody. I’ve also had a lot less feedback issues with the Lyrics, the M80 has been a nightmare with a full band on stage. Here you can compare the LR Baggs M1A, M80 and Lyrics fitted in the same guitar, a 1968 Levin LT-18.
Claescaster 
[…] but for me, nothing beats the Lyrics for the dry and woody sound that I am after. Now I have the LR Baggs Lyrics system installed in my 1981 Sigma DR-41 and my 1968 Levin LT-18, my main guitar for the Claes […]
I have just managed to get my hands on an early/mid 60’s LT-18. You are so passionate about Levin, I thought you were the guy to ask about any info on them.
Oh a mid 1960’s Levin LT-18, my favourite guitar. What would you like to know, there is quite a lot of info in my previous Levin posts. https://claescaster.com/2013/08/02/levin/ if not you can check Vintage Guitars: http://www.vintage-guitars.se/Levin/Levin_LT_18_info.htm
Thanks for replying! It brings a smile to my face knowing that it’s your favourite Levin, especially since you have so much experience of them! It needed a bit of TLC, but it does have a fantastic sound to it. I have a few much more expensive guitars, but there is something magical about the sound from the Levin. I think from the info pages it is a 1965 – rosewood bridge, from the original factory. So I’m planning on keeping it! It seems fairly rare! Thanks for your site too – it’s a wealth of info.
I agree, the sound of a good Levin LT-18 is very magical indeed.
..sorry, I mean 1963!!
Love reading about your guitars and watching your videos. There really is something special about Levins. I recently acquired a 1965 LT-18, I love it!! I was wondering, when you installed your pickup jack how did you fit it into the larger than normal end block? I’m having trouble installing a pickup on the guitar and was wondering if you have any advice. Thanks you!
The easiest is with a drill the size of the jack but if that feels scary then you can do it by hand with a file. https://claescaster.com/2013/10/08/how-to-fit-a-lr-baggs-m1/
and well done finding a 1965 Levin LT-18, it’s my all time favourite guitar model