ccbr00ks

Likewise. I'm after a truss rod cover replacement for my Epi Dave Rude Flying V. Along w/ this I'm working on finding pickup rings and covers for the ProBuckers it has. Earlier this week I ordered the covers. Finding an official Gibson replacement set wasn't too difficult (50mm/52mm). I'm considering replacing the pickguard...i.e. if I can find a place that sells 'em. The link below may be worth looking at. There's just one Flying V option - Gibson '67 Flying V Reissue. However, there's an option to send them a tracing of the one your replacing, or need. -br00ks Tracing Can't find the part you want? Send us a tracing and we'll duplicate it for you!" https://www.greasygroove.com/tutorials

I'm new to being an American made Gibson Les Paul owner, too. I picked up my 2017 Tribute (Honey Burst) used via Guitar Center (online) back in Dec. Before making the purchase I spent quite a bit of time researching to ensure I got the most value for my $$$. It was going to be, by far, the most I ever invested in an instrument. Originally, I was looking at getting a used Les Paul Studio. There were many to choose from at fair prices. However, a lot of the ones posted did not include much detail in terms of what year they were along w/ other info that would give you an idea of their history. Also, I was surprised to find that a good portion of them included only a single pic (often not a very good quality one!). Long story short, eventually I found the Tribute and felt comfortable pulling the trigger since it was a 2017. The price was nice and it had a condition rating of "excellent." Overall, I'm very happy w/ it and feel confident that it wasn't abused or has hidden defects or issues. I assumed that it would come w/ its original gig bag but it didn't (no biggie, I prefer having a hardshell case). Along w/ no soft case there was not an owner's manual or truss rod tool. BUT, it did come w/ a very nice set of Grover Locking Tuners from the previous owner (it was a surprise as it was not mentioned in the original sales post). Since I needed to buy a case I picked up the Gibson Multi-Tool (which I'm also happy w/) as a solution to not having the truss rod wrench. -- The research I mentioned focused mainly on pricing and used/retail sources (return policies, customer support, etc.). So, I got a little worried after coming across the criticisms about quality issues and Gibson's overall direction - i.e. by this time I owned the guitar. Fortunately, there are many reviews/videos that emphasize how the Tribute is a good example of Gibson doing something right. I do understand and agree w/ some of the criticisms - e.g. the "Robot" model. Additionally, some of the info I read/watched about their solvency as a business is concerning. Whatever happens, tho, I think "us owners of Les Paul Tributes" got a good lookin' and quality guitar. **** I appreciate the original post (dk) and all the responses (esp. the link to the setup tips!) - very insightful and informative!!!! - Thanks