[Some thoughts on value, utility, and high-dollar guitars]

Why do people spend that much on a guitar? Because they can. 
 

Guitars are one of these irrational things that defy logic and common sense. It is often an emotional purchase, not a practical one. 
 

[Old vs new - I want the truth!]

Those few guitars from the 50s or 60s that have become desirable vintage collectibles, are likely exceptionally well build instruments, for whatever reason. Maybe the person glueing or fitting the neck had a really good night sleep, or this one special guitar was just the first one made that week. Who knows. There are many more guitars from that era that didn't survive, simply because they were lousy, or just average instruments. It is not that every Gibson or Fender from those years survived and is still being played today, because not every one was exceptional. After Clapton lost his Beano LP, he said he tried many but never found one that was as good as his first Burst. Quality was probably more variable back in the day and we only see those superbly built instruments to stand the test of time. 

There are likely fewer duds in modern production lines and more guitars from a build series will likely last longer than those back in the day. 

As for sound, do the old ones sound better? I'm sure there would be more production models from those years around, if they sounded great. 

 

 

[Okay, just going to say it ...]

Thanks for bringing Supertramp back into my memory.

There was always some of their vinyls playing in our house when I grew up. I was more into KISS, Van Halen, and then Metallica, Anthrax and so on.

But, I'll have fond memories of Supertramp and will check their music out now.

 

Thanks. 

[new Gibson is this ok ?]

9 minutes ago, Hippydude said:

well if anything i have improved it i have setup the guitar up better than it came   to me and there is still buzz ,  It came screwed up so there is nothing lost or gained  the  only tools used is for the trust rod and that is normal to use on guitars  .

Check the saddles - likely the buzz comes from a loose saddle.

[new Gibson is this ok ?]

1 minute ago, Hippydude said:

Not setup a Gibson before but have done Epip many times  , The Gibson came with an almost flat neck trust rod didn't feel to tight to begin with i did loose it a bit seems ok now , I don't know the exact string height but i think Low E 3mm and high  E - 2.50mm  is about right ,  Open string  buzz on the A and D sting not as much after setting it up but still there.  Shops coming to collect it tomorrow .

Factory is 2mm in low E and 1.5mm on high e. 

[new Gibson is this ok ?]

18 hours ago, Hippydude said:

Might send it back , getting a lot of string buzz on the A and D string open strings ,   didnt really want to higher the Bridge .  some of my cheaper guitars have come better set up not sure .

Had the same issue on my 1950s Standard, but on the high e-string - terrible fret buzz. Only it wasn't actually fret buzz, it was the string saddle sitting too loose in the bridge. In fact, it fell out when I changed the strings. Took it back to the dealer and we tested a whole bunch of new LPs (Gibson and Epi) and about 80% had similar issues on one or more strings. 

The dealer just changed the one saddle with one that fitted snug into the bridge and the "fret buzz" disappeared. 

 

I would setup neck and action to meet factory specs and then check the saddles. If you can take them out without any resistance, it likely is the issue. 

 

 

[2019 les Paul classic setup]

If the bridge is bottomed out and you still have a high action, you either have quite a bow in the neck, or you know why the price was so good!

[new Gibson is this ok ?]

Looks ok to me. Keep in mind, the top of the LP is curved where the bridge studs meet the body. So, the plate of the stud will never sit absolutely flush with the top.  Take the strings off and see, if you can screw the stud in a little deeper, they should screw out fairly easy. 
 

 

[Help putting an age on this LP case]

The fact it is made in Canada must indicate a certain age - current cases look the same, but are made in China. A Canadian case in good condition might sell probably for more than a brand new one made in China? 

For me Canadian, if you were living in my town and the case was in good condition, I'd pay new price for it, just because it was made in Canada.

 

 

[Gibson App is really nice]

Thanks for the info - will check it out.

[Les Paul Convertee]

Just wanted to say hello.

I'm a recent Gibson Les Paul owner. Ever since seeing Slash rocking November Rain, I wanted a LP, but after years of looking for LPs I could not finding one that triggered the must-have impulse.  I think Gibson's new lineup is great, and I finally found the one LP that won me over, a beautiful 2020 Les Paul Standard (1950s) in Heritage Cherry Burst. Sounds great, plays great and even the chunky neck is rather comfortable. And with the exception of a loose saddle, my LP is flawless. Saddle got fixed/exchanged by dealer and all is good. It is a great instrument and worth every penny - and the case is pretty sick, too.

Well done, Gibson. Stay course, and this won't be my last.

 

 

 

 

 

[Les Paul Classic ordered.]

Nice one. I recently had to decide between this one and a 1950s Standard. I liked the neck on the 1950s better, so I bought the Standard.

But this red Classic sure is a beauty! 

 

[What would you like to see from Gibson?]

Stainless Steel frets 

[Bought a new Les Paul Standard 50s - is this acceptable for QC?]

Bit of a cosmetic issue for me, I'd exchange, as this is little too much for a guitar at this price point and with an AAA top. 

Even if some say "you can barely see it, or the sound matters", I knew it is there and it would bother me. If that was a $500 Epi and it played well, I'd keep it. But for a $2500 Gibson, I'd like to have the top to actually have a top-notch finish, would be a bit more lenient on the backside.