charlie brown

"Gibson Quality Control is Shite!" Well, they have their moments, that's for sure! But, overall, considering the vast volume their factories produce, I really don't think it's as bad as some let on. There are, and have been QC problems, now and then, but I'd be interested in the true/accurate percentage, compared to total output. In a perfect world, there wouldn't be ANY problems. But, we hardly live in such a world, and never have. CB

And, he's (no doubt), never seen YOUR Les Paul's! I love them all, but that (so called) "Plain top" is Killer! IMHO, as always! CB

It does seem pretty "Troll like!" And, I've already said my piece, in response, so that's enough, for me. CB

Subjective, is Right!! PRS are Excellent guitars! There's no doubt about it! BUT, So are the like priced Gibson's! Did you try the "True Historic's? Or, other Custom Shop like priced versions? Or, as has been questioned, any other model of Gibson USA Les Paul, now available? It sounds like you have found your preference, albeit based only on the one LP model, vs PRS. That's Great! But, as great a PRS guitars are, I (personally) have never taken to them. My dealer is a PRS dealer, as well. So, I've demo'd a bunch! As "Perfect" as they might seem, they felt lacking (to me) in some fashion. Not even sure, what that is/was, really. I hate the headstock shape, for one thing. Except, for the rounder, more pleasing "Santana" model. That one, is decent! But, IF I finally find one, I truly love...I'd buy it. But, so far, I'm still looking. So, to each his/her own. CB

Never owned one, but I lusted after a "Custom" for a time. Can't remember, now, what derailed that lust??? CB

"Thin" How? Low/weak volume output, or "shrill" treble? I don't (currently) own a 345, but I do have a Gibson "Lucille" and I prefer it, running through a Fender amp. In my case a Blues Jr. HR Deluxe, Vibrolux Custom, or Twin Reverb, depending on venue and volume needed. If you're mic'n everything, that will be less an issue? I start with everything (EQ and Volume) at "noon," regardless of amp chosen. Then, adjust as needed to get my preferred tone. That, for me, seems to work out well. I don't have one "set" parameter, except starting at that "noon" position. The adjustments will always depend on the guitar, the room, etc. But, I try NOT to use a pedal, for "tone!" I try very hard, to get all the "tone" I want, from just the guitar and the amp (Luddite, that I am). Then use pedals, for a boost, or more /different distortion, or coloring, as needed. But, as always, that's just Me! I have always felt, however, that there IS a certain Volume/Tone "sweet spot," to any amp, and to consistently get good results, tone wise, the volume has to be pushing the tubes, at a decent amount. Hence the need for more than one wattage, for various rooms, unless you're mic'g them. Then I'd use the smallest amp that does the job, and let the PA take care of the room. By the way, I used to own a VT-22, in the late '60's and it's a MONSTER amp! But, WAY TOO (ear bleeding) LOUD (IMHO) , at it's "sweet spot," for anything but larger venues. Good Luck! CB

Which is why I rarely buy a guitar "on line!" I'd rather drive the 100 miles, to my dealer, and try out any prospective purchase, ahead of time. But, with a good return policy, you have a decent chance of getting what you want, "on line," eventually. So...??? But now, since my dealer quite recently dropped Gibson and Epiphone (except for Gibson Acoustic's), I'm pretty much stuck, going "on line," these days! So, "Sweetwater" would be my first choice, for that. Although, I've never really had any problem(s), with Musician's "Fiend" either. Whatever get's you what you need. CB

At the moment, "Eight Miles High," by the Byrds. Or, at least MY version of it. CB

I agree, with Pip's observations, and (overall) feelings about Gibson's products, nowadays. But, as with any mass produced product, there are always "lemons" that should have never left the factory. Gibson is no exception there. Maybe one reason is, that they now produce far more product, in a month, than they ever did, in a year, back in the "Good Old Days!" With that kind of production volume, more "problems" are a given. Gibson is a Corporation, and Stockholders need/demand the profit shares, from the greater numbers. "Money, money, money, money...MONEY!!" My personal observations, and/or wishes, as were stated earlier, in this thread, are just that... Wishes. And, Not based in any kind of current reality. CB

I TRY to buy "Made in USA," whenever possible, IF the quality is (at least) equal, to that offered by other "Foreign" countries. And, the price is within reason, etc. BUT, I've never been opposed, to purchasing something from other countries, when I love the product, and/or the quality. Guitars, or otherwise. My camera gear, is all German, Swedish, or Japanese! As to guitars, the amount of Gibson's I own, is testament enough, to my love of their products. I admit, to being dismayed, at the continuing price increases, beyond what seems "normal" or reasonable. And, I find it strange, that they require a Custom Shop, to make things the way they used to, instead of just doing that, normally, without all the constant "historic," no..."true historic," no...collectors edition historic, blah, blah, blah. And, of course the insane (to me) prices for said recreations. Is it because I can no longer "afford" or justify, spending that amount of money, on a re-creation of a past cherished original line. Possibly, but I (really) don't think so, as I simply refuse to pay that much, for ANY guitar..."historic" or not. My last Gibson purchases, were my SG's, in 2013! They returned to the beveling and horn tapering, of my beloved early '60's originals, and at a decent price point (all were between 1,200 and 1,500, at that time), and (in the case of MY purchases) flawless in fit, finish, and performance. So, I'm afraid, for me it will be "used but not abused" Gibson's, from how on...IF, I decide I "have to have" another one. Why I would, seems pretty elusive, right now. But, I've learned, a LONG time ago, never to say "Never!" But, "horses for courses," and/or "whatever floats your boat!" We're all different, that way, which is what makes it interesting. CB

Well, I guess I've been luckier, than some, regarding said "neck dive!" I don't have any guitars that have that problem. :unsure: Then again, I may just ignore guitars that have it, and not purchase them, automatically? Who knows? CB

"Neck Dive" on a Les Paul??? Really??? SG's on occasion (usually with '50's style fat necks), but I've never experienced "neck dive" on a single or double cut Les Paul. Weight relieved, or otherwise. Maybe(?) I've just been fortunate, that way??? In fact, the only SG's I've ever played, that were "neck heavy" were the early 2000's SG Specials, with the "crescent moon" neck inlays. Those tended to have very "fat" necks, and so were more prone to neck dive. But, none of my current SG's have any neck dive, at all! CB

So glad, for you, that there was no headstock break, but...what was the original seller's explanation, for the heavy over-spray, on the back of the neck?? :unsure: CB

If it's a good, sturdy, and (basically) invisible repair, don't worry about it (too much). The repaired area is likely as sturdy if not more so, than it was originally. It would explain, however, the repainted look, shown in your photos. Hope you get the information, and/or scan, you seek, for your own peace of mind. I guess you could Google for places, in your area, that do that sort of thing? Good Luck! CB

Well, the neck and headstock COULD have been refinished? But, until you talk to Gibson, I wouldn't give up, yet on it being a "real" Gibson LP Custom, if that helps any??? Check the pots, and see what their dates are. It had (before the pickup change) the right kind of T-Top pickups, for LP Custom's of that era. Unless you paid an extra premium, for the "all Gold" finish, the most important thing (IMHO) is whether or not, the guitar is solid, plays and sounds Great! My experience is that 1980 or "Norlin" era Gibson's don't command nearly the prices, that pre-Norlin, or even post Norlin era guitars do, in the Vintage/Used market. There were some Great guitars made, back then...and, some "dogs" too. I was lucky, I guess, in that my 2 Norlin era LP's (1976 Deluxe, and '80 LP Custom) are both really nice guitars...heavy as a anvil, but great playing and sounding instruments, none the less. Oh, and the serial number being lightly indented, is not that unusual. Frustrating, for sure, but not unheard of. Edit: I noticed it has the "Made in USA" indent, as well, midway between the tuning machines. Mine does not have THAT. But my serial number indent is very shallow/light! So, with the thicker Gold paint, that could have been a problem? Hope you get the answers you need, from Gibson, before you make a decision, on keeping or returning it. Good Luck! CB

Gibson made one, in 1980 as a (rare) custom finish (only 50 produced), of the LP Custom. Reverb had one, for sale, on their site, at one time. Does your's have a volute, on the back of the headstock? If so, it may be one of those 50? You could try calling Gibson CS, and see if they can match the serial number, with their records. IF the electronic's (pots, etc.) are original, you could check those for dates, as well. Although...your's has the more current "horn" shape, whereas my 1980, and most Customs around that time, had a more "pointed" horn shape. ??? Your's and mine do have the same model/style turners, however. My 1980 LP Custom, is in "Cherry Burst!" Never seen the little "tag" you're referring to, under the serial number. Could have been put there, by Gibson, by a dealer, or even the original owner, for some reason?? Good Luck! CB

I'm very sad to report, that My favorite, and long time (30 years +) dealer, has dropped Gibson USA and Custom Shop (and, Epiphone as well), save the Gibson (Bozeman, Montana) Acoustic line. They carry, and sell, a good amount of Gibson Acoustic guitars. They sited Gibson USA QC problems, Wholesale Price increases, and unrealistic stocking requirements, as the main reason(s) they dropped the line. Whether this is temporary, or permanent, remains to be seen. My dealer has done this before, a time or two, in the last 30 years. So...??? While this is a real disappointment, for me...as I've bought ALL my Gibson's, since I returned to playing 17 years ago, from them...I do understand their position, and reasoning. And, they're hardly the only "Brick and Mortar"/Family owned dealer, to have made that choice. Sad!! But, for PRS lovers, they still carry full line of those, premium and SE models. Gretsch, and Fender, as well. CB

Well, as "opinions" go, I'll say what I've always said, about Epiphone reissues, or "inspired by" versions. They need to be fully "spec correct" to the Kalamazoo originals, in every detail. 2-hole truss rod covers, "Gibson" truss rod, correct head-stock shapes and dimensions, etc., etc., etc.! As long as the quality is there, it really doesn't matter "Where" they're produced. But, attention to correct spec details IS important, to a lot of folks! IMHO, as always! CB

Yep, "Stress Fractures," in the paint! Not "checking!" I have a 1976 Gibson LP Deluxe, that has NO checking, or stress fractures, at all! My '64 Strat has none, as well! So, even "Vintage" guitars don't HAVE to have finish checking. However, with "Nitro" finishes, it's actually quite common. Some folks LOVE that patina, and even have it done, to pristine new (or old) guitars, on purpose, at considerable extra cost. For me, if "checking" happens "naturally," to any of my guitars, in the future, for whatever reason, so be it. But, I'd never pay a premium to have it done. But, that's just "Me!" If it really bothers you, take it to a good, skilled Luthier, and see what he/she can do(?), for you! There are finish treatments available, but they can be tedious, and time consuming=expensive, for such a small area. And, best carried out, by true and skilled professionals. Good Luck! CB

Wind chimes, outside my back door, and the rain hitting the pavement! CB

I'm back listening to Blodwyn Pig's "Ahead Rings Out!" CB

"Damn Right, I've Got the Blues!" Buddy Guy. CB

A Leonard Cohen Compilation CD CB

#9 Dream...John Lennon. CB

Jimi Hendrix