charlie brown

Well, Larry, as you own one ("Historic" ES-345) I'll defer to your expertise. But, the one in the photo sure doesn't "look" like a "historic" version, to me. But then, I haven't seen every "historic" version made, either. So...??? I will stick to my original horn shape and neck styles, for those particular era's. I'm sure, though, as with all models, that there are "crossover" versions, and spec's, as well. CB

Based on your photo, it looks to be a standard production model, which is kind of a combination, of '59 rounder horn shapes, and a '60's type neck. But, that's only a guess, by the photo provided. 50's era ES-330, 335, 345, and 355 tend to have the rounder "Mickey Mouse Ears" horn shape, and fatter, rounder neck profiles. The '60's ere versions have a slightly narrower and more pointed horn shape, and a narrower '60's profile neck. So, the "True Historic's tend to follow those criteria/spec's, for whatever era they're modeled after. And, have the aged patina finish, and hardware. The Standard Production ES-345 models, tend to have the '59 horns, 60's neck, and standard gloss finish, and non-aged metal parts. But, like any model Gibson produces, there are always "exceptions!" Those tend to be special "limited runs," or a particular artist's model, etc. CB

Right now...this (full album). CB

Last song (today) I was playing was "Ohio" CSNY! Why? Who knows...just starting riffing on it. I was tweaking the tone on one of my OD pedals, for one thing. CB

Always play, from your heart! God, and the people, will hear it, anyway! CB

Some love it, some don't! At least, this year's Gibson's give you a choice, unlike last year's, where everything but the CS "Vintage" reissues, seem to come with the Robo tuners. So, just buy the versions that don't include the "auto-tune" machine heads. Easy Peasy! CB

I think, it may be time for me to hang it up?! LOL CB

Well, after only 6 months, that's a bit surprising. I have several Gibson's that are 30 years old, and older, that don't have any "finish cracks," or "checking!" While I do take good care of them, they get played, a lot! Outside, inside, bars, clubs, theaters, etc. So far, no checking. But, if they do, I'll live with it, and even enjoy the "mojo." CB

Sorry, that's NOT an SG "Custom!" It's a Limited Run SG (3 pickup) Standard, with '61 era (reissue) Sideways vibrola. But, yeah, it's a great looking SG, nonetheless! CB

I've stepped back, a bit, this evening...listing to The Beatles covers, of 3 Larry Williams tunes: Dizzy Miss Lizzy, Slow Down, and Bad Boy! I STILL love their cover versions, of those songs. CB

Personally, I wouldn't be selling a guitar I've loved for 40 years. I just wouldn't. I have several guitars that are that old, and older. Oh sure, I go look at new, or newer guitars, every time I go to my music instrument dealer's shop. What very often happens, is that I come home, without spending a cent, and loving my "old stuff" even more. Not because the new is bad, or not as good, etc. Not at all. Just that they aren't familiar, or feel, or sound any (or enough) "better," to warrant the expense. But, I have bought quite a few guitars, from my dealer, that were models I didn't own (Les Paul's, or othewise) or, at least hadn't owned, for a long time, and wanted to replace them, because I regretted selling the one's I had , when I quit playing (for 30 years). Nostalgia? Probably, somewhat. But, the guitars I kept (in storage) all those years, will be the last one's I'd sell, now. They're part of me, and my history. But, I'm probably an old "sentimental fool," compared to some folks here. So, IF you're not a "sentimental old fool," go out and play as many of the model(s) you're interested in, and find "the one." Maybe, buy it outright (without trading or selling your favorite), and have the best of both! Your '76 will have some obvious differences. Maple neck, pancake body, no "weight relief," and (possibly) a thinner neck profile. (I have a '76 "Deluxe" LP, with all those spec's.) And, it sounds great, has wild sustain, and feels great, too. But, it IS "Heavy!" So, that may or may not be a consideration, for you, at this point? Good Luck! CB

Well, actually it's a 61 Les Paul Custom! SG's at that time, were moniker'd "Les Paul" guitars, until about '63, when they were changed to the SG moniker, due to Les Paul allegedly not approving of the new design. There is some controversy, about the real reason he wanted his name removed. But, Sister Rosetta Tharpe's guitar, in that clip, is a "Les Paul Custom," with sideways Vibrola. She played a Barney Kessel model Gibson, as well. CB

Claude Debussy's "Clair de lune" extended cut! Wonderful! Was thinking of my parents, today, and this piece was a favorite of their's. So, I'm enjoying the moment, and associated memories. CB

Over-rated, under-rated, according to Who? IMHO, it's more about personal preference, for whatever reason(s). It's the reason I always play any model guitar (brand, model, electric, acoustic (especially acoustic), etc.) as much as possible, before making any final purchase decisions. I think, too often, people tend to get on Marketing's bandwagons. And/or are overly influenced by what their favorite "stars" are playing, etc. That goes, for any brand, really. As to my personal (acoustic) favorites. Martin, Guild (12-strings, especially), Gibson, in no particular order. But, I've played some fantastic Epiphones, and Seagulls, as well as Yamaha's that were very much to my liking. Taylor's, not so much...and, in all honesty, I'm not at all sure, "Why?" They're a bit like PRS electrics, to me. By all accounts, and with their fit and finish, and beauty, I "should" love 'em, but I don't seem to, at least, not so far. So...??? CB

I hear THAT! Amazing diversity of choices! It sometimes makes it difficult to even make a decision, with that much choice! LOL CB

Well, of course, Cap! We always like photos of the actual guitar in question, as opposed to the stock ad photos, or sales site photos. I guess I just whizzed through the body of copy, initially, and didn't notice the underlined link. CB

I (initially) miss that link, somehow. But, those in the photo look amazingly like the OLD Klusons, in that the front and back edges are slightly rounded, as they were back then. Cool! Seems like they old ones had double ringed keys, but they probably came with double and single ringed models? I know the stock Klusons on my 1976 Gibson LP Deluxe, and my 1954 Gibson J-160E both had/have the double ringed key buttons. CB

Photos might be helpful?! CB

I have a good friend, that owns an early 90's (Korean) Sheraton. He loves it! But, he's changed the pots, switches, and pickups (to Gibson 57's), as he prefers those USA parts, and pickups, to the Asian variety. But, that's his personal preference. CB

Willie Nelson CB

The Beatles (White Album)! CB

CB

The "Vintage" one's tend to do that, for several reasons. Mostly, the drying out (natural aging) of the wood, and the slight degradation of the pickup magnets, over time. They just get "mellower," overall, in tone. Try to keep in mind, that No "New" guitar is going to sound quite as good, as it will 30 years from now, after lots of playing, and aging. And, just a friendly reminder...try, to run any guitar you test, through the same amp, as you're used to. Your's, if at all possible! New amps tend to sound "new" as well. So, if you can, bring your amp, for the guitar tone tests. CB

Well, if you "in love" with one already...buy THAT one! But, if it's price, and availability is in question, there are a lot of new (or newer) ones that I'm sure would fit the bill. As far as pickup tones go, you may love those old ones, due to their age. Pickups do change tone, over the years, as magnets lose some strength, often making them more "mellow," or in some cases, more edgy (even brittle) sounding. That's not a bad thing, necessarily. It will just depend on your own preferences. Also, the wood of the guitar dries out, ages, and becomes more "mellow" in tone, as well. So, there are several possibilities, for the tone you've already decided that you "love!" As to fit and finish. Old, if you want the "relic'd" (mild or otherwise), new if you want that look (and, a richlite fingerboard). In my experience, with both vintage and newer models, the new ones are (on whole) more consistent, fit and finish wise. Doesn't mean they're "better," just more consistent, in that area. Best thing to do, is take some time, play as many as possible, old and new, and then decide. Cheers, and good hunting! CB

Full album: CB