[What's that smell?]

Just had a guitar repainted in "Nitro!" Smells nothing like a "new Gibson!"

So, I think that "new Gibson smell," is a combination of Nitro, the polish

Gibson uses, and (possibly) the case, as well. The "Nitro" just smells like

paint, to me. The sweet almond fragrance, that all my new Gibson's have, is

something else. Meguiars polish has a similar fragrance, which is why I think

the polish (Meguiars, or not) must be (at least) part of the overall scent.

 

CB

[Gibson SG 3 and SG custom]

Sorry, no SG-3! But, here are my current SG's!

 

Top to Bottom: '61 (Satin) SG Reissue, Kirk Douglas SG Custom, 2013 SG "Original."

 

 

2013 '61 Les Paul Tribute, w/side vibrola.(The day I bought it.)

 

 

CB

[Gibson SG 3 and SG custom]

Never mind, I didn't read back far enough.

 

CB

[The Official What Are You Listening To Right Now Thread...]

Blodwyn Pig's "Ahead Rings Out!" It's one of those albums I never seem to

tire of.

 

CB

[Real Difference Between the Dot, Sheraton, Casino & Riviera]

Looks like a Matsumoku-era Sheraton II...funny body shape on it, looks a lot wider at the waist than usual. I think the early Matsumoku Epi's were like that, though.

 

I agree with Gordy...the stock Epiphone, most of the time, is a good guitar. More often than not, people run into issues with the electronics more than they run into problems with the setup and the finish. My Casino, stock, was great...but after I overhauled the electronics, souped up the pickups, swapped the chrome for plastic, got a bretter bridge, got the longer tailpiece, tuners, etc.....it blows away every guitar that I try today. I think that's really down to the fact that I brought it where I want it, and now that it fits me like a glove everything else just seems bland by comparison. My thinking is: if you want to spend a couple thousand bucks on a guitar made by Gibson, then dump a few more hundred into making it feel good to play, then that's alright. If you want to get a phenomenal sounding instrument for half that price, get a great stock Epi and mod it to your liking.

 

See:

 

 

How did you attach a 2-hole TRC, to that? OR, is the bottom screw just for show? Asian

models of the Casino, even the Elitist, come with 3-hole Truss Rod Covers, due to the "Well"

type truss rod hole, with hex wrench head adjustment. The USA versions, have the 2-hole cover,

because they have the Gibson type Truss Rod, and cutout, allowing the bottom screw to go into

the shelf of wood, between the nut, and the bottom side of the Truss Rod hole.

 

Just curious...

 

CB

[Real Difference Between the Dot, Sheraton, Casino & Riviera]

The original Sheratons had a Frequensator tailpiece instead of the current stopbar. I don't ever remember seeing one, but I'll look around and see if I can find a photo. Here's the history: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Epiphone_Sheraton

 

OK, found a couple (thanks to Mr. Z.):

 

 

 

You'll notice, too...the top one has the "New York" (single coil) pickups,

the bottom one (later version) has the Mini-humbuckers. They are similar

looking, but sound different. The headstock is a different style to the

current versions. The new "Union Jack" version has more this original style

headtock design. Closer, anyway... The recent "AIUSA" had that

original style headstock, as well.

 

CB

[The Official What Are You Listening To Right Now Thread...]

Crosby, Stills, & Nash! (1st Album)

 

CB

[Faux tailpiece like Derek Trucks sig SG]

Here you go! No Gibson "lyre" engraving, though.

 

http://www.allparts.com/TP-3680-001-Long-Gibson-Style-Nickel-Vibrato-Tailpiece_p_4255.html

 

CB

[MAPLE NECK VS MAHOGANY NECK]

I have Gibson's (and other's) with both. With the headstock angle,

on Gibosn's, it might be more prudent, to use Maple, as it's less

likely to "snap" the headstock off, when bumped, than much the softer

Mahogany. But, other than that, I don't seem to have any real preferences.

 

CB

[The Official What Are You Listening To Right Now Thread...]

The "Abbey Road" album, by The Beatles

 

 

CB

[Korean Epiphones - A Theory]

I don't know...I think all the Asian made Epi's are pretty sound, in quality, overall.

Sure, there's always some that are better than other's, but you can say the same thing

about any other mass produced guitar, by any other manufacturer. I prefer the Chinese

Epi's, especially the Semi-hollow body models, now, beccause they are much closer to the

original Epiphone/Gibson shapes, and spec's. There's still a few things, I'd love to see

Epi do, to close the gap, entirely. But, in all honesty, that's probably "just me?!"

I'm just one of those "nut cases," that would love to see totally accurate spec's, maintained,

regardless of country of actual manufacture. But, they're getting there...closer, all

the time.

 

CB

[The Official What Are You Listening To Right Now Thread...]

 

 

 

CB

[The Official What Are You Listening To Right Now Thread...]

Lissie!

 

 

 

CB

[SG's: The Devil Is In The Detail]

I now own 4 SG's ('61 Satin finish, "SG Original", Kirk Douglas SG Custom, and '61 SG Les Paul Tribute),

all are excellent guitars, with a good weight (hefty, but not LP heavy), balanced (not neck heavy),

and amazing tone and sustain. ALL have had the stock plastic nut replaced (as All my Gibson's do,

by my dealer, at time of purchase), with a bone nut. And, I will say, that I got to "cherry pick"

all my SG's, from among several, at my dealer's, at the time of purchase. You are quite right, about

some having a lot of natural resonance, and some not! I've even played some Custom Shop SG's with

more "brick" like unplugged tone. But, all mine are very resonant! You will just need to play as

many as you can, and find "your" favorite!

 

I didn't own, and wasn't interested in SG's, for 4 decades, because of the lack of horn tapering,

and the deeper beveling of the original SG's, that was the norm, for too many years. This past year

has seen a welcomed return, to the original style bevels, and horn tapering, so...I went "crazy" and

bought 4! (I'm not prone to that kind of "Frenzy" without just cause!) My only hope, as I've stated

here, repeatedly, is that Gibson will keep making SG's (ALL models) with those original bevels, and

horn tapers. I'd even like to see them do that, on the Epiphones, as well. If you're going to make

Gibson version guitars, in the Epiphone line, why not make them "right?!"

 

Other than that, I'm delighted with Gibson's latest SG offerings. Even the budget priced, SGJ has

wonderful bevels, and tapering, now. Way to go, Gibson!!

 

With your very specific wants, I think you'll need to either have a "one of a kind" custom made,

by the Gibson Custom shop, or an independent luthier. But that, of course, will be priced accordingly!

 

CB

[Les Paul Deluxe 1975]

Hi, I have a Les Paul Deluxe 1975. On it are mini humbuckers in the format P-90.

Recently I saw on eBay almost the guitar like me.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/1976-Gibson-Les-Paul-Standard-Deluxe-RARE/191001868906?_trksid=p2047675.m1850&_trkparms=aid%3D222002%26algo%3DSIC.FIT%26ao%3D1%26asc%3D11%26meid%3D3466799598210705998%26pid%3D100011%26prg%3D1005%26rk%3D3%26rkt%3D5%26sd%3D331082141658%26

In the description of the seller writes that such humbuckers set nominally for a limited time in 1975-76. Is this true?

I saw two more Les Paul Deluxe precisely these model years and it is the same color with a mini humbucker in the format P-90.

 

Those are DiMarzio "Super Distortion" humbuckers, which is NOT the same, as what originally

came in the Deluxe. The originals, were "Mini-humbuckers" as this:

 

http://store.gibson.com/mini-humbucker-bridge-pickup/

 

Is that what you want, OR...are you trying to go to some kind of "P-90" Single Coil pickup

that will be a direct "drop in?"

 

CB

[Les Paul Deluxe 1975]

Choose this, if you want to put it back to "stock" spec's.

They come in both bridge and neck spec's.

 

http://store.gibson.com/mini-humbucker-bridge-pickup/

 

CB

[Les Paul Deluxe 1975]

Les Paul Deluxe, was supplied with "Mini-humbuckers" from it's inception!

Some could (later) be ordered with Full Sized humbuckers. And, in some cases

the owners themselves would change out the mini's to P-90's, for their own

purposes, or preferences. But, "stock" they all had Mini-humbuckers, unless

special ordered, to the contrary. There was later, a Les Paul "Pro Deluxe,"

that featured P-90's, as "stock" pickups from the factory.

 

See article, below: (Wikipedia)

 

The Deluxe was among the "new" 1968 Les Pauls. This model featured "mini-humbuckers", also known as "New York" humbuckers, and did not initially prove popular. The mini-humbucker pickup fit into the pre-carved P-90 pickup cavity using an adaptor ring developed by Gibson (actually just a cut-out P90 pickup cover) in order to use a supply of Epiphone mini-humbuckers left over from when Gibson moved Epiphone production to Japan. The DeLuxe was introduced in late 1968 and helped to standardize production among Gibson's US-built Les Pauls. The first incarnation of the Deluxe featured a one-piece body and slim three-piece neck in late 1968. The "pancake" body (thin layer of maple on top of two layers of Honduran mahogany) came later in 1969. In late 1969, a small "volute" was added. 1969 Deluxes feature the Gibson logo devoid of the dot over the "i" in Gibson. By late 1969/early 1970, the dot over the "i" had returned, plus a "Made In USA" stamp on the back of the headstock. The Deluxe could be special ordered with full-size Humbucker T-Top pickups, these full size versions of the Deluxe were "Standard" spec. They were also available with "Gibson" embossed pickups in 1972 only; these are considered rare, as only 9 were produced. David Bowie Can be seen playing one of the 1972 "Standards" in his 1972 release Jean Genie video. By 1975, the neck construction was changed from mahogany to maple, until the early 1980s, when the construction was returned to mahogany. The body changed back to solid mahogany from the pancake design in late 1976 or early 1977. Interest in this particular Les Paul model was so low that in 1985, Gibson canceled the line. However, in 2005, the Deluxe was with more popularity due to its association with Pete Townshend [1] and Thin Lizzy.

 

In 1978 the Les Paul Pro Deluxe was introduced. This guitar featured P-90 pickups instead of the "mini-humbuckers" of the Deluxe model, an ebony fingerboard, maple neck, mahogany body and chrome hardware. It came in Ebony, Cherry Sunburst, Tobacco Sunburst or Gold finishes. Interestingly, it was first launched in Europe, rather than the US. It was discontinued in 1983.

 

 

CB

[The John Lennon Les Paul Junior project]

That is true.. signature models do tend to be a bit on the expensive side.. I cant remember if it was the Clapton or Page model LP but the VOS Aged version I think was like £25,000.. The crazy thing is that they all seem to sell out.

 

That's because some folks have more money, than sense! :blink:

 

CB

[Chinese Epiphones bad quality?]

In case you may have any doubts, about Chinese woodworking capabilities,

or talents. Check this out!

 

http://www.viralnova.com/tree-trunk-carving/

 

 

CB

[Chinese Epiphones bad quality?]

For what it's worth, I've seen on here some complaints about Gibbies, especially in Europe, with "faults" that even a horrid hangover and temporary blindness wouldn't have allowed them to get through QC.

 

Why? I'm utterly convinced it's the transportation, significant changes in "climate," shaking, etc.

 

I purchased an Epi AE from Sweetwater. I'll take their word that they check each guitar at some point. But when I got it, the neck was super outa adjustment and you could cut your fingers on the fingerboard.

 

At this point we've gotta ask, "did both Epi QC AND Sweetwater not care?"

 

I don't believe it.

 

Oddly to me, if one gets a guitar that has been properly given a basic setup, it seems to last forever under the care of an owner. So... I'm under the impression that transport and/or storage is 80 percent the problem regardless of brand.

 

m

 

I wonder the same thing. Also, about time of year...when things are more humid, or drier, as well.

Not so much, relating to the stores, as to the warehouses, at the airports, or shipping companies.

 

As to dealer's checking them? I know MINE does..big time! I've been there, when they recieved a

shipment, and their luthier goes through all of them, prior to putting them out for sale. He checks

electronics, fit/finish, and does an overall "set-up" as well (if needed). After a sale, they do

a set-up to customer preferences, and put on customer preferred strings, as well. The store is

at a constant temperature, and humidity level. That, of course, should be expected. But, it's not

always the case, in other places. Of course, it's a small, family owned dealership, so they don't

have the inventory that the Big Box stores do! Consequently, they can and do, take the time, to do

all that. One's that don't measure up, are routinely sent back!

 

CB

[Chinese Epiphones bad quality?]

Or he was lying and just trying to sell you a more expensive Gibson....

 

He makes minimum wage (plus commission)...which will tell you a lot.

 

Also, it's been my ufortunate experience, in too many GC's, that their

"display" models, are often quite "used/abused", even though they claim

they are "brand new," and "just recently put on display!" Right!!

 

CB

[Chinese Epiphones bad quality?]

Personally, I've noticed, over the years, the steady increase in quality

among the Chinese made Epiphones, especially those in the Gibson owned

factories, dedicated to "Epiphone Exclusive", as opposed to the "generic"

(Samick, for one example) versions, produced in other factories, that make

a variety of different brand models. The Epiphone dedicated factories do

more "accurate" spec's, to the original vesions. If they would only go back

to Gibson Truss Rods, and 2-hole covers, identical to the originals, they'd

be near "perfect."

 

Electonics, and pickups, have improved greatly...IMHO, over the last 2-3 years,

especially.

 

Are they Gibson's? NO...but then, they never have been, even when made side

by side, with "Gibson's." They've always been Epiphones, with their own identity.

Gibson DID manage to marginalize Epiphone, pretty successfully, after sending

the brand overseas. That was unfortunate! But, quality nowadays, is awesome,

once again...IMHO! And, Especially, for the price point!

 

 

CB

[What constitutes grade AA or AAA tops?]

Come on, it's real Wood, not a "photoflame!" Those kinds of "imperfections" are natural.

Gives it, it's own "character." I've never seen a "perfect" top, nor a "perfect" guitar! Besides,

A, AA, AAA, AAAA, won't do a thing, for the sound, or playability. Just enjoy your guitar.

 

That's a VERY NICE Les Paul Standard, you have...IMHO.

 

CB

[Les Paul traditional or standard?]

With regards to neck profiles, all my guitars are different. I have 6 LP's

that have "'60's" neck profiles. NONE of them, are exactly the same. Some

have rounder overall profile, other's, like my "Classic Plus" have what can

only be described as a "flatter" center area back. So, '50's, '60's, compound,

whatever...WILL vary. I haven't had any trouble "adapting," to any of them.

Sure, I notice the difference, one guitar to the next, at first use...but, I

get used to it, pretty quickly. Since all my guitars, have pretty different

necks (width, and thickness), I've always just adapted, or "lived with it!"

My Gibson "Lucille" has the fattest neck, and my Ric's, have the thinnest, in

general. It's just never been a problem, adapting, and playing any of them,

comfortably.

 

CB

[Les Paul traditional or standard?]

Hey, people once bought "pet rocks!" If clever enough, one can "market" anything!

Alleged sound/tonal differences...anything!

 

Some people, claiming purely altruistic motives, are making millions, off scaring the crap

out of everyone, regarding the "End of the World!" Talk about "Marketing!" LOL

They did, exactly, the same thing, in the '50's! So, buy that Les Paul (whichever model)

"before it's too late!!"

 

CB