texasdw

Really.

Maybe I missed something. But I never said there was a huge difference because of the weight relief (or a huge difference at all - that was your word). I did however say these guitars sound different, but readily concede that the difference may be entirely related to the difference in pickups (or strings or phase of the moon or whatever you experts deem to be the case). Maybe you're talking about somebody else's post. ? Anyway, if you're ever in Texas... ;)

Well Farns. Maybe so. I can assure you however, that when you strum these unplugged there is a difference. I would assume that the acoustic properties would translate into something audible when plugged in. But, ok. I'm not an expert by any means. Don't claim to be. So, perhaps my assumption is erroneous. I'm sure that the pickup difference accounts for the bulk of the sonic difference plugged in. Maybe the pickups account for the entirety of the sonic difference, as it seems you're suggesting. I'm good with that too. Bottom line, these guitars do sound different. And I stand by the point of my post - these things are heavy.

I just bought a Trad a couple of weeks ago. The non-weight-relieved thing shouldn't be underestimated. The tone is definitely affected by that (in a good way in my opinion). But it really does feel heavier than any other LP out there. A LOT heavier. I play seated so I don't have mine hanging on my shoulder. Even still, seated, it wants to slide off my lap to the right. I'm good with it, but it really is different. Bottom line, not only play them, but take your time playing them. If you're going to play standing, strap them on and see. Oh yeah, and you can't really go wrong with this choice

Yeah, this is very common. On my L5 (new in 2010) the neck pup was slanted as you said. But knowing it didn't affect the sound or anything else I wasn't going to mess with it. Taking Larry's position that this is the Gibson way. At some point I took it to my tech to have the setup tweaked and that leaning pup bothered him so much he fixed it for me! I ain't complainin'.

I play in an orchestra (bass). My orchestra hosted a bike ride last weekend and we all played rest stops along the route. I shared the time with a trombone/tuba player at my rest stop. He had a brass quintet going for an hour or so as well. Anyway, I don't usually play with a trombone player, but that's the background of this. PS, I wasn't playing the Gibson this day, but it is acoustic.

Man oh man!!! I love those things. I've got a bunch of Gibby's (L5, LPs), and two Gretsch (6122-1959 & 6120). I'm a HUGE fan of Chet, and all I'm playing is fingerstyle. I'd LOVE to get my hands on one of those. The problem is I've only seen them on ebay. Never in person. Tough to think about buying something you've never seen in person like that from somebody you don't know. Of course, if somebody on this forum is looking to sell one I might consider it. I'd have more trust for you guys. Keep me in mind.