kaicho8888

I can understand being real upset over this! However, at the time of manufacture, did Gibson or anybody know about gassing or was there even any knowledge that certain "plastics" would do this with age? I'm not sure, but I believe Gibson procured the bulk materials from Italy. I've got a number of 50 plus year old guitars and fortunately, only minor checking. In the late '50's-'60's, like everybody else, I bought a guitar to play. I never even considered it would last for decades... much less be a collector's item. At that time, a $300-$400 Gibson guitar was a huge expense; but it sure brought lots of enjoyment through the years. "Priceless!" The man is clearly upset, but I doubt Gibson will do anything; nor should he take it out on forum members! ...just saying.

"1" = not second On numerous Gibson tours, the guide mentioned that Gibson does not sell 2nd's anymore. Defective guitars are destroyed... I saw a bunch of them in racks looking nice and new! Makes me want to rescue all of them if not ...some of them!

Growing up in the sixties in college, I was just happy to get a Strat and a LP! The main music store did not stock many big name guitars. And this store is where I saw Clapton, J. Garcia, Santana, etc checking up guitars and renting amps for their local gigs. Today, geeze... with CNC, Plek machines, and mass production techniques, guitars/amps have become mass produced commodities. You can actually play lots of the same model guitar and select one that you like. I feel today's guitars have better consistencies and qualities than the early years. Like everything else, some are desired by collectors more for it's scarcity and history (like owned by Clapton, Dylan, Hendrix, etc) and not for its playability or tone. The biggest difference is that nowadays people spend too much time trying to acquire and improve the tool. It appears that the tool will give some magic improvement to their playing; biggest improvement is in practice, practice and more practice. This is evident by the abundance of forums discussing mainly the tool. Although, YouTube does provide some great lessons by individuals and these lessons can improve your tone tremendously through practice.

One of many Les Paul Standards made...

Here's one.... P90's bottom view...

I feel for your frustration! After 45 plus years of setting up my guitars, the majority of the tuning issues is the nut slots. To check if it binds, do a heavy bend and check the string tuning. If it is flat...the string binds on the nut. Now press hard behind the nut, if it goes sharp...the string binds. This is assuming you installed the string properly and stretched them to seat the strings on their respective tuning posts. Lubricating does help; however, I am surprised your luthier was not able to dress the nut slots in minutes! Get another luthier. Or you can fix it by using a folded 1000 grit sandpaper and sand the sides of the binding slot then lubricate. Perhaps you can post close ups of the nut and also the tuning post... hard to diagnose pictures; but it might reveal if the slots where properly angled or too deep a slot causing more sidewall pressure, etc.

Locking tuners are convenient in changing strings; but no guarantee that it stays in tune if the nut binds! ...check another thread on nut binding. nut slot binding

Nice transparent green and I like that rectangular case.

I just wipe it clean with a slightly damp cloth. No need to polish the micro plating; it will rub off. You might try to use clear nail polish in high wear areas. For me, it did stop further wear after 40 plus years. The wear spots will always be there no matter what you do. But once it's played and worn...hey, the worn areas stops there and call it a relic job. Or if you have the money, have one made in solid 18K... !!!

qblue, if you nave any audio with the different settings... please post. Inquiring ears want to know.

Wow...some good looking guitars! Clayville... I'm still envious everytime I see a picture of your guitar!

Robin from "down under"....many thanks, mate! jc

Hey Thanks, ES 345 I'll check it out tonight.

Anybody have this problem with the old ES 345 Stereo? In the past, I used two identical amplifiers for my ES 345. Now, it's a pain dragging two amps, so I only use one amp. I use a stereo jack to my ES 345. The two positive leads in the jack are soldered together. I then use a mono coax to one amplifier input. The 1st. problem with this set up is that the volume is a lot lower when I have the switch in the middle position (both pickups) than the position for individual pickups. The 2nd problem is that when I turn the volume down on one pickup (1/3)...the guitar shuts down. Of course, I don't want to modify my vintage guitar. Is there any electronic "active" device I can use with stereo input into a mono output?

VERY NICE BLONDIE! LOVE THE BINDING ON THE HEAD!

I must be getting too old....I get overwhelmed with all the multitudes of models and endless finishes on guitars. Strings are the same...just too many. I'd say pick one you like, practice and enjoy the notes! You will find that your mood will dictate what type of strings to use, wether it's rock, blues, jazz....hmmm maybe that's why you should have at least three guitars....so each to his/her own! But for rockabilily, try a 10 first for a ES335 type guitar. If you bend strings a lot and want to be gentler on your fingers, you can try 9's. Heavier strings also help keep your finger muscles in better shape, but thougher on bends...ouch. Have fun searching for your strings to match your style of playing and enjoy the art...practice a lot.