[Chip in paint under the pickguard]

Yep, both of my Trads have marks under the PG left by the screw/nut that holds the bracket to the PG. Nitro is a soft finish, and even softer when brand new when the mount the PGs at the factory. Just part of owning an LP. Wouldn't sweat it.

[Auto Tune??]

I'm not a fan of the MinEtune/GForce, I'll straight up admit it. Partially because of aesthetics (which admittedly are purely subjective)... to me it's ugly as homemade sin and it just looks like an eye sore on a Les Paul. I'm not a professional musician (just a hobbyist guitarist for the past 31 years) and getting a genuine Les Paul was/is a big indulgence for me because, frankly, I don't need it... but I did always want one (or two ;))... so when it came time to buy a Lester the last thing I wanted was one that had such a non-traditional aesthetic eye sore.

 

BUT... that said... when I went out shopping for my first LP in 2015 I tried several (at least half a dozen) 2014s and 2015s with either the MinEtune or GForce and not one of them ever worked properly in the store. I could get it to tune initially, so it wasn't a matter of me not understanding how the thing works (it's not rocket science)... but none of them would ever hold tune for more than a few strums. It was maddening. Maybe it was old strings, maybe the strings hadn't been installed correctly as the system requires, maybe it was some other variable, but regardless it didn't take long to become completely frustrated and disenfranchised with the contraption. Add to that the fact that Gibson made it non-optional on the 2015s and it just made shopping for a new LP way more challenging that it needed to be. I eventually ended up getting a new 2014 Trad that was left over in stock at my local Sam Ash (w/ regular Klusons)... admittedly not just because of the tuners (which, as has been elaborated on can be swapped out relatively easily)... but also because of the "other" 2015 changes (wide neck, brass nut, headstock sig, hologram, metal flake paint) which just were not what I wanted when I was finally able to buy an LP after lusting for one for 30+ years.

 

Frankly, had Gibson done in 2015 what they've done in 2016 (ie, offering two distinct lines of guitars, one for the traditionalist and one for the progressive-ist) all of this vitriol and hate for both the MinEtune/GForce and the other changes could have been massively minimized if not avoided totally and completely. Gibson made their own bed in this regard and it's no surprise that it came back and bit them in the rear... and I honestly believe that the MinEtune/GForce suffered for it reputation-wise because it was seen as part of Gibson's lack of understanding of their existing customer base by trying to jam all these changes down their customers' throats. Had Gibson done in 2015 what they did in 2016 all the MinEtune/GForce vitriol we see (from me included) would have been minimal because even if you didn't like it, meh, so what... buy one without it. Choice is good. Gibson screwed the pooch in this regard... just no getting around it.

 

That said... I'm not opposed to the idea of an etuner (heck I use a Snark)... and I'm not necessarily opposed to it being attached to the headstock... but, at least to me, the MinEtune/GForce unit itself just isn't aesthetically ready to be a prime time player in this regard. If/when the can make each individual machine head its own separate unit (with a button to tune like now or better yet, bluetooth capability that will allow me to control it with a remote or a smartphone)... I'll be interested (as I said, I'm not opposed to the concept, just the application of the concept in this particular case). Once they get the technology to that point, I'm interested. Until then, I just don't want what looks like a remote control from a 1990s CD player on the back of my LP's headstock. Sorry. It's just ugly, even if it does work (which is clearly still up for debate... some find it very reliable, others not so much... which just speaks to the fact that they've not got all the bugs ironed out yet).

 

Anyway, I'll get off my soapbox now. :D

[Les Paul traditional or standard?]

Gorgeous!!! Congrats!!!

 

I've had my round and round with GC before too... but, I did get my 2016 Trad (and a good deal at that) from them... so I guess I have to give them that. That said... as a rule, I MUCH prefer buying from my local Sam Ash (really a bunch of GREAT guys there with a great selection of LPs).

 

Anyway, HNGD!

[Les Paul Traditional to 59 conversion]

Well... I've played many Les Pauls as I was a former GC Platinum salesman. I know the differences between historic types or custom shop guitars that have an ABR1 style bridge as well as a different top radius and neck joint. That I can't change. However the electronics and the "right" setup and fret dressing is key.

 

Mostly all Nashville USA Gibson electronics, aside from the pickups are not USA made.

 

There is something to be said about the correct wiring, wires. pots, caps and little details that make a guitar and Les Paul special.

 

The Traditionals are the only USA LP guitars that have a solid unchambered or weight relief and with a 50's neck. The only other guitars like this are from the custom shop.

 

Traditionals were only "non-weight relieved" in 2013, 2014 & 2015. 2008-2012 and now 2016 Traditionals have "traditional weight relief" (ie, 9 Swiss cheese holes).

[The Traditional Club]

And here's my latest Trad. 2016 in Honey Burst (sold the 2012 Light Burst above).

[Les Paul traditional or standard?]

Well they vary a bit but yes usually Traditionals have the 50s thicker neck.. Im not exactly sure what the 2016 Standards come with, they just call it a traditional shape which I guess would also be a 50s neck, but they say its got a compound radius..

 

 

The 2016 Standards come with a SlimTaper 60s asymmetric neck with a compound radius.

[Why do some people dislike 2015 brass nuts?]

Rumor is Gibson USA will be split into two lines for 2016. The traditionally built "T" line (eg, my new 2016 Trad is actually called the "Traditional T") and an as yet unreleased modern line that will most likely feature at least some (if not most/all) of the 2015 "innovations". ;)

 

Honestly, this is what they should have done last year. Would have saved them a LOT of hassle (& sales & goodwill) and been a proper 100th bday salute to the innovator that was Mr Les Paul while not abandoning their heritage. Oh well...live & learn, right Gibson? :D

[The Traditional Club]

Thought I'd breathe a little life back in the Trad Club here and post pics of my Trad beauties. Left to right, 2012 Light Burst and 2014 Heritage Cherry Sunburst.