capmaster Posted June 1, 2014 Posted June 1, 2014 OK, I know that teardrop doesn't sound optimistic in general, but I think the more traditional kind of burst is named after it. After many years of Teardrop Burst guitars, not just Les Paul models, it seems that Perimeter Burst is taking over in the Gibson USA model line. I admit that I had no clear preference perhaps a year and a half ago, but lots of comparisons viewable on the web made me prefer the Teardrop Burst. Now I am interested in what you prefer, so I created this poll and ask your votes.
Ryan H Posted June 1, 2014 Posted June 1, 2014 Absolutely Hate the look of Perimeter bursts (on a Gibson). Two reasons: 1. The very first Sunburst Les Paul I ever saw was a Cherry Sunburst teardrop burst. That image has been cemented into my mind as what a burst is supposed to look like. 2. The very first time I saw a Perimeter burst on a Les Paul was on the Epiphone Ultra series. And they looked terrible. So to this day I still associate perimeter bursts with inferior guitars. -Ryan
L5Larry Posted June 1, 2014 Posted June 1, 2014 Never considered the question, so I had to go look at photos of my own guitars to decide. It seem all my Gibson bursts are teardrop. So there's my answer. I will say I prefer a larger teardrop, so a thinner dark area.
Guest Farnsbarns Posted June 2, 2014 Posted June 2, 2014 Perimeter bursts always look to me like the apprentice screwed it up. Just so wrong you wouldn't do it in purpose.
flyingfrets Posted June 2, 2014 Posted June 2, 2014 My first Gibson was a '79 Silverburst (teardrop) Custom. I've noticed most of the Silverburst reissues I've seen are perimeter bursts and it's just...wrong. Looks cheap and ugly to my eye.
charlie brown Posted June 2, 2014 Posted June 2, 2014 Perimeter bursts always look to me like the apprentice screwed it up. Just so wrong you wouldn't do it in purpose. Hmmmm... CB
Gunner Posted June 2, 2014 Posted June 2, 2014 Since this is the Les Paul forum I will say teardrop as that's what I like on a Les Paul. I really like a perimeter burst on an Epi Casino though, and on some other 335 shaped guitars, like CB's.
charlie brown Posted June 2, 2014 Posted June 2, 2014 OK, I know that teardrop doesn't sound optimistic in general, but I think the more traditional kind of burst is named after it. After many years of Teardrop Burst guitars, not just Les Paul models, it seems that Perimeter Burst is taking over in the Gibson USA model line. I admit that I had no clear preference perhaps a year and a half ago, but lots of comparisons viewable on the web made me prefer the Teardrop Burst. Now I am interested in what you prefer, so I created this poll and ask your votes. You know, until you mentioned that, I hadn't really paid that much attention! ALL of my own Gibson (burst) Les Paul's (the most recent, being my 2000 LP Classic), have "teardrop" finishes. The rest are either solid color, or "Gold Top!" Very Interesting!! CB
veeman Posted June 2, 2014 Posted June 2, 2014 I've always prefered tearbursts, in fact it wasnt for several months after I bought my LP that I even noticed it was a rimburst, after reading about them. I just loved the sound and color and figure of it.
Jimi Mac Posted June 2, 2014 Posted June 2, 2014 To me it all depends on the guitar overall... I've seen some honey bursts that appear to be perimeter bursts that I actually like. Some of the clown bursts are putrid, and that southern rock tribute heart burst thing is ridiculous... This thread could use illustration pics!
btoth76 Posted June 2, 2014 Posted June 2, 2014 Hello! As far as solid-color bursts are concerned, I absolutely prefer the teardrop shape. That's more classy than the perimeter variant. However, I didn`t mind it when I bought the L6S Reissue (especially at the price of LP Tribute). Cheers... Bence
nick_s Posted June 2, 2014 Posted June 2, 2014 I prefer teardrop bursts, but the right piece of wood combined with the right colour would look nice with a perimeter burst. I think subtle is key.
pippy Posted June 2, 2014 Posted June 2, 2014 On a Les Paul I'd say Teardrop without a second's hesitiation. I will never ever own an LP with an 'obvious' perimeter 'burst for the reasons already mentioned in posts #2; #4 and #5. I will add, though, that I've seen some horrendous teardrops (Clown'bursts have already been mentioned) as well. The shading / fading of the edge is of paramount importance IMHO. P.
quapman Posted June 2, 2014 Posted June 2, 2014 Seeing as I didn't know the difference and had to look it up I have obviously never given this any thought. Googling them both now,, I'm fine either way. Let me guess,,, teardrop, would be the tasteful one?
Ryan H Posted June 3, 2014 Posted June 3, 2014 Let me guess,,, teardrop, would be the tasteful one? Only if it's some variation of Cherry Sunburst or Honeyburst, and beaten to $#!¥ before it gets to your door. -Ryan
LPguitarman Posted June 10, 2014 Posted June 10, 2014 I've always prefered tearbursts, in fact it wasnt for several months after I bought my LP that I even noticed it was a rimburst, after reading about them. I just loved the sound and color and figure of it. As I voted, "It depends on the color/figuring" and this example really backs that up.
Guest Farnsbarns Posted June 11, 2014 Posted June 11, 2014 Hmmmm... CB Did you read the question? That's a funny looking Les Paul, must have been a limited run?
capmaster Posted June 11, 2014 Author Posted June 11, 2014 Did you read the question? That's a funny looking Les Paul, must have been a limited run? Symmetrical shapes like ES doublecuts are a different story. On the other hand, perhaps I should have titled the poll writing singlecut Les Paul guitars expressively. I think that Les Paul doublecuts are a chapter of their own, apart from the facts that I don't own one and they are pretty scarce in general.
pippy Posted June 11, 2014 Posted June 11, 2014 ...Symmetrical shapes like ES doublecuts are a different story... Completely. That 'burst on CB's Sherry may look gorgeous but spray a Les Paul with those colours and proportions and it would look absolutely terrible. P.
pippy Posted June 11, 2014 Posted June 11, 2014 I think my classic has the perfect burst. Oh Yeah? Well, I think my Classic has the perfect 'burst... Hang on; that's too close to yours....I must have meant this one... Good Grief. Any excuse, eh? I'm going to have to take some fresh snaps, methinks......... LOL! P.
curnla Posted June 18, 2014 Posted June 18, 2014 I believe that this may be my first post but I have been lurking in the shadows for some time. Anyway, I just purchased my second LP Traditional a couple of weeks ago and bought the only one that did not have a rim or perimeter hurst and that was the HCS. I will never buy a perimeter burst Les Paul. In fact that is one of the several reasons that I would not buy a 2014 LP Standard. I won't get into the other reasons. Anyway, I love the 2014 Traditional and I am so glad it doesn't have that gawd awful perimeter burst. Just my opinion. It is just a matter of personal taste.
Pesh Posted August 4, 2014 Posted August 4, 2014 For me I'd say it depends on the guitar and the finish. If the burst has a black perimeter I'd ask for a perimeter burst, so it shows off more of the flame and the colour fills the shape of the instrument. But then an original sunburst like those on pippy's post would look just weird with a perimeter, to me at least. I'm a fan of the new finishes, though, especially on the Traditional; that Honeyburst calls to me!
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