RolandJ Posted January 24, 2015 Share Posted January 24, 2015 I was wondering what the difference is between the LP Classics that say "Classic" at the end of Les' signature on the headstock and the ones that say "Model" at the end of Les' signature? Mine is a 96 and has the "Classic" label. Also did any come from the factory with pointers under the V/T top hat knobs? Ya know for location reference? Thanks for your help. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pippy Posted February 1, 2015 Share Posted February 1, 2015 The early examples from 1989 until the mid '90s said Les Paul MODEL. Around 1994/5 the wording was changed to Les Paul CLASSIC. After this date most said CLASSIC but some have been seen with MODEL. P. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
IanHenry Posted February 1, 2015 Share Posted February 1, 2015 Mine doesn't have either: Ian Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Marshall Paul Posted February 2, 2015 Share Posted February 2, 2015 Mine says Gibson (obviously), then 'Les Paul model', and then 'Classic' engraved on the truss rod cover. (?) 2012. And it would seem, from my observations, that most Gibby models these days don't come with the nickel/chrome pointers. If you like them on (like I do) you have to buy them seperately and fit them yourself. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pippy Posted February 2, 2015 Share Posted February 2, 2015 Yes. As the OP's instrument was a '96 model it's a '1960 Classic' and my post was only concerning this model. There have been, as you are all aware, different versions of the 'Classic' line offered in the last decade or so and they vary in p'head details from one to the next. The bound p'head / crown inlay (as on Ian's instrument) was seen on some versions of the Classic Custom and Antique, for instance, as well as many of the GOTW offerings. My understanding for the change from MODEL to CLASSIC was to further differentiate - and clearly - the 1960 Classic from the recently introduced 1960 R-I's proper. As most of you already know the reasons I won't go into it all again... Just for the record here's a snap showing that although some had Les Paul MODEL the actual typeface was different on the Classics as compared with the R-I's, being both wider and closer-spaced. 1993 R-I on left; 1991 '1960 Classic' on right; As far as the pointers are concerned; both my '91 and '95 1960 Classics have them fitted as standard spec. P. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
IanHenry Posted February 2, 2015 Share Posted February 2, 2015 When I visited the Gibson Memphis factory and showroom last year, I did find it suppressing that the guitar that they had plugged into an amp and ready to go was a well used Les Paul Classic which was a long time out of production. I tried to ask the sales assistants about the guitar, but they didn't seem to know much and were not interested in much either! It was actually quite nice. Ian Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pippy Posted February 2, 2015 Share Posted February 2, 2015 ...the guitar that they had plugged into an amp and ready to go was a well used Les Paul Classic......It was actually quite nice.... Why the tone of surprise, Ian? :lol: I'm a fan - especially of the early ones. Great instruments built to very similar specs as the R-I's. Long Tenon and more 'vintage' p'ups & caps in the R-I's are about the only differences. The trap inlays on the 1960 Classic are actually more historically correct than those used on the R-I's before c.1997/8. P. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
IanHenry Posted February 2, 2015 Share Posted February 2, 2015 Pippy, I just assumed that they'd be trying to highlight something from there current product range. It's a bit like displaying 59 burst and then telling perspective customers "well you've tried the best but now you'll have to make do with a 2015 Standard" (no disrespect to the 1015 one's they look very nice to me, just not worth the money). I know mine isn't one of the earlier Classics but I haven't seen a Les Paul short of a re-issue that I'd swap my 2008 Classic Antique for, but I've never played a Traditional, they look like they could be alright. Ian Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
IanHenry Posted February 2, 2015 Share Posted February 2, 2015 This is so much more interesting than my Katy Perry thread :) yes, I have to agree with that Donny. Ian Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
charlie brown Posted February 2, 2015 Share Posted February 2, 2015 My 2000 LP "Classic" has the "Les Paul Classic" decal on the head-stock, AND the wider binding in the cutaway, as well. So, they've definitely changed spec's, over the years! No matter...it's a Great guitar, none the less! I remember, when I was a "kid," that I always wondered why Gibson left that bit of the top showing, in the cutaway bound area. Seemed "unfinished" at the time. And, I rejoiced when they went to the wider binding that covered that "mistake!" LOL!!!! CB Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pippy Posted February 2, 2015 Share Posted February 2, 2015 ...I know mine isn't one of the earlier Classics but I haven't seen a Les Paul short of a re-issue that I'd swap my 2008 Classic Antique for... Please don't pick me up wrong, Ian. I almost bought a Black-Beauty 2007/08(?) Classic Custom (with the 'Antique'-style bound head and crown inlay) myself but it had a broken/repaired h's and unfortunately, on balance, was overpriced.(*) Classics, of all sorts, are simply Lovely Guitars. I even like the ceramic p'ups in my '91... P. (*) EDIT : This one (well, this model), in fact, and I still think it's an absolute stunner; Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
IanHenry Posted February 3, 2015 Share Posted February 3, 2015 I can't say that I care much for the current Classic models, one of the reasons to play a Les Paul for me is the control arrangement, but I suppose "to each there own". It just seems that's what's "Classic" about it. Ian Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
IanHenry Posted February 3, 2015 Share Posted February 3, 2015 I dont either... This is what I did to a 2014 A little more Classic. Ah yes I remember the thread, that's a vast improvement! Ian Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dewolff Posted February 3, 2015 Share Posted February 3, 2015 My 2000 LP "Classic" has the "Les Paul Classic" decal on the head-stock, AND the wider binding in the cutaway, as well. So, they've definitely changed spec's, over the years! No matter...it's a Great guitar, none the less! I remember, when I was a "kid," that I always wondered why Gibson left that bit of the top showing, in the cutaway bound area. Seemed "unfinished" at the time. And, I rejoiced when they went to the wider binding that covered that "mistake!" LOL!!!! CB I have a Les Paul Classic Gold Top - 1960 RI. The dealer told me it was a 2006 but I think its either a 1996 or a 2006 because the serial number is (6 xxxx). It also has the waterslide saying "Les Paul Classic". The reason I think its a 1996 is because it has an ABR-1 bridge. I haven't removed the pickups yet to check but would like your opinion. If its a 2006 its in very good condition, if its a 1996 its in excellent condition for its age. (kind of like my wife lol). Either way its a great guitar but I would prefer if it was the older 1996. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rct Posted February 3, 2015 Share Posted February 3, 2015 uhm...6 <space> = 1996. 06 = well, uhm, '06. Glad I could help out. rct Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rct Posted February 3, 2015 Share Posted February 3, 2015 I'm here for the tough questions bro. rct Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dewolff Posted February 3, 2015 Share Posted February 3, 2015 uhm...6 <space> = 1996. 06 = well, uhm, '06. Glad I could help out. rct That was what I was thinking. My Goldtop's serial number is 6<space> with an ABR1. I'm going with 1996 then. Thanks for your help. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pippy Posted February 3, 2015 Share Posted February 3, 2015 I have a Les Paul Classic Gold Top - 1960 RI. No; you don't. You have a '1960 Classic'. It is not a 1960 R-I. Please do not help in perpetuating the confusion which surrounds these two models. P. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dewolff Posted February 3, 2015 Share Posted February 3, 2015 No; you don't. You have a '1960 Classic'. It is not a R-I. Please do not help in perpetuating the confusion which surrounds these two models. P. Ok ok... I guess I stand corrected. I have a Les Paul Classic Gold Top - with 1960 written on the pick guard. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pippy Posted February 4, 2015 Share Posted February 4, 2015 Yep. The guy in the eBay link in your post #32 is confused, too, Donny. Anyhow; I'm another who likes Les Paul 1960 Classics. Aw, what the Hell.....it's been simply ages since I posted them!........................ '91 and '95. Pip. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
IanHenry Posted February 4, 2015 Share Posted February 4, 2015 That 95 has a very nice top on it Pippy, very nice indeed. Ian Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
charlie brown Posted February 4, 2015 Share Posted February 4, 2015 That 95 has a very nice top on it Pippy, very nice indeed. Ian It does, but I love your '91's top, too, Pippy! Awesome Les Paul's! CB Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
charlie brown Posted February 4, 2015 Share Posted February 4, 2015 As you requested, Donny! And, After the change in fret markers, from Pee yellow/green, to "normal." CB Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Golden Posted February 4, 2015 Share Posted February 4, 2015 Yep. The guy in the eBay link in your post #32 is confused, too, Donny. Anyhow; I'm another who likes Les Paul 1960 Classics. Aw, what the Hell.....it's been simply ages since I posted them!........................ '91 and '95. Pip. Whew the 95 is pretty. Yea those early Classics are cool. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pippy Posted February 4, 2015 Share Posted February 4, 2015 CB Even wihen it still had the 'Aged' inlays this has always been, as CB knows well, one of my very favourite LPs regardless of type. Simply Gorgeous. Whew the 95 is pretty. Thanks very much, Golden. Oddly enough the flowing grain of the '91 almost immediately seduced me far more strongly than the flame seen on that tart of a '95 did ...I guess I like the 'Quietly Confident' type...LOL... These are so beautiful I could just look at them again and again :) As far as my brace goes, Donny, happily I can and do. Even more happily they both play far better than they look. Yes; they do. FWIW, Donny; The p'ups on the flirty '95 are the SD Antiquities which were installed by the original owner. I'm not sure if it's standard procedure with Antiquities but these are a matched set and are both signed by Seymour Duncan himself on the base plate. Is that normal, do you know? This one (the '95) is also the one Flight has been after as he thinks it's even better than my 'Marmalade'. He's wrong, of course, but he got a whole lot more 'right' after he let me have a pair of Luxe brand genuine PIO caps with which I could replace the jokes which were in situ. P. EDIT : Not wishing to go too far off-topic nor hi-jack the thread but this is a better snap of the top of my '91. It's not as seductive as Flight's magnificent G0 'Plain Top' of course but, still, it's OK by me; Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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