rupertmja Posted February 13, 2016 Share Posted February 13, 2016 I just got myself a well used and abused Gibson Special for just over $200 or so. One the one hand, it's battered state might look like the road wear that so many chase after but in reality is a bit of a shipwreck. Wrong tuners, leaving holes - not even fitted straight, loose jack plug, wonky toggle switch, bent strap point, flattened frets 9but not too bad), badly chipped paint and lacquer. So .. should I strip it and all the paint and redo, or, try to fix it up as a relic? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sparquelito Posted February 13, 2016 Share Posted February 13, 2016 If it were mine, I would leave it battered and road-worn, but make it playable. I would fix the cable jack, I would clean it, polish it, restring it, set the neck, the action, and intonation. But would leave the finish the way it is. One question; Why doesn't it have the Gibson logo on the headstock? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rupertmja Posted February 13, 2016 Author Share Posted February 13, 2016 The Gibson logo has mostly come off, except for the b of Gibson. 'Les Paul Special' is still visible. I just did a serial check and it is a 1998. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rupertmja Posted February 13, 2016 Author Share Posted February 13, 2016 The Gibson logo has mostly come off, except for the b of Gibson. 'Les Paul Special' is still visible. I just did a serial check and it is a 1998. Also just tuned it up and it plays quite nicely. Needs properly sorting. Should I get some Gibson tuners or some locking ones that fit the Gibson holes? Any recommendations as for locking ones? Have to admit - I am quite excited by my new find/project ... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pesh Posted February 15, 2016 Share Posted February 15, 2016 For me; this would be an opportunity to make something completely new out of something old. Refinish it in a colour you want, repair the damages, fill all the holes and redo the machineheads with your own (mounted properly, too). I'd recommend some solid metallic paintjob, personally; a good look, and hides any repairs or fillers. Do it right Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rupertmja Posted February 16, 2016 Author Share Posted February 16, 2016 I have 3 options: 1 Leave it as is. just clean it up / set it up and use it. Actually, I have been doing just that this last week. It looks a lot better. 2 Relic it - clean up some of the battered parts. Re-profile the frets a little. I may do this. I have the tools. Get Gibson machine heads, or Grover locking ones which I like. And fill the holes. 3 Strip it completely and either leave it as wood if it turns out nice or paint it black again. I like black. I think #1 for now as I am busy and then plan for #2. Only problem is in some places the paint/lacquer is cracking and falling off. It has been abused somewhat I would say. I can always go for #3 if #2 fails ... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NHTom Posted March 15, 2016 Share Posted March 15, 2016 Crank it up and let it eat!!!! People pay a fortune for "reliced" guitars. That one is all ready done!!! NHTom Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
j45nick Posted March 15, 2016 Share Posted March 15, 2016 Replace the tuners (should be individual Kluson-style: you can figure out which online), clean it up, fix what don't work, and play it! As has been pointed out, some people pay good money for a pre-relic'd guitar like this one. If it ain't broke, don't fix it. You can get and aftermarket decal if you want to restore the Gibson logo, which is the only "cosmetic" upgrade I might consider. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jbones007 Posted June 3, 2016 Share Posted June 3, 2016 I have an original owner offering me a 1998 LP special in natural for 500.00. Mono jack needs work but looks to be mint. No case however. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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