hardwood Posted April 30, 2009 Share Posted April 30, 2009 Hello, I have a few questions I need some help with if you please. The model printed on the head reads "Special". I think it is a Special SL Humbucker in natural wood finish but I'm not 100% sure. I think it is this guitar: http://guitars.musiciansfriend.com/product/Gibson-Les-Paul-Special-SL-Humbucker-Electric-Guitar?sku=517279 ...a stained and liquored 2x4 and is about 1 or 2 lbs less than my ELP. From the serial number it dates to Dec 2 2003, Nashville. Not sure if this helps in the ID. The most distinguishing feature is the fact that it has a flat top vs the arch top you see in ELP, Studios, Standards...so I think I'm on the right track. I was told it its 100% original or they wouldn't have taken it in, store policy. I only ran into this guitar because I'm looking for a better playing (feel and action) LP. I played about twenty ELP and GLPs and this one really stood out. It killed any other Epi I have every touched and had a better feel than the three different Studios and 1 standard (not in my budget range anyhow) that I played last night. I currently have Gibson '57 Classics in my ELP with a 4 year old Peavey Classic 30. With this setup I am 100% satisfied with the sound...I just want something that playes better. I think I have found the feel I want in this one! I wouldn't think twice about modifying a dime a dozen Epi with pups or whatever else but an out of production Gibson? They are asking $650 and its in about 80-90% condition. I'm worried that if I did change the pups it wouldn't even give me the same sound that I have found to like because its so thin and light. How many years did they make this model? Thanks! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LPguitarman Posted April 30, 2009 Share Posted April 30, 2009 No carved top. Not for me. Looks like an entry level guitar. But, maybe that is just what you are looking for. If it sounds & plays good, go for it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rocketman Posted April 30, 2009 Share Posted April 30, 2009 Don't know how long they've been in production. Here is a good list of reviews though. Can't go wrong with the 490R and 498T pickups. If you like the sound of it then go for it. Honestly, our opinion means little compared to how you feel about it... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pippy Posted May 1, 2009 Share Posted May 1, 2009 I played about twenty ELP and GLPs and this one really stood out. It killed any other Epi I have every touched and had a better feel than the three different Studios and 1 standard that I played last night....(...)...I think I have found the feel I want in this one! Thanks! If you like it this much then don't change it until you get to know it a lot better' date=' and work out exactly [u']why[/u] you'd want to change it in the first place. If it's as good as you think it is - and I see no reason to doubt it - then I'd advise you to leave well alone until you are absolutely certain any change would be a genuine improvement. Good luck. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hardwood Posted May 1, 2009 Author Share Posted May 1, 2009 I just got a reply from Gibson, see below. I think I'm going to give her a visit again tonight to see if it still has "the feel". Thanks Hi Brian, Thanks for writing. That serial number appears consistent with a 2003 Les Paul Special SL. The pickups would have been 490R and 498T. Thank you for the inquiry. Best regards, Benton Cummings Gibson Customer Service 1-800-4GIBSON service@gibson.com Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Corrosion of conformity Posted May 1, 2009 Share Posted May 1, 2009 I think that in the long run you might be happier with a studio, just because the studio is only a small amount more (if you buy used) and from what I've seen it looks like the studio would be of better quality. I've never played on the special before, so if it feels good and you really like it, I would get the special. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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