Vintage Wilshire compared to new '62 reissue

[fazeka]

So, I noticed that Gibson's going to be/are already producing the '62 Wilshire, just like they used to do back 45 years ago in Kalamazoo. As I was looking at the photos of the reissue on Epiphone's site, I noticed a couple of things that are different compared to some originals. I say this because Gibson/Epiphone is retailing this reissue for an insane amount of bank. Don't get me wrong, I think they created a 95% accurate reissue; but for $4800 and change, you'd think they would nail down all the little details.

 

CASE

 

First, I know that the case shown here

 

 

could be accurate as I used to have a '61 Newport bass, like this:

 

 

that had a seemingly original rectangular case (although it had orange/yellow lining and not blue).

 

But in the little research that I've been doing today, I've seen pics of original hardshell cases that I would have liked to see the reissue come in:

 

 

NECK HEEL

 

The neck heel looks different on the reissue compared to the original. Compare...

 

Originals:

 

 

 

Reissue:

 

 

It kind of looks like the neck heel on the Newport basses of the era:

 

 

I dunno; to be fair, maybe there were variants on the heel shapes, even on the originals? To be honest, I kind of prefer the heel shape on the reissue. Looks more substantial.

 

KNOB POINTERS

 

Finally, I noticed the originals, like other period Gibsons, have knob pointers on the pots that seem to be lacking on the reissue (granted, the shot of the reissue is at a bad angle):

 

Original:

 

 

Reissue:

 

 

Thoughts?

[fazeka]

Regarding the neck heel, my suspicion seems more valid: that the neck heel seems to have varied.

 

Here's a neck heel from an original '63 Crestwood:

 

 

 

Source: http://www.provide.net/~cfh/crestwood.html

[charlie brown]

I would suppose the "reissues" are taken from the originals drawings/specs, etc. But, like anything that's

hand made, (especially back then) there would/will be some subtle differences, piece to piece. I like the

reissue, a lot, and think it would be fun to own/play! I just wish it was more "affordable," to those of us

who are not collectors, or insanely wealthy. ;>)

 

CB

[fazeka]

And here's a neck heel from a '62 Coronet:

 

[fazeka]

I just wish it was more "affordable' date='" to those of us who are not collectors, or insanely wealthy. ;>)

[/quote']

 

Chuck,

 

Don't get me wrong - I think they're insanely priced, as well... well, there's always hoping for a nice tax refund this year...

[fazeka]

In case anyone cares (I feel like I am the only one who does ), it seems that Gibson/Epiphone photoshop'ed out the PROTOTYPE 001 inked serial on the back of the headstock:

 

Headstock as seen on the Epiphone website:

 

 

Here's the untouched photo:

 

 

If each of the 100 are going for ~$5k, wonder how much this prototype will go for?

[pohatu771]

Have we confirmed that it will sell for $4800? I know if you go to the Gibson site, some models are actually listed with what they sell in the store for (Les Paul Junior, for one), but others are still much higher than retail.

[charlie brown]

Have we confirmed that it will sell for $4800? I know if you go to the Gibson site' date=' some models are actually listed with what they sell in the store for (Les Paul Junior, for one), but others are still much higher than retail.[/quote']

 

Generally, you can get 40% off list, with minimal haggling. With "Limited Editions" (especially of only 100 pieces),

I don't know if that will hold true, or not? As nice as it is, "I" would have trouble justifying the cost, at even

40% off....but, that's just Me!

 

CB