Original 50's Les Pauls

[lvidal]

Hi,

 

I just want to know something. Back to the 50's the Les Paul made were finished in satin at the back? I ask because of the description Gibson gives to the Traditional Pro's that they are just like the guitars of those days.

 

Thank you.

[charlie brown]

The Traditional Pro, has the satin back, to emulate the "worn in"

(though NOT "Relic'd") look, of a vintage '50's Les Paul. The real '50's

versions, were gloss finished, although they seem to have been somewhat

less glossy, than current Gibson USA models. More like the VOS, or Historic

versions, nowadays. Photos, show a finish, that almost seems like a

current (thin) lower luster gloss, especially on the Junior, and Special models.

All Les Paul guitars, until late '57/early '58 were "Gold Tops." The

exception, was the Custom, which was Black, and the Jr. and Specials,

which were vintage bust, at first, then TV Yellow, and Cherry Red, were

offered. They too, were "glossy," though again, they seem to have been

less so, than current models, except for the VOS or historic versions.

The "bursts" started in the '58 model year, and continued through 1960.

The '61 "Les Paul's" were SG shaped. Les didn't care for them, as much,

and had his name removed, from that model. It became the SG (Solid Guitar).

His name was also dropped, at his request, due to an empending divorce,

from Mary Ford. So, that, coupled with his not liking the shape, was the reason

for Gibson dropping the Les Paul Moniker, from the SG shaped guitars.

 

The first original style (one horn) model reissues, were in model year, 1968.

 

Cheers,

 

CB

[GibSinCity]

No.

The guitars back in the 50's weren't made with satin backs and sides.

They were made the way most Les Pauls are made today.

Satin, or partially satin finishes are something relatively new.

Some people like the feel of a satin neck.

They say it feels "faster" and not sticky, the way some new, finished necks can feel until they're broken-in.

Not having the back and sides completely finished can save time/money during manufacturing, and allows you to still having a nice shiney top for all to see.

Some people say not having the sides and back completely finished lets the wood resonate more than a completely clear-coat finished guitar.

A few years back, Gibson made the "Les Paul Standard Faded" model.

This model had a flamed maple top, but a completely satin finish.

Top, back, and sides.

Many people considered these guitars to be some of the best bone-stock tone machines that have come around for some time.

 

Les Paul Standard Faded:

http://www.gibson.com/Files/USA_PDFs/Data_LP_faded.pdf

 

[lvidal]

Thank you guys, that's what I thought.

[Malchik]

I'm not a big fan of the satin finishes. I've owned a junior and SG-3 with thin satin finishes and In less than a years time my guitars were pretty naked.

[BigKahune]

.

Good points.

 

Here's another. I've got an Epi LP that got a gloss finish except for the back side of the neck that is satin finish - factory spec. Didn't take too much playing time for satin neck finish to get shiny from hand movement. With an overall satin finish, I could imagine that would happen to the top in the forearm area of the lower bout and and either side of the strum/pick area (if no pickguard).