1998 Gibson Classic Les Paul Heritage Burst Electric Guitar

[msaint]

Re: 1998 Gibson Classic Les Paul Heritage Burst Electric Guitar

No, it wasn't set up as good as it could've been. The intonation is great and I lemon oiled the board and lubricated the nut. The person I bought it from is in a hurry to get back to France and needed some quick pocket change and sold it to me for $600 in mint shape with the original brown leather case and paperwork, however, the paperwork isn't written on by a tech, thereby, giving no indication of what may or may not have been done or whether or not it was inspected. I put new .9's Super Slinky's on it. I once had a 1998 Worn Brown Studio LP with a similar string problem. I put a Vibramate Bigsby on it and after that, it played like butter. The reason I mentioned the Bigsby is because of the the string configuration required after installment, (which is similar to what you just suggested) and the possibility of it having a positive affect on the playability of the instrument. I don't want one on this newer axe however, if it makes as much difference on playability as it did on the Studio, then I may have to consider the notion. Thanks for your advice, and it is very much appreciated.

 

[dystrust]

Re: 1998 Gibson Classic Les Paul Heritage Burst Electric Guitar

Gibson was putting the 500T/496R set (ceramic magnets!) in LP Classics, which is probably what yours has. I'd yank them too and put in a set of good PAF's.

Most LP Classics shipped with the 496/500 set, but I've come across several from the Custom Shop that had '57 Classics instead. If this guitar appears to be Custom Shop and the output is a bit weak compared to a typical LP Classic, that could be why.

 

[msaint]

Re: 1998 Gibson Classic Les Paul Heritage Burst Electric Guitar

I'll take your advice and install the suggested hardware. I know its a good guitar and just needs some tweaking and TLC.:beerchug:

 

[msaint]

Re: 1998 Gibson Classic Les Paul Heritage Burst Electric Guitar

I haven't pulled them yet so I can't say for certain which kind they are, all I know right now is that regardless of my son's protestations, they're going ASAP. BTW, The last part of your quote is the absolute truth. Matter of fact, I heard Hendrix say something very similar in 1969 at a party at the Whiskey (I used to have the apartment upstairs above it). Once again, thanks.

 

[msaint]

Re: 1998 Gibson Classic Les Paul Heritage Burst Electric Guitar

Hmmmm....ok. New knowledge to me. Your thoughts on that leads to an entirely new dimension and perspective about this. Thank you!

 

[Boogie Bill]

Re: 1998 Gibson Classic Les Paul Heritage Burst Electric Guitar

I have two 1960 Classics with the Premium Plus flame tops. The '96 is cherry sunburst and the '97 is honey burst. Here's what I have done.

Strap locks are needed on every Gibson, I installed a set of Schallers.

Next was swapping in a metal jackplate. The plastic ones break, for five bucks this is cheap insurance.

After quite a bit of experimentation, I settled on using D'Addario XL strings in 9-46 gauge, the same gauge as from the factory. A professional set up was done, filing the nut for easy tuning and playing height. Then, I had the luthier file the ABR-1 bridge saddles so that their height matched the radius of the fingerboards perfectly. This is how you get the "plays like butter" action. Truss rod then adjusted to my play in taste.

I swapped the heavier zinc tailpiece for a lightweight aluminum Gotoh from Stewart-McDonald. It does take away a little sustain perhaps, but makes up for it with a more resonant, airier and responsive tone--more like a vintage Les Paul. The tailpiece is slightly raised off the body to lighten the tension of the strings to my taste.

I replaced the Gibson Hot Ceramic set (496r/500T) with Duncan Antiquitys in the honey burst, and Custom Shop Seth Lovers in the cherry burst. I installed a wiring kit with upgraded pots and caps from RS Guitarworks. The pots in the kits are better quality and with the caps provide more open vintage tone and more effective tone controls.

I have done these mods to another LP I own as well. My favorite LPs are my Historic models, and now my Classics capture about 90% of the Historic vibe, and about 98% of the tone.

The 1960 Classic LP is one of the best values in an LP, and these mods make a great guitar even better. The mods are totally reversible, add value, and were relatively inexpensive.

I hope this helps. I hope to see pics of your guitar soon.

Bill

 

[msaint]

Re: 1998 Gibson Classic Les Paul Heritage Burst Electric Guitar

Wow, that was some enlightening info. Thanks. I have several unopened boxes of old Seth Lover PAF pups manufactured in 1959 and1960. I'll stick a set in this Classic Heritage and see what happens.

 

[beaubrummels]

Re: 1998 Gibson Classic Les Paul Heritage Burst Electric Guitar

I have several unopened boxes of old Seth Lover PAF pups manufactured in 1959 and1960. I'll stick a set in this Classic Heritage and see what happens.

You have several unopened boxes of Seth Lover PAFs manufactured in 1959 and 1960??? At this point, smart money would put those in a vault rather than a guitar. You can get that sound with several newly manufactured pickups, but once you cut/solder an actual Seth, you might as well put a thou$and into a salad and eat it.

 

[Gearjoneser]

Re: 1998 Gibson Classic Les Paul Heritage Burst Electric Guitar

Yeah man, I'll buy that Classic from you with the old stock Gibson pickups for $2500 if you don't bond with it.

:fingersx:

 

[ItsaBass]

1998 Gibson Classic Les Paul Heritage Burst Electric Guitar

I wasn't aware that "old Seth Lover PAF pickups" came in sealed boxes...

Also, the name msainst seems terribly familiar to me... Did you ever own a hearse or an ambulance? I think someone in one of my old car clubs used the same handle. Or possibly the old Epiphone.com forum?

 

[AlexR]

Re: 1998 Gibson Classic Les Paul Heritage Burst Electric Guitar

From all reports PAF's I don't think were ever available unless they were in a guitar.

Certainly no aftermarket sales - but maybe a few went to employees.

 

[treyhaislip]

Re: 1998 Gibson Classic Les Paul Heritage Burst Electric Guitar

Pics?!?!?!?!?!

This!!!

My thoughts exactly!

 

[Rand-O-Monium]

Re: 1998 Gibson Classic Les Paul Heritage Burst Electric Guitar

Are we being Iced,Man ?!?!?!?!?!?

 

[Wattage]

Re: 1998 Gibson Classic Les Paul Heritage Burst Electric Guitar

I would assume so