Black LP Custom question

BloodRose

Professional Scapegoat
I love black LP Customs, but Im not real fond of gold hardware cuz it wears off. I really love the black Customs that have nickel hardware. Are there certain years that they were made with chrome/nickel hardware or certain models or something?

Thanks
 
Re: Black LP Custom question

This

They still sell them, But they lack a stock photo. Bottom corner says "Ebony (Chrome)" Meaning it has chrome hardware.

I don't know about the previous model history though.
 
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Re: Black LP Custom question

Cool! of course Ill have to start saving ALOT of pennys and then scour the used market.. I may buy an edwards Sykes instead.. Thanks for the info Stormie!
 
Re: Black LP Custom question

Mine is an '81 and I was derided for years about my cheap ass looking guitar with the nickel hardware.
 
Re: Black LP Custom question

Check out the Gibson Les Paul Custom Classic (if I remember the name correctly). They were made for a shirt time a few years ago. Baked maple board and chrome hardware. Half the price of a "real" Custom too. I kind of fell in love with the gold top one...
 
Re: Black LP Custom question

This

They still sell them, But they lack a stock photo. Bottom corner says "Ebony (Chrome)" Meaning it has chrome hardware.

I don't know about the previous model history though.

Bear in mind that model is weight-relieved, so it will look right but will sound a bit different from the originals.
 
Re: Black LP Custom question

Check out the Gibson Les Paul Custom Classic (if I remember the name correctly). They were made for a shirt time a few years ago. Baked maple board and chrome hardware. Half the price of a "real" Custom too. I kind of fell in love with the gold top one...

Yeah, those came out 2 or 3 years ago, and were a good alternative to a $4000 Custom, being $1500 and equipped with chrome hardware.

The Custom Shop 68 Reissue LP Custom had/has nickel hardware. It's got a beefier neck than you'd probably like though.
 
Re: Black LP Custom question

Yeah, those came out 2 or 3 years ago, and were a good alternative to a $4000 Custom, being $1500 and equipped with chrome hardware.

The Custom Shop 68 Reissue LP Custom had/has nickel hardware. It's got a beefier neck than you'd probably like though.

Yeah, dont like thick necks. does the baked maple change the tone much?
 
Re: Black LP Custom question

Guess it prolly would be similar to the ebony. didnt think about that. wonder if there would be a way to dye the board darker? I could live with that guitar, but really would prefer the darker board. (may I could bake the maple till its well done??) haha
 
Re: Black LP Custom question

I have seen many different model years Les Paul Customs with chrome hardware. Getting it on a black one can be more tricky, it seems to more often come with wine red.
 
Re: Black LP Custom question

Gold hardware lasts a lot longer when you wipe it down after playing. I usually do it with my shirt tail for a couple seconds (literally). Not really an intrusion on my time.
 
Re: Black LP Custom question

One I sold was an '89, but it also had a Kahler & the tuners were those weird ones with the little flip-out "cranks" built in. The guy who bought it did say he had been on the lookout for a black custom with chrome hardware.
 
Re: Black LP Custom question

Gold hardware lasts a lot longer when you wipe it down after playing. I usually do it with my shirt tail for a couple seconds (literally). Not really an intrusion on my time.

Thanks Blue! Yeah, I know gold lasts longer if you take care of it. Ive had it before. I just like the black/chrome. I have an explorer with black/chrome and a mirror PG and truss cover, so I want a LP to do the same to. Sykes style...
 
Re: Black LP Custom question

Mine's an '87. They offered chrome, nickel, and gold back then. Mine's nickel. I was never a fan of gold either.
 
Re: Black LP Custom question

If your only concern with gold hardware is that it will wear down then all you need to do is buy a guitar/hardware of higher quality. Gibson's own gold stuff is 24k plated, with the exception of the toggle switches which are actually brass. Nothing wears on them unless you sweat acid, leave the guitar outside and never clean it. I've had a fair few 60s and 70s Customs pass through my hands with their original gold hardware still intact, and I've yet to see a Custom made in the last ten years suffer any tarnishing when looked after.
Of course, if you're used to the sort of 'gold' hardware that comes on Epiphones and Schecters and the like then sure, I understand your fears. But yes, actual Gibson stuff—and some other higher-quality brands—will last for decades, other than under the most extreme circumstances.
 
Re: Black LP Custom question

If your only concern with gold hardware is that it will wear down then all you need to do is buy a guitar/hardware of higher quality. Gibson's own gold stuff is 24k plated, with the exception of the toggle switches which are actually brass. Nothing wears on them unless you sweat acid, leave the guitar outside and never clean it. I've had a fair few 60s and 70s Customs pass through my hands with their original gold hardware still intact, and I've yet to see a Custom made in the last ten years suffer any tarnishing when looked after.
Of course, if you're used to the sort of 'gold' hardware that comes on Epiphones and Schecters and the like then sure, I understand your fears. But yes, actual Gibson stuff—and some other higher-quality brands—will last for decades, other than under the most extreme circumstances.

I baby that crap out of my les paul custom and even with regular cleaning (every time after i play), the low E side of the bridge has been completely rubbed free of gold on the corner.
 
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