Is this a real Les Paul?

[MDS]

Check it out: http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=38086&item=7333319160&rd=1

Is that really made by Gibson? The serial number doesn't look right to me and don't they usually have Made in USA stamped on the back of the headstock?

Mike

 

[Jimbojsr]

Re: Is this a real Les Paul?

Well, this is a 60's style... maybe that only applies to standards?

 

[martinsixstringcustoms]

Re: Is this a real Les Paul?

Doesn't look legit to me. First off, your right, it would normally have "Made in USA" embossed between the top two turners and secondly, the serial # should be 8 digits.

Looks fishy as hell, unless I'm missing something.

 

[MDS]

Re: Is this a real Les Paul?

Hmmm...I looked at like 6 other auctions with Classics and they all seem to have this kind of serial number and lack the embossed Made in USA. Weird...

 

[mnbaseball91]

Re: Is this a real Les Paul?

I think that's just how they do the classics.

Now, when the guy says LPs were made to be played, not hung on the wall...tree trunk necks, binding all over the place, huge MOP inlays...

 

[TattooedCarrot]

Re: Is this a real Les Paul?

That's a classic, they use a different serial number format on them. They are supposed to be a cheaper "historic" if you will being a regular production guitar with some historic appointments like the aged inlays and vintage style serial numbering.

 

[WhoFan]

Re: Is this a real Les Paul?

Don't they have higher output Ceramic humbuckers in those as well?

 

[MDS]

Re: Is this a real Les Paul?

Yeah...kinda weird that the Classic has hot rod metal pups!

 

[LambofGod]

Re: Is this a real Les Paul?

of course it is legit !!!!

 

[theboatcandream]

Re: Is this a real Les Paul?

Don't they have higher output Ceramic humbuckers in those as well?

You just reminded me of this one article I read by this guitar snob talking about how only some Gibsons are worthy, that he'll play a hundred and find three which have the magic. My favourite quote from that article:

"I remember this one les paul that came my way. It just wasn't doing it for me. The sound wasn't full enough, you know what I mean? Like, the sound wasn't across the entire tonal range. I even stuck some Gibson high output ceramic humbuckers in it, and it STILL didn't have the magic."

 

[TattooedCarrot]

Re: Is this a real Les Paul?

Yeah...kinda weird that the Classic has hot rod metal pups!

Yea, the irony; a "Classic" Les Paul that's supposed to have appointments of classic older guitars is fitted with modern ceramic metal pickups :smack:

 

[MDS]

Re: Is this a real Les Paul?

Carrott, I can never read your posts because I'm so distracted by your avatar!!

 

[Old Ghost]

Re: Is this a real Les Paul?

That's a genuine Gibson Les Paul Classic. The serial number indicates that this guitar was from 2003. The LP Classic never had a ''Made in USA'' stamp on the back of the headstock eversince its introduction in 1990. Serial numbers on LP Classic only have 6 Digits. The headstock indicates all the correct features of the LP Classic including the ''Classic'' word below the ''Les Paul'' instead of ''Model'' found on every LP Standard and such. Also, the ''Green'' fingerboard inlays and ''1960'' on the pickguard are true LP Classic features. This guitar still has the original Gibson 496R & 500T Ceramic Humbuckers installed from looking at the pictures. Looks like a great looking LP Classic to me. LP Classic are now going for $1,800 Brand new out of the box.

 

[Simon_F]

Re: Is this a real Les Paul?

If you're still in doubt, e-mail Gibson with that serial number and they should be able to confirm the model and year. I verified the serial number with them when I bought my '91 Classic - got a response the next day.

 

[JeffB]

Re: Is this a real Les Paul?

Pretty classic....I love a black Standard/Classic with creme pg/rings

I know what people mean... That guitar should have a 490T (or 498T)/490R set if they wanna go with a less expensive pup that sounds classic.

However...I suspect Gibson's marketing strategy here is that the majority of people buying classics are 1st time LP not quite so educated younger buyers and/or their parents...the word "classic" is a good catch phrase ("ooo..this must be just like the old ones I've heard so much about"), the lowest price...and high output pups cos they figure most of these buyers/players will be younger people into more modern music...so they throw in some pups that can handle alot of gain and power chords

Sometimes the snot green inlays are a little too snotty for me...but a good LP nonetheless with a pup swap.