Re: Les Paul Classic
I have two Classics (actually three). The two are from 1996 (HCSB) and 1997 (Honeyburst) and are Premium Plus models that have "Les Paul Classic" in the headstock silkscreen.
Both are excellent guitars. Necks seem to vary quite a bit on Classics--my '96 has a fatter neck, almost like a '59 Historic; the '97 is flat, thin and fast. Tops are very close to the figuring of the original sunbursts featured in the "Beauty of the Burst" book. These were actually more expensive than the LP Standards of the day--the list on each of mine was over $5K. (I didn't pay that much!) :nana: :nana: LOL!
I did replace the pickups with Duncans. The HCSB got the MF 50th Anniversary A2 Seths, and the Honeyburst got Antiquitys. I have RS Kits for both of them that I haven't had time to install; and I got Gotoh LW Tailpieces (from Stew-Mac) installed. They have about 90-95% of the tone, but a different vibe than a Historic. I also have a 2005 '58 Historic. That fat neck and the long tenon does make a difference in the resonance of the guitar.
Now I LIKED the 496R/500T set, but they just had too much power for my Mesa Boogies. I think these would be great for anyone using and old non-MV Marshall or BF Fender--they will really make these amps sing. I suspect they will sound good plugged into some of the old SS amps--like SUNNs, Kustoms, and Acoustics, too. The Gibson Ceramics have the tone of a PAF, but they really hammer the front end of your amp.
All in all, I basically cherry-picked these two guitars--and I love them. But I will STRONGLY ADVISE you to check the neck of any LP you buy--these vary widely--and some of them are downright nasty.
Oh, that third Classic? It's actually a new Classic Antique Fireburst, from Gibson's Guitar Of The Week series. I love the looks of this guitar, and it's probably the best made guitar of the eight Gibsons I own. Very different from my solid body Classics (with their weight-relief holes), the chambered CAF clocks in at a svelte 7.6 lbs. The power comes from a Classic '57 in the neck and a Classic '57 Plus in the bridge--and this is turning into one of my favorite pickup combinations. Even though it is chambered, it still kicks booty like a Les Paul should. With its lively resonance and light weight, it is a joy to play.
The Classic Antique is a new addition to the Gibson line, with a slightly different feel than the Classic. The Fireburst finish was special to the GOTW series, but they have some beautiful bursts. The CA is being regarded as becoming one of the best values in the Gibson line.
But the original Classics, whether in plain-top, Plus, or Premium Plus versions are fine guitars. After about 2000, they start to change some of the features, and these changes may not be as desirable as the earlier guitars. The original Plus and Premium Plus guitars are very upscale and desirable guitars, but you have to like the neck.
One final note: use caution in dating a Les Paul Classic, as this series has its own unique code--different than the Historic models, and different than the regular production models.
Good luck in your search.
Bill
