les pauls from the 70s and 80s, how do they compared to modern designs?
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the guy who invented fire
Fuzzy. Guitars
Re: les pauls from the 70s and 80s, how do they compared to modern designs?
There is a lot of info in comparing LP's from the 70's and 80's and now...heck, there are a lot of differences between LP's from the last 2 years!
How old of a Custom are you looking at and how new of a Custom are you looking at?
There is a lot of info in comparing LP's from the 70's and 80's and now...heck, there are a lot of differences between LP's from the last 2 years!
How old of a Custom are you looking at and how new of a Custom are you looking at?
Securb
One of Jerry's Kids
Re: les pauls from the 70s and 80s, how do they compared to modern designs?
They are still using Rosewood.
They are still using Rosewood.
Re: les pauls from the 70s and 80s, how do they compared to modern designs?
i thought i heard they went with a fake wood. woops
i thought i heard they went with a fake wood. woops
tubecrunch
New member
Re: les pauls from the 70s and 80s, how do they compared to modern designs?
They are just as big a crapshoot as the modern ones. Build quality is wildly inconsistent in all of them. IMHO, of course... Happy hunting! Don't settle until you find one you love.
They are just as big a crapshoot as the modern ones. Build quality is wildly inconsistent in all of them. IMHO, of course... Happy hunting! Don't settle until you find one you love.
chadd
Well-known member
Re: les pauls from the 70s and 80s, how do they compared to modern designs?
There are a couple models that came with Richlite, the same material that Martin uses on a lot of their sub-$2k acoustics. For a while after one of the government raids, they also used two ply rosewood fretboards, instead of one piece. There were/are even a couple models that came with Granadillo or "baked" Maple.
Compound radius is a relatively new thing, not something that you would find on the older models.
Play as many guitars as you can find and go with the one that speaks to you.
There are a couple models that came with Richlite, the same material that Martin uses on a lot of their sub-$2k acoustics. For a while after one of the government raids, they also used two ply rosewood fretboards, instead of one piece. There were/are even a couple models that came with Granadillo or "baked" Maple.
Compound radius is a relatively new thing, not something that you would find on the older models.
Play as many guitars as you can find and go with the one that speaks to you.
JeffB
Let it B
Re: les pauls from the 70s and 80s, how do they compared to modern designs?
Some Norlins are awesome. Some are complete garbage. There is a large percentage of mediocrity.
Nowadays the large percentage of instruments are of good quality..there are fewer turds.
I like several of the norlin features such as the volute, t tops/shaw/mini pickups, maple necks, to name a few. Stuff like the pancakes, garbage hardware/electronics, and high mass weights are big turnoffs.
Sight unseen, without the benefit of trying it, no question I would buy a new gibson anything over a Norlin era. BUT, there are great Norlins out there. Most of my absolute fave music was made with late 60s and 70s gibsons.
Some Norlins are awesome. Some are complete garbage. There is a large percentage of mediocrity.
Nowadays the large percentage of instruments are of good quality..there are fewer turds.
I like several of the norlin features such as the volute, t tops/shaw/mini pickups, maple necks, to name a few. Stuff like the pancakes, garbage hardware/electronics, and high mass weights are big turnoffs.
Sight unseen, without the benefit of trying it, no question I would buy a new gibson anything over a Norlin era. BUT, there are great Norlins out there. Most of my absolute fave music was made with late 60s and 70s gibsons.
the guy who invented fire
Fuzzy. Guitars
Re: les pauls from the 70s and 80s, how do they compared to modern designs?
As for 71 vs 80 vs 14 the first thing is cost...
a 71 is going to be in the 5k range...an 80 will be around half that give or take.
New ones...various prices based on which LP Custom you go with and thats the next question...
New LP Customs
The typical Custom has a maple top, a richlite fingerboard and typical USA appointments while a VOS will have an ebony board, mahogany top and classic/vintage features...they also have different price points.
You're really looking at a wide range of guitars despite all being the same model on paper not to mention several price points ranging from around $2500 to around 5k+ depending
If you have time and have the guitars local play a bunch and buy the one that speaks to you, if you have to buy mail order get a new one and call it a day...
As for 71 vs 80 vs 14 the first thing is cost...
a 71 is going to be in the 5k range...an 80 will be around half that give or take.
New ones...various prices based on which LP Custom you go with and thats the next question...
New LP Customs
The typical Custom has a maple top, a richlite fingerboard and typical USA appointments while a VOS will have an ebony board, mahogany top and classic/vintage features...they also have different price points.
You're really looking at a wide range of guitars despite all being the same model on paper not to mention several price points ranging from around $2500 to around 5k+ depending
If you have time and have the guitars local play a bunch and buy the one that speaks to you, if you have to buy mail order get a new one and call it a day...
Securb
One of Jerry's Kids
Re: les pauls from the 70s and 80s, how do they compared to modern designs?
My bad I didn't know the customs switched to richlite. Esandes have you tried playing a Traditional? It has all of the classic trapping of the older Pauls but the beauty of a brand new guitar.
My bad I didn't know the customs switched to richlite. Esandes have you tried playing a Traditional? It has all of the classic trapping of the older Pauls but the beauty of a brand new guitar.
uOpt
Something Cool
Re: les pauls from the 70s and 80s, how do they compared to modern designs?
The weight relief started in 1986, which is when various forms of weird construction ended. That includes LP Customs which are swiss-cheesed, except the 68 reissue which is chambered.
I don't think there have ever been concerns about fretboard lamination with LPCs.
The weight relief started in 1986, which is when various forms of weird construction ended. That includes LP Customs which are swiss-cheesed, except the 68 reissue which is chambered.
I don't think there have ever been concerns about fretboard lamination with LPCs.
ItsaBass
New member
Re: les pauls from the 70s and 80s, how do they compared to modern designs?
A few models use non-wood fretboards. That's not necessarily a bad thing; it's just not traditional.
There is a BIG dividing line between early '80's and late '80's Les Pauls. The early ones get lumped with the '70's ones, as Norlin products. Those were some of the worst guitars ever turned out by Gibson...but they are still okay, if you find one that speaks to you. The problem is that they have become expensive, which is completely ridiculous, considering that their poor quality is what basically started the vintage craze in the first place.
OTOH, the later '80's ones were made by the current Gibson company, and are significantly better...though they do usually have weight relief. Again, not a bad thing, necessarily.
To me, the best quality affordable Les Pauls you can get will be later '80's to late '90's ones. They were made very well, as the company was basically trying to restore the reputation of the brand that had been ruined by Norlin. In those years, I think they were made as well as Gibson ever made them. But Gibson got too big for their britches, and started cutting a lot of corners around Y2K or so. They have steadily gone downhill since. The pre-Y2K (or thereabout) ones are much better guitars, and much better investments, than anything Gibson makes now. If I was shopping for a Les Paul, those are the years I'd be looking at, no contest.
A few models use non-wood fretboards. That's not necessarily a bad thing; it's just not traditional.
There is a BIG dividing line between early '80's and late '80's Les Pauls. The early ones get lumped with the '70's ones, as Norlin products. Those were some of the worst guitars ever turned out by Gibson...but they are still okay, if you find one that speaks to you. The problem is that they have become expensive, which is completely ridiculous, considering that their poor quality is what basically started the vintage craze in the first place.
OTOH, the later '80's ones were made by the current Gibson company, and are significantly better...though they do usually have weight relief. Again, not a bad thing, necessarily.
To me, the best quality affordable Les Pauls you can get will be later '80's to late '90's ones. They were made very well, as the company was basically trying to restore the reputation of the brand that had been ruined by Norlin. In those years, I think they were made as well as Gibson ever made them. But Gibson got too big for their britches, and started cutting a lot of corners around Y2K or so. They have steadily gone downhill since. The pre-Y2K (or thereabout) ones are much better guitars, and much better investments, than anything Gibson makes now. If I was shopping for a Les Paul, those are the years I'd be looking at, no contest.
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Chickenwings
Alnico 6/8
Re: les pauls from the 70s and 80s, how do they compared to modern designs?
no its not fake, but its not rosewood either. Its real wood - just a different species. Some are using baked maple.
no its not fake, but its not rosewood either. Its real wood - just a different species. Some are using baked maple.
Securb
One of Jerry's Kids
Re: les pauls from the 70s and 80s, how do they compared to modern designs?
Is this fact or opinion?
Is this fact or opinion?
MetalManiac
Li'l Junior Member
Re: les pauls from the 70s and 80s, how do they compared to modern designs?
They are all just pieces of wood. The difference is YOU! Literally.What are you looking for? Ace Freheleys tone- get an old pancaked 70s.
Lightweight relieved Les Paul? Get a post 2005. Good solid all around Les Paul? -80's. Perfectly fine , if less than optimal Modern Paul with Richlite fretboard and baked Maple neck? Somewhgere around 2011-2012 IIRC.
Usually you have to have some skill and authority to make proper use of a Les Paul Custom, and so many are concerned just starting out with some kind of gold standard, and it doesnt really make perfect sense for most people who aren't pro caliber , or who have never wielded anything but a Fender..
They are all just pieces of wood. The difference is YOU! Literally.What are you looking for? Ace Freheleys tone- get an old pancaked 70s.
Lightweight relieved Les Paul? Get a post 2005. Good solid all around Les Paul? -80's. Perfectly fine , if less than optimal Modern Paul with Richlite fretboard and baked Maple neck? Somewhgere around 2011-2012 IIRC.
Usually you have to have some skill and authority to make proper use of a Les Paul Custom, and so many are concerned just starting out with some kind of gold standard, and it doesnt really make perfect sense for most people who aren't pro caliber , or who have never wielded anything but a Fender..
chadd
Well-known member
Re: les pauls from the 70s and 80s, how do they compared to modern designs?
Opinions are facts on the internet.
And sorry, the two ply rosewood was not on the custom. I was thinking about les pauls in general and not customs specifically. If I was buying one, I would want an ebony fretboard. Richlite seems to work well enough, it just isn't for me.
Opinions are facts on the internet.
And sorry, the two ply rosewood was not on the custom. I was thinking about les pauls in general and not customs specifically. If I was buying one, I would want an ebony fretboard. Richlite seems to work well enough, it just isn't for me.
Aceman
I am your doctor of love!
Re: les pauls from the 70s and 80s, how do they compared to modern designs?
I am a fan of good guitars period. The construction does not make them good or bad per se. It is only how they sound and feel to YOU.
I like the Maple neck on 70's LP's. It has a very bright tone, and a particvulalr feel. Pancake bodies *may* shioft the mid response up a bit.
Chambering was going on, sloppy and neatly for years before anyone knew. There are people with righteous LP's with and without all sorts of chambering.
NO Les Paul is inherently worth the sticker price sight unheard/unplayed.
You are a retard if you pay 5k for a 70's LP period. I have a mint 73 that I got that was in the 'awesome' category and knew it because I had it in hand. $2700 (with DiMarzio's)
If it feels good, and sound good, it is good period. Ignore the cork sniffing this year / that year idiots.
I am a fan of good guitars period. The construction does not make them good or bad per se. It is only how they sound and feel to YOU.
I like the Maple neck on 70's LP's. It has a very bright tone, and a particvulalr feel. Pancake bodies *may* shioft the mid response up a bit.
Chambering was going on, sloppy and neatly for years before anyone knew. There are people with righteous LP's with and without all sorts of chambering.
NO Les Paul is inherently worth the sticker price sight unheard/unplayed.
You are a retard if you pay 5k for a 70's LP period. I have a mint 73 that I got that was in the 'awesome' category and knew it because I had it in hand. $2700 (with DiMarzio's)
If it feels good, and sound good, it is good period. Ignore the cork sniffing this year / that year idiots.
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Securb
One of Jerry's Kids
Re: les pauls from the 70s and 80s, how do they compared to modern designs?
I have a composite fretboard on my Parker Fly and couldn't be happier.
I have a composite fretboard on my Parker Fly and couldn't be happier.
Rand-O-Monium
New member
Re: les pauls from the 70s and 80s, how do they compared to modern designs?
I'm in the "hands on" boat,as well...
Play as many as you can before dropping any coin.You'll know it when you feel it!
.02
Happy Hunting!!!
:headbang:
I'm in the "hands on" boat,as well...
Play as many as you can before dropping any coin.You'll know it when you feel it!
.02
Happy Hunting!!!
:headbang:
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