SpeedDemon
New member
Re: My new LP Custom has arrived!
..... I hate you :bigok: that is so beautiful.
..... I hate you :bigok: that is so beautiful.
My new LP Custom has arrived!
- Thread starter Mike D
- Start date
Mike D
New member
Re: My new LP Custom has arrived!
Thanks everyone! It is indeed sweet as all hell... I promise a review will be up soon. Just got home from work, so I can't write it tonight, but hopefully it'll be up later today.
HAHAHA :laughing: Man, I've really got to show you guys a pic of me as Paulie from my cousin's costume party.
I heard he played one of these, but to be honest I don't really know anything by them. I like the JB though, so in the future who knows?
Its just the reflection. No grain shows through.
Thanks everyone! It is indeed sweet as all hell... I promise a review will be up soon. Just got home from work, so I can't write it tonight, but hopefully it'll be up later today.
HAHAHA :laughing: Man, I've really got to show you guys a pic of me as Paulie from my cousin's costume party.
I heard he played one of these, but to be honest I don't really know anything by them. I like the JB though, so in the future who knows?
Its just the reflection. No grain shows through.
G
Guest
Guest
Re: My new LP Custom has arrived!
Sniff... Well, regardless, it's still one of the coolest bursts.
Sniff... Well, regardless, it's still one of the coolest bursts.
Mike D
New member
Re: My new LP Custom has arrived!
Ok, time for the first part of the review. I'll get more to you guys later, as I have to step out for a while.
2007 Gibson Les Paul Custom, made in the Nashville Custom Shop, limited edition finish of Silverburst. After contacting Gibson, I was informed that they estimate 100 total being made worldwide in this finish. It was purchased online at First Quality Music (an authorized dealer). I originally went to GC to have them contact Gibson Custom to see if they could send one there if they were still available. The salesperson contacted them and was informed that it was a limited run and that they were sold out. I've seen a few on ebay, but kept looking and came across them at the online dealer previously mentioned. They had three in stock and I decided to pull the trigger on one.
PART I
Finish-- The thing is damn gorgeous. It looks great in photos and even better in person. Unlike the Sam Ash limited release a few years back, this reissue has a silverburst finish on not only the top, but the sides, back, neck, and sides and back of the headstock. Truly beautiful, and I really need to put pics of all this up. I've always loved the silverburst finish and cannot truly describe how awesome this LP looks! I carefully inspected the guitar top to bottom. It arrived in perfect condition, as it should - no dings/scratches/cracks, etc. I only found one incredibly small area where the bottom of the neck binding meets the neck and I can barely see some wood (I mean I'm talking about struggling to see). There are only two finish/fit-related things of note: First, unlike some other Pauls I have played in the past, the neck binding on this one is not completely flush with the neck, most noticeably toward the higher frets. It feels as if the binding should have been ever-so-slightly thicker in order to be flush with the neck. No big deal to me. It appears to be very solid and does not affect playablity whatsoever. When you spend this kind of money though you're gonna pick apart every little thing. Otherwise, binding is spot-on. The second thing I need to mention is that I personally think the quality of the ebony fingerboard could have been better. I've had other guitars (including LP Customs) with ebony fingerboards that looked as smooth as glass. It is not the case with this one. From a few steps away you can barely tell, but up close you can definately see some of the grain and it is even more noticeable because of some whitish something-or-other between some of the grain. Wax buildup or something? All I know is that that should not be the case on a brand new instrument. I took off the strings and used Kyser Lem-Oil Fretboard Conditioner and it first looked like it helped quite a bit, but then later on looked about the same. Suggestions for remedying this are more than welcome. You can still smell the nitro finish. I know the nitro can have a sticky feel to it, so I need to wipe-down the back of the neck a bit. Inlays are beautuiful and brilliant looking - no gaps at all; looks one with the wood. Fretwork was 100% perfect. Split-diamond headstock inlay perfect and absolutely gorgeous.
Ok, time for the first part of the review. I'll get more to you guys later, as I have to step out for a while.
2007 Gibson Les Paul Custom, made in the Nashville Custom Shop, limited edition finish of Silverburst. After contacting Gibson, I was informed that they estimate 100 total being made worldwide in this finish. It was purchased online at First Quality Music (an authorized dealer). I originally went to GC to have them contact Gibson Custom to see if they could send one there if they were still available. The salesperson contacted them and was informed that it was a limited run and that they were sold out. I've seen a few on ebay, but kept looking and came across them at the online dealer previously mentioned. They had three in stock and I decided to pull the trigger on one.
PART I
Finish-- The thing is damn gorgeous. It looks great in photos and even better in person. Unlike the Sam Ash limited release a few years back, this reissue has a silverburst finish on not only the top, but the sides, back, neck, and sides and back of the headstock. Truly beautiful, and I really need to put pics of all this up. I've always loved the silverburst finish and cannot truly describe how awesome this LP looks! I carefully inspected the guitar top to bottom. It arrived in perfect condition, as it should - no dings/scratches/cracks, etc. I only found one incredibly small area where the bottom of the neck binding meets the neck and I can barely see some wood (I mean I'm talking about struggling to see). There are only two finish/fit-related things of note: First, unlike some other Pauls I have played in the past, the neck binding on this one is not completely flush with the neck, most noticeably toward the higher frets. It feels as if the binding should have been ever-so-slightly thicker in order to be flush with the neck. No big deal to me. It appears to be very solid and does not affect playablity whatsoever. When you spend this kind of money though you're gonna pick apart every little thing. Otherwise, binding is spot-on. The second thing I need to mention is that I personally think the quality of the ebony fingerboard could have been better. I've had other guitars (including LP Customs) with ebony fingerboards that looked as smooth as glass. It is not the case with this one. From a few steps away you can barely tell, but up close you can definately see some of the grain and it is even more noticeable because of some whitish something-or-other between some of the grain. Wax buildup or something? All I know is that that should not be the case on a brand new instrument. I took off the strings and used Kyser Lem-Oil Fretboard Conditioner and it first looked like it helped quite a bit, but then later on looked about the same. Suggestions for remedying this are more than welcome. You can still smell the nitro finish. I know the nitro can have a sticky feel to it, so I need to wipe-down the back of the neck a bit. Inlays are beautuiful and brilliant looking - no gaps at all; looks one with the wood. Fretwork was 100% perfect. Split-diamond headstock inlay perfect and absolutely gorgeous.
That90'sGuy
DyzaBoyzologist
Re: My new LP Custom has arrived!
Silverburst is the coolest looking finish ever for a guitar... there, I've said it.
Part of me wants to snag one of those Silverburst SGs for looks alone, but I know I'd never play it.
Congrats Mike D, she's a beaut!
Silverburst is the coolest looking finish ever for a guitar... there, I've said it.
Part of me wants to snag one of those Silverburst SGs for looks alone, but I know I'd never play it.
Congrats Mike D, she's a beaut!
Mike D
New member
Re: My new LP Custom has arrived!
PART II
Electronics-- Can someone please tell me why linear-taper pots are still in use? Please? I don't get it. It's like all-or-nothing. Anyway, I'm not sure if Gibson is shipping these with 300K or 500K pots. I guess I need an ohmeter to check that out. The linear taper is the only problem with the pots at this point. Whatever value they are, they seem to be fine right now with the pickups that are in it (498T/490R, more on that later). All electronics are in perfect working order. Switch is solid. Speed knobs have a solid-turning feel to them. Caps are .022. They're not the cheap, ceramic disc ones like originally in my R9, but I'm not really sure what kind they are. They seem okay, but may eventually be replaced. I tend to like the Orange Drops in my R9, but have heard good things about other caps too that I might want to try. The control cavity was immaculate and all wiring was VERY clean.
**Edit: Just got word back from Gibson. They are indeed 500K pots.
Playability-- Incredibly comfortable. Very happy. The neck profile is rounded and not too far off from the profile of my R9, making the transition fairly effortless. Fits very well in my hands; thick, but not very thick. Guitar came strung with Gibson Brite Wires 10-46. Not bad, but sounded even better after new strings were put on. I stuck to the same guage; strung her with Ernie Ball Regular Slinky and tuned her to Eb. This guage/brand feels perfect for me on a Les Paul, so I figured I'd stick with it. I would like the low E string to be thicker when I drop it to Db, but thats another story. Fretwork is indeed perfect. Nut cut perfectly. Action was nice and low, making playing an absolute pleasure. I'll get you measurements soon. Neck relief was perfect. The only part of the setup that was not dead-on was intonation. It's not that off, but the 12th fret harmonic is reading slightly sharp compared to the fretted note on the StroboStomp (I didn't take into account the 1/2 step down tuning, maybe it's my fault). This baby stays in tune incredibly well, even after large bends. No tuning stability issues here! The guitar has a comfortable weight. Heavier than my R9 which is not a surprise, but not too heavy at all. I will try to get it on a digital scale later today and fill you guys in. This LP may in fact have a weight-relieved back. Hmmm. Nonetheless, I couldn't be happier with the way this thing plays. Nice and fast. Unplugged, this one has a loud, full sound - even with the low action. I could feel the whole guitar resonate.
PART II
Electronics-- Can someone please tell me why linear-taper pots are still in use? Please? I don't get it. It's like all-or-nothing. Anyway, I'm not sure if Gibson is shipping these with 300K or 500K pots. I guess I need an ohmeter to check that out. The linear taper is the only problem with the pots at this point. Whatever value they are, they seem to be fine right now with the pickups that are in it (498T/490R, more on that later). All electronics are in perfect working order. Switch is solid. Speed knobs have a solid-turning feel to them. Caps are .022. They're not the cheap, ceramic disc ones like originally in my R9, but I'm not really sure what kind they are. They seem okay, but may eventually be replaced. I tend to like the Orange Drops in my R9, but have heard good things about other caps too that I might want to try. The control cavity was immaculate and all wiring was VERY clean.
**Edit: Just got word back from Gibson. They are indeed 500K pots.
Playability-- Incredibly comfortable. Very happy. The neck profile is rounded and not too far off from the profile of my R9, making the transition fairly effortless. Fits very well in my hands; thick, but not very thick. Guitar came strung with Gibson Brite Wires 10-46. Not bad, but sounded even better after new strings were put on. I stuck to the same guage; strung her with Ernie Ball Regular Slinky and tuned her to Eb. This guage/brand feels perfect for me on a Les Paul, so I figured I'd stick with it. I would like the low E string to be thicker when I drop it to Db, but thats another story. Fretwork is indeed perfect. Nut cut perfectly. Action was nice and low, making playing an absolute pleasure. I'll get you measurements soon. Neck relief was perfect. The only part of the setup that was not dead-on was intonation. It's not that off, but the 12th fret harmonic is reading slightly sharp compared to the fretted note on the StroboStomp (I didn't take into account the 1/2 step down tuning, maybe it's my fault). This baby stays in tune incredibly well, even after large bends. No tuning stability issues here! The guitar has a comfortable weight. Heavier than my R9 which is not a surprise, but not too heavy at all. I will try to get it on a digital scale later today and fill you guys in. This LP may in fact have a weight-relieved back. Hmmm. Nonetheless, I couldn't be happier with the way this thing plays. Nice and fast. Unplugged, this one has a loud, full sound - even with the low action. I could feel the whole guitar resonate.
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34029324079
Guest
Re: My new LP Custom has arrived!
man! Thanks for the awesome review! I played one of those in a Sam Ash store and they are incredible! That guitar has ran through many a guitar players dream! awesome guitar, congrats!
man! Thanks for the awesome review! I played one of those in a Sam Ash store and they are incredible! That guitar has ran through many a guitar players dream! awesome guitar, congrats!
SpeedDemon
New member
Re: My new LP Custom has arrived!
I want one so bad. But they are waaaay out of my price range.
I want one so bad. But they are waaaay out of my price range.
Mike D
New member
Re: My new LP Custom has arrived!
PART III
Hardware-- The Silverburst was fitted with chrome hardware; really sweet in my opinion. Nice mirror-like finish. Grover tuners do their job very well. I believe the gear ratio is 14:1. Nashville tune-o-matic bridge, stopbar tailpiece. I'm a big fan of the tonepros stuff, and anticipated swapping the bridge and tailpiece for their tonepros locking counterparts and possibly a lightweight aluminum tailpiece to increase resonance and sustain. Well let me tell you, this baby has sustain for days and the resonance is awesome. I know the advantages of the aluminum tailpiece and may eventually put one on (chrome plated of course to match the rest of the hardware), but not just yet. One thing I may do rather soon though is get locking studs for the tailpiece just because I hate it coming free when I change strings (at least when I have to remove them all); not really for any other reason. My R9 is incredible in a lot of ways, especially sustain, and I wasn't sure how much of it was due to the long neck tenon, tonepros, etc. I have equal if not better sustain with my Custom with neither of those just mentioned. It's just a well made guitar all around.
Tone-- Ok, the most important part! The stock pickups (498T, 490R) are not bad at all. I have gotten some really nice clean tones with the 490R. Clean tones at the bridge are a little harsh - cutting some treble helps a little. With the 490R overdriven and the tone cut back to 7 or so, I was able to acheive some nice neck lead tones reminiscent of my former LP Custom with an Alnico II Pro at the neck. I have heard the 490R described as "wooly" and "muddy" and can definately hear that when playing anything besides leads under high gain. It cannot take a lot of drive before losing clarity. Definately a candidate for being replaced in the future, but for now it's not all that bad. I like the 498T quite a bit though actually. I've been getting awesome lead and rhythm tones for hard rock / metal. Its quite powerful, gets great harmonics, and has great sustain. Lots of crunch and its got a certain "edge" to it. Great hard rock sound; not necessarily the top of my list though. I find myself using the tone knob to take off some edge when I need to. I do agree that the 490R/498T is a poorly matched set, however. The bridge pup may eventually be swapped, but for now its doing its job quite nicely and am loving the overall tone of this Custom!
Overall, I am insanely happy with this purchase! I'm getting awesome tones out of this axe and may drop some Duncans in in the future as I usually do and take that for a spin. The tone plus the effortless playability of this Custom is an absolute pleasure. I do think the ebony fingerboard should have been better though (see Part I) and if anyone has any suggestions about how to remedy that fingerboard issue I mentioned please let me know. I'm about to fill out the owner registration right now and drop it in the mail so I'm fully covered under warranty. I'll also try to get more pics up and get a weight for ya. Thanks again for the kind words guys! If I have any updates I'll let you know!
Mike
PART III
Hardware-- The Silverburst was fitted with chrome hardware; really sweet in my opinion. Nice mirror-like finish. Grover tuners do their job very well. I believe the gear ratio is 14:1. Nashville tune-o-matic bridge, stopbar tailpiece. I'm a big fan of the tonepros stuff, and anticipated swapping the bridge and tailpiece for their tonepros locking counterparts and possibly a lightweight aluminum tailpiece to increase resonance and sustain. Well let me tell you, this baby has sustain for days and the resonance is awesome. I know the advantages of the aluminum tailpiece and may eventually put one on (chrome plated of course to match the rest of the hardware), but not just yet. One thing I may do rather soon though is get locking studs for the tailpiece just because I hate it coming free when I change strings (at least when I have to remove them all); not really for any other reason. My R9 is incredible in a lot of ways, especially sustain, and I wasn't sure how much of it was due to the long neck tenon, tonepros, etc. I have equal if not better sustain with my Custom with neither of those just mentioned. It's just a well made guitar all around.
Tone-- Ok, the most important part! The stock pickups (498T, 490R) are not bad at all. I have gotten some really nice clean tones with the 490R. Clean tones at the bridge are a little harsh - cutting some treble helps a little. With the 490R overdriven and the tone cut back to 7 or so, I was able to acheive some nice neck lead tones reminiscent of my former LP Custom with an Alnico II Pro at the neck. I have heard the 490R described as "wooly" and "muddy" and can definately hear that when playing anything besides leads under high gain. It cannot take a lot of drive before losing clarity. Definately a candidate for being replaced in the future, but for now it's not all that bad. I like the 498T quite a bit though actually. I've been getting awesome lead and rhythm tones for hard rock / metal. Its quite powerful, gets great harmonics, and has great sustain. Lots of crunch and its got a certain "edge" to it. Great hard rock sound; not necessarily the top of my list though. I find myself using the tone knob to take off some edge when I need to. I do agree that the 490R/498T is a poorly matched set, however. The bridge pup may eventually be swapped, but for now its doing its job quite nicely and am loving the overall tone of this Custom!
Overall, I am insanely happy with this purchase! I'm getting awesome tones out of this axe and may drop some Duncans in in the future as I usually do and take that for a spin. The tone plus the effortless playability of this Custom is an absolute pleasure. I do think the ebony fingerboard should have been better though (see Part I) and if anyone has any suggestions about how to remedy that fingerboard issue I mentioned please let me know. I'm about to fill out the owner registration right now and drop it in the mail so I'm fully covered under warranty. I'll also try to get more pics up and get a weight for ya. Thanks again for the kind words guys! If I have any updates I'll let you know!
Mike
Mike D
New member
Re: My new LP Custom has arrived!
Thanks! The Customs have 498T's. I believe LP Classics were the ones with the 500T's.
Thanks! The Customs have 498T's. I believe LP Classics were the ones with the 500T's.
