Opinions on this Rare Gibson?

krall

krall

New member
I just found this for sale and i'm seriously thinking of selling a couple of my guitars for it..What do you guys think of it? I've checked a couple of my reference books but can't find anything about it.

Specs/info:

Year: 1980
Model: Les Paul Special double cutaway
Custom order #36 of 50 made for Canadian music store
Cherry burst flametop
Ebony fingerboard
Two creme P-90's
6-saddle bridge + fine tune tailpiece
OHSC

My reference books all say that all Specials from '76 to '89 came with rosewood fingerboards, but this one is ebony. Also it has creme P90's while the books say they should all be black PU's and nowhere does it mention that this model ever came with a fine tune tailpiece...Very nice case too! I'm guessing all these different features I just mentioned were custom made for this particular store..She's all original and in near mint condition.

Pics:

lp3.jpg


lp1.jpg


lp5.jpg
 
Re: Opinions on this Rare Gibson?

Wow. I really like that one.

The tail piece can't be original and overall I think this is (logically) more a Hamer than a Gibson.

I would sure ditch quite a bit of junk for it.

Does it have a belly carve? I hesitate to say, but overall the thing is wired. I know it's supposed to be a special build for one particular shop, but I'd do a little more research to make sure it isn't something relabeled.
 
Re: Opinions on this Rare Gibson?

uOpt said:
The tail piece can't be original .
Click to expand...

Actually, I think it is..I had a late seventies Les Paul Artisan a few years ago that had the same fine tuner tail piece, and since it's a custom made I don't doubt it originally came with it..And yes, the owner has provenance that Gibson built a limited 50 copies for this store (but none of my books mention it)
 
Re: Opinions on this Rare Gibson?

I like it. I thought the "Special" models had just like a faded paint job. Not like that flame maple top. I don't like the P90's. Just my opinion. I would watch how much you sell to acquire this. It's nice though. Always liked the Double Cuts.
 
Re: Opinions on this Rare Gibson?

Its basically a very nice version of the current LP DC faded, just with a maple top, binding, and a decent finish. Since I love those guitars, I'd probably go for this one.
 
Re: Opinions on this Rare Gibson?

I'm not loving it. Why are you getting it? It's a player? Just looking for something different? Or is it an investment....

What I see is
- Flat top
- crowded controls
- tweeky adjustable bridge
- Dot inlay

but it is cherry SB. Howmuch if I may ask....that will make a big difference to me.
 
Re: Opinions on this Rare Gibson?

tweaky I like.

No probs with a flat top myself, always looked less cheesy to me.

Controls are easier to reach that way.

Blocks occasionally overwhelm

...

Apparently Aceman and I even disagree on Gibsons :D That might be one of the only ones I'd come remotely close to even looking at. ok, just cause it has p90s so at least won't sound so bad distorted actually but still.
 
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Re: Opinions on this Rare Gibson?

I just found this for sale and i'm seriously thinking of selling a couple of my guitars for it..What do you guys think of it?
Click to expand...

Man, that really, REALLY looks like a Hamer to me... if you're selling TWO of your guitars, even though you're not saying how much it goes for, seems to be quite a lot, am I right?

You can't really have any educated guess without having the instrument in hand. Having said that, for the looks is really nice, but...

1. How does it play? (look for good setup and action, no worn fretwork, no dead spots, etc.)

2. How much is it? (if you instantly connected with this particular instrument, then you'll tend to accept any price tag... but if you're looking as an investment, this particular kind of instrument doesn't have a very good market value, no matter how special it might be, specially being a p90 guitar, mind you)

For about 600,00 american dollars I'd hit, but only if it's a player, for me that's its market value in EXCELLENT condition only. Due to the small chirping in the back border, and the color difference body/neck, I'd say $ 575,00 tops.

HTH,

Pepe aka Lt. Kojak
Milano, Italy
 
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Re: Opinions on this Rare Gibson?

danglybanger said:
tweaky I like.

No probs with a flat top myself, always looked less cheesy to me.

Controls are easier to reach that way.

Blocks occasionally overwhelm

...

Apparently Aceman and I even disagree on Gibsons :D That might be one of the only ones I'd come remotely close to even looking at. ok, just cause it has p90s so at least won't sound so bad distorted actually but still.
Click to expand...

dangly being into it isn't helping:18: as far as gibson's go....
 
Re: Opinions on this Rare Gibson?

Sorry, I can't put my finger on it, but I think there's something hinky about that guitar. I'm not convinced it's a Gibson.

But it does appear to be a nice guitar.

Bill
 
Re: Opinions on this Rare Gibson?

I saw one just like that in the local classifieds and I was really interested...

It think it's really nice.
 
Re: Opinions on this Rare Gibson?

I would say if that appeals to you then to go with a Hamer.

You're likely to get a better axe overall for less money.

Unless you HAVE to have a Gibson, then go nuts and have a blast...
 
Re: Opinions on this Rare Gibson?

Where's the serial number? Something looks a little odd about the back of the headstock where the serial number should be.
 
Re: Opinions on this Rare Gibson?

These are legit. Or rather, I remember these models, so I'm pretty sure this is legit. These are very early 80s Norlin models with the big headstock and volute. That TP6 tailpiece was very common back then on some Gibson models.

I'd say take the switch ring off and either put some gold speeds on and keep the double cremes OR put double blacks in it.

As Skarey alluded to, I think Hamer does this style guitar better, but if the dang thing plays good and sounds good, and the price is decent, why not? That mahogany is 25 years old or so and should sound nice. THats a maple neck, btw, if it matters to you.
 
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