Questions for the Les Paul experts

[rspst14]

Hey guys, does anyone have any experience with the Les Paul models from the 1970's? I found a beautiful 1976 model on Ebay at a very good price, but I have no idea what to look for when buying an older model Les Paul. Are there any particular issues I should be concerned with when comparing Les Paul's from the 70's? What type of necks were used on these models? I hate playing on thin necks, so I'd like to get something with a fatter neck. Any quality control issues I should be aware of? I'm going to email the seller with a bunch of questions, but I thought I'd ask you guys for some input first. Thanks.

Ryan

 

[Steve_R]

Re: Questions for the Les Paul experts

I have a 77 standard and I love it. It does not have a thin neck, which makes it a bit more difficult to get to those highest notes, but I really like the action in general. I have my strings pretty low but I don't get buzzing from them. I personally like the action on my guitar more than I liked a lot of the newer LPs.
These are heavy but I guess that's the trade-off for good sustain.

Ask about the pickups too.

 

[rspst14]

Re: Questions for the Les Paul experts

Thanks Steve...to elaborate a bit more, it's a 1976 Standard, and it's in very good shape given that it's 28 years old. The tuners have been replaced, and the pickups have been replaced with a set of Dimarzio humbuckers. I believe everything else is original. Have you had any problems with neck stability or cracking at the peghead? I've heard that nearly all Les Paul's are prone to this.

Ryan

 

[Lewguitar]

Re: Questions for the Les Paul experts

Hey guys, does anyone have any experience with the Les Paul models from the 1970's? I found a beautiful 1976 model on Ebay at a very good price, but I have no idea what to look for when buying an older model Les Paul. Are there any particular issues I should be concerned with when comparing Les Paul's from the 70's? What type of necks were used on these models? I hate playing on thin necks, so I'd like to get something with a fatter neck. Any quality control issues I should be aware of? I'm going to email the seller with a bunch of questions, but I thought I'd ask you guys for some input first. Thanks.

Ryan

That ax might have a maple neck, rather than mahogany. My '77 did. I beleive '77 was the last year for Gibson in Kalamazoo, Michigan. So your guitar would probably have been made in the original Gibson factory, just before the move the Nashville. Not certain of that but I think so. My '77 was a wonderful playing and sounding guitar. I sold it when I got my '59 Historic RI Les Paul. I think the mahogany body will be one piece with yours...I wouldn't buy one that is sandwiched, myself. Top will probably be three pieces of non-flamey maple but that's not a big deal. The best guitars have a lively resonance to them...hopefully yours will be one of those. Good luck! Lew

 

[rspst14]

Re: Questions for the Les Paul experts

Thanks Lew...it is a mahogany body, with a non-flamed maple cap, and a mahogany neck. Not sure about the fretboard wood, but it looks like rosewood. Even without a heavily flamed top, it's a beautiful guitar. I've been looking at picking up a second guitar for a while now, but I can't really justify spending all that cash on a newer Gibson. This one is going for $600, which is an absolute steal if you ask me. The price may go up a bit, but it's still a killer deal if I can get it for less than $800. The guy who's selling it is a collector, and it appears to be very well taken care of, so I'm hoping I can snag it at a good price.

Ryan

 

[59paul]

Re: Questions for the Les Paul experts

One of my Paulys is a 79 Custom. Fine Guitar.

 

[Gearjoneser]

Re: Questions for the Les Paul experts

I saw that guitar you're referring to. I'd probably expect it to go for $900-$1200.
I should take another look at it.

 

[rspst14]

Re: Questions for the Les Paul experts

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=3714791889&category=38086

can anyone tell if this is a maple or mahogany neck?

Ryan