Les Paul Historic

[Billy Batz]

Nice. I wish I could afford the figured top but thats a luxery thing and I usually wont buy things like this if I cant pay at least half up front. Im game for one after the holidays at the very least.

[Myopic Void]

Right on Eric, I know you don't care for tribute groups, but in your style of playing, if you don't mind me saying so, there is a tribute to Mr. JP methinks!!

What You must mean Earl Scruggs not JP?? Just kidding but your right, I am not into covers, tribute acts etc. We push ourselves to write our own material but use the tonal/musical language/gear of the past, albeit we beg, borrow and steal "sometimes" as our predecessors did. I do not see the point in playing a set list full of covers, but what makes one happy/money is not for me to judge.

If a Historic with a few changes can approximate the tone of these mega-buck guitars, right on. And what do you mean inlays don't effect the tone.. don't dare say that on TLPF he he.

I know I know Inlays are THE biggest contributor to tone, more than any other component. What was I thinking I need to stop drinking G&T's when posting

Actually since i boldly joined there, not much for me to say other than about my old 1954 Junior and my 1952/56 Goldtop conversion, at least on My Les Paul Forum which I enjoy more, there is freedom to own other guitars and a friendly vibe, imo TLPF is like being in a strict school.

I need to check the other one out... I only go by the LPF on a rare occasion. Not my cup of tea a lot of the time

Nice moustache by the way (on an unrelated topic)

Thank you! I just grew out a full beard to see what I think of it...

Cheers,

Eric

[d_wagar]

As someone mentioned above, you don't have to buy new. I picked up my 2001 R9 for $3K.

I've done some mods - Voodoo 59s, real 50's studs, vintage bees, the big mod though is the Historic Makeover D treatment (D option is no longer available) that put a 50s style truss rod in it (with no rubber sleeve on it), brazilian board with 50s style inlays set with hide glue, etc.

It is absolutely the best LP I've ever played.

Historics are expensive, even used. No one else can make the decision for you if they are worth the $.

The Law of Diminishing Returns - you pay a lot for that tiny bit 'extra'. It's worth it to some people, not worth it to most.

[Billy Batz]

Historics are expensive, even used. No one else can make the decision for you if they are worth the $.

The Law of Diminishing Returns - you pay a lot for that tiny bit 'extra'. It's worth it to some people, not worth it to most.

Which means there must be some constant correlation between quality and tone and price and that is soemthing I flat out dont believe. Its been said about Dumbles, TWrecks, Vintage Marshalls, Fenders etc.. and I dont think its any more true here then there. The market is all about appearance and hype and the fact is Gibson owns the LP design and we have to buy whatever they put out at whatever price they think the market will accept. I dont see anything more complicate then that.

Im putting this semi on the back burner because I already started a JTM100 build and I had to start a Fender combo build out of necessity. dont think I could afford to get it right now anyway but I still would like to talk about it and get in the research.

I would like people whove played both to give me their impressions of Hamers since they seem to make guitars the highest quality and the same LP specs more or less but again I want LP tone all the way.

[d_wagar]

Which means there must be some constant correlation between quality and tone and price

within reason, sure, of course that is true. Not just with Gibson, but with Fender, PRS, etc. If you think a Mexi Strat is every bit as good as an Amercian Strat, well, you can save some money. Or a Korean PRS v an Amercian PRS. It isn't just the Made in USA that commands the high $.

With regards to Gibson historics, you can get quality and tone for very reasonable $, look to an R7 (57) Goldtop or R8 (58) plaintop in the used market. Both can be found in the $2k and under range.

I agree, the flametop is mostly about looks (well, a few other small differences) and commands the highest $.

I don't own a Hamer, but I have played a couple that seemed quite nice.

[gtomax]

Official Debut! I just got a brother for my 2000 R8 Blacktop. This one is a christmas present to myself... a 2007 R6 in Darkburst. This is one of 20-40 or so made, rescued from fleabay. Originally from Saul at Centre City Music in San Diego. According to Gibson, one of the only ones listed in the serial number database with the actual word "rare" in the description. P90s, plain top, as new and virtually unplayed. The neck is just as wide as my R8 but thinner and it plays SUPER fast and easy. Taking it for a setup tomorrow and it should be good to go!

Sorry for the quality of the pictures, they're from the seller. The actual color is far more vivid and 3D in person. Rich and deep, that nitro sure it pretty! Without further ado: here's 6 7036











The personality of the R6 compared to the R8 is so different! The R6 is pure Les Paul (player) tone. Real bright and cheery with plenty of honk on the bridge, smooth cream on the neck and balanced rock tone in the middle. The R8 is much more of a rock guitar with the 57 classics in it and just oozes sustain. The R6 should have just as much sustain if not more once the pups/action are all dialed in. The previous owner tried a setup and didn't really know that much. He put 9's on it but as of tomorrow it'll have some nice Pyramid Nickel 11's.

R6 weighs in a 9.2 pounds.

[jbzoso2002]

Time to wake up this great thread, and time
for me to get a historic.

Im savin up and hope to pull the trigger in about
a month.

Jimmy

[gtomax]

Do it!

[Mars Hall]

Time to wake up this great thread, and time
for me to get a historic.

Im savin up and hope to pull the trigger in about
a month.

Jimmy

... I think I can, I think I can...I know I can, I know I can...

[fillmore nyc]

Time to wake up this great thread, and time
for me to get a historic.

Im savin up and hope to pull the trigger in about
a month.

Jimmy

Do you have one in your sites, or are you gonna go shopping in a month? IMO, the 58's are the deal for those guitar. I like the big, bat neck, and structurally they're the same as (the more expensive) '59's. Some of 'em are nice and lightweight, and can have a real nice top, if thats of importance. They just dont have quite the resale of '59's, but as long as its a keeper, no big deal there.

[lifer]

Basically the '59 has the "medium" profile neck and figured top. The Historics have the more vintage accurate appointments and non weight relieved (solid) Mahogany bodies. The '60 is basically the same guitar as the '59 with the exception of the slimmer profile neck. The '58 is basically the same guitar as the '59 except they now come with plain (non-figured) tops and larger neck profile.

when did gibson start 'relieveing' the bodys?

[lifer]

[quote="mwm523"]I love my '58. No frills, nice fat neck.

that is a damn fine guitar there.....u suck! haha

[JimiJames]

when did gibson start 'relieveing' the bodys?

ealry 80's

[jbzoso2002]

Time to wake up this great thread, and time
for me to get a historic.

Im savin up and hope to pull the trigger in about
a month.

Jimmy

Do you have one in your sites, or are you gonna go shopping in a month? IMO, the 58's are the deal for those guitar. I like the big, bat neck, and structurally they're the same as (the more expensive) '59's. Some of 'em are nice and lightweight, and can have a real nice top, if thats of importance. They just dont have quite the resale of '59's, but as long as its a keeper, no big deal there.

Nothing lined up right now except a 12 pack of icehouse

Ill have the cash by the end of march for about 2k or so
and Ill see whats around at that time.

Jimmy