Page 1 of 1

Does anyone own a modern Les Paul that has finish checking?

Posted: Thu Jun 29, 2017 8:14 am
by pearlrider
Does anyone own a modern Les Paul that has finish checking?
I hear that the modern Gibson Les Paul has a plasticiser in the nitro finish and I was wondering if that was to stop finish checking.
I would like to know if my Guitar would age the same way as a vintage les Paul, or is the aging process for a modern Les Paul going to be different.
I own a CS Joe Walsh Les Paul and I do love the guitar it’s just I’m wondering how it will age.

Re: Does anyone own a modern Les Paul that has finish checking?

Posted: Mon Jul 24, 2017 12:07 pm
by 502_6speed
I have a 5 year old Les Paul from the custom shop and I have noticed my 1st headstock checking. I think yours will too in time.

Re: Does anyone own a modern Les Paul that has finish checking?

Posted: Wed Jan 17, 2018 10:02 pm
by wombat
I have an LP Standard from 1994 (which would make it 24 years old now) and it has been in my possession since new.

There is no finish checking on it.

The only damage to the nitro is where it has been chipped or scratched from getting banged up on something, or worn away from excessive contact.

The headstock has seen better days - but I really wouldn't call it "checking" (more like slight "de-lamination" of the nitro around the sharp 90 degree edges).

The overall finish on the guitar was starting to look a little funky after a couple of decades of grime, sweat, and god-only-knows what else managed to get deposited on it. I don't know what compelled me to do so, but a few years ago I took to it with some guitar cleaner and I was genuinely shocked at how nice it came up. I'm not exaggerating when I say that (aside from those chips and scratches) the guitar was as shiny and glossy as any brand new one you would find in a store today.

I'm starting to think Gibson uses Adamantium in their nitro.

Re: Does anyone own a modern Les Paul that has finish checking?

Posted: Fri Feb 17, 2023 3:04 pm
by pearlrider
I don’t think that the modern Les Paul looks as good as the 58 to 60 models. And I don’t think it has anything to do with age. I feel that they use enhancers to bring out the flame and plasticizers to protect the finish. I also don't understand why they don't just go ahead and use aniline dye on the top. If everyone likes the fade so much then why not let the guitar owner do it themselves? Yes, I know that the JW is a 60 and would never have had aniline dye on the top. I still think it should be offered on appropriate guitars though.
The carve on the old guitars looks better as well. It looks to me as though they are using the maple before it’s dry. On mine, you can see the ripple of the flame when the light hits it.
Saying all that though, I still love my Les Paul. There’s nothing quite like it through a handmade JTM45.