Why so few Gibson posts?

[just strum]

Z, I certainly wasn't disputing you, just clarifying my position as it relates to the "want" of a ES335. I do agree that if you really want it, it is attainable. However, if the income and priorities are issue, than you just have to recognize what's important.

My problem with obtaining (saving) for an ES335 - other priorities (known and yet to be known) and as I save for an ES335, a $300 or $400 deal comes along:thwap:

As for humbuckers:AOK:

 

[duhvoodooman]

Price is definitely a limiting factor.

+1. I'd love a genuine Gibson LP Std. or Custom, and I could certainly afford one. It's just that I choose not to drop $2500 - $3000 on a single instrument. In my world (married, one income, two kids, one in college), I consider that overpriced. But I did manage $700 for an Epi Elitist LP Std. on a closeout deal at MF 3 years ago, and after putting in better pickups (the only weak point of the guitar, IMO), I'll put it up against anything Gibson cranks out here in the US (Custom Shop instruments excepted).

 

[hubberjub]

I lean more towards Gibson style guitars, I own two. I think Gibson is overpriced and has relatively poor quality control. My Les Paul had an amazing amount of orange peel in the finish. I now value Gibsons more for their contribution to guitar design and history than I value their current product.

 

[warren0728]

i love my gibson les paul special....it is one of my favorite guitars....i really want a gibson les paul standard....but i haven't been able to justify spending the bucks right now....but i will get one....someday....

 

[just strum]

Here is an example of why one never seems to get to the Gibson dream. My daughters car won't stay running and preliminary diagnosis = IAC valve = $270 in parts and a little more for an ohmmeter.

I just never ends.

ZMAN, why don't you drive on down and I'll turn on the heater in the garage.oke:

 

[LagrangeCalvert]

I love My faded SG....its my go-to guitar for just about everything. Also I love my Epiphone Special.....it has a crapload of stuff I have done to it and it fits me. I think Gibbys are a different feel, and thats why on this forum its not as talked about.....I see more strat style guitars on this board than anything else.
Why? I do not know....Hell I could be wrong and wouldn't mind being wrong. I'm a gibson guy all the way. I love strats and tele's but they don't do it for me like a sg or paul does....

 

[ZMAN]

JUSTSTRUM: I'd love to when I get out of my driveway. The plow hasn't been around yet and it stopped snowing at 6 P.M. yesterday. I have my 80 by 20 Driveway down to the pavement but cars are getting stuck on the street. More on the way tomorrow.
Hey JS I know life comes at you fast. It just seemed when my kids left home and I retired a lot of disposable imcome suddenly became available. And I am pretty frugal in my purchases. I only paid 2000 for my 335 because it belonged to my best friend and he came on some hard luck. I paid him what he paid for it in 1990 I probably paid 500 too much but I paid him in lumps over a 4 or5 month period. not so tough then. It was almost new in the box condition. It was rarely played and had never been intonated or set up properly. I had my tech work his magic on it.
Voodooman: I am surprised you changed the pickups. My Epi Elitist has the exact same pickups as the Studio. They have the same output readings and are USA pickups labelled for Epi. I have the Custom with all the bling. I got it on a close out as well at MF for 799. I had it delivered to my daughters in Maine and on my next visit picked it up. I agree with you 100% they are as nice as a Gibson. I love the neck on mine. It has a very nice low action. The only flaw was the usual Epi pickup selector switch. A lot of guys start looking at pickups when it is the cheap 8 dollar switch. Since then it has been perfect. I have replaced 4 out of 5 Epi switches.
I even wrote a letter to Epiphone complaining. The really good switches are like 20 dollars.
I have 4 Gibsons and never had a problem with a switch.
I would not pay 2500 for an LP either the most I paid was 1400 bucks.
One thing though guys. If your finances are secure through this recession keep and eye out for bargains. I have seen a huge increase in sales of high end guitars and amps that people HAVE to give up to live. I know it is sad but opportunity is there.

 

[just strum]

Uhhh, Z you didn't say anything about the invite to help me work on my daughters car.oke:

 

[ZMAN]

Sorry JS the first paragraph was your answer. The plow finally came and of course put 3 feet of Glacier ice in my driveway. I just got in from blowing it away with my 10.5 horse blower and some dynamite. It took me a little longer because I helped a couple of my neighbours out. I barely had enough strength to uncap a beer and after my nap it was too late.

 

[ZMAN]

Two reason why I play Gibsons.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qplN4pm1MSE

 

[oldguy]

Two reason why I play Gibsons.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qplN4pm1MSE

Now there's two mighty good reasons, ZMAN!
I have, over the years (and years ago), owned a goldtop LP deluxe and a cherry sunburst LP custom, plus an SG and a mahogany re-issue flying V, and they were all great guitars. Tough times and a divorce forced me to sell them one by one, if only I could have kept them, and known what they'd be worth today............:thwap:

But to be honest, if I still had each of them, it probably wouldn't be long before I'd be checking the trade in value on the new EVH Wolfgang when it comes out.:thwap: :rotflmao:

 

[just strum]

Sorry JS the first paragraph was your answer. The plow finally came and of course put 3 feet of Glacier ice in my driveway. I just got in from blowing it away with my 10.5 horse blower and some dynamite. It took me a little longer because I helped a couple of my neighbours out. I barely had enough strength to uncap a beer and after my nap it was too late.

I ignored the first paragraph, you're Canadian and that is just a dusting. It's not like you live in Waco where the threat of snow shuts everything down for a week.

The fact that you barely had strength to open a beer is your only reprieve. A person in that condition should get to a hospital or even better a bar where they will open them for you.

 

[ZMAN]

OLDGUYYes: Those things can really put a dent into your collecting. Divorce I mean. I was lucky enough to hang on to all of mine, including my wife.
I didn't want to mention it but she is the real reason I am in the position to buy these guitars. She had a great job and an even greater pension.
That Cherry sunburst Custom, was it the infamous clown burst? I had an Epi Version of it and it was a very nice guitar. I didn't know about the clown burst logo until recently.
I would love a Gold top. In fact I think That will be my big purchase in 2009.
What did the Deluxe sound like with the mini humbuckers.
I have seen several for sale recently and I was reluctant to buy them because of the minis.
I have always wondered what it would be like to play a flying V. Albert was my hero and I just could not understand why he chose that guitar. It probably was the playing position for his huge long arms.

 

[ZMAN]

Juststrum: I am a Canadian but a spoiled one. Our area never seems to get hit. We have the lakes on both side but we seem to miss the heavy snow.
This one was the first of the year.
My daughter went to school in North Carolina and she said it hilarious. There was 1/2 inch of snow and she had to drive all the girst cars out of the parking lot because they could not back them up.
So I guess you will have to pull the repair off yourself. If you need any help just email and I will talk you through it.
I will be upstairs playing my Gibson.

 

[just strum]

So I guess you will have to pull the repair off yourself. If you need any help just email and I will talk you through it.
I will be upstairs playing my Gibson.

I'm upstairs playing my Epi's - I told my daughter she can use her brothers car.

 

[oldguy]

OLDGUYYes: Those things can really put a dent into your collecting. Divorce I mean. I was lucky enough to hang on to all of mine, including my wife.
I didn't want to mention it but she is the real reason I am in the position to buy these guitars. She had a great job and an even greater pension.
That Cherry sunburst Custom, was it the infamous clown burst? I had an Epi Version of it and it was a very nice guitar. I didn't know about the clown burst logo until recently.
I would love a Gold top. In fact I think That will be my big purchase in 2009.
What did the Deluxe sound like with the mini humbuckers.
I have seen several for sale recently and I was reluctant to buy them because of the minis.
I have always wondered what it would be like to play a flying V. Albert was my hero and I just could not understand why he chose that guitar. It probably was the playing position for his huge long arms.

I haven't heard of the clown burst myself......tell us about it if you don't mind.
As for the gold top......... I didn't care much for the mini's, to be honest, plus the neck wasn't stable....it had to be adjusted constantly, and never stayed in tune..........I had the same prob. w/ a '72 Strat (twisted neck), so I'm not singling out Gibby's, I just got a couple of lemons back then.
The V was a nice guitar, lightweight, killer sound, cool to look at. It just wasn't me, or for me, at the time. I sold it to a guy I knew who played in a hard rock/punk band at the time. He went on to become a hairdresser and I don't know what happened to the V.

 

[warren0728]

Those things can really put a dent into your collecting. Divorce I mean. I was lucky enough to hang on to all of mine,

i held on to my guitars....but that was about all.... :thwap:

 

[ZMAN]

Old Guy: The clown burst was a Cherry sunburst that got a very bright paint job. They were referred to as clown bursts. I am not sure of the years but these are a few examples. I had the Epi version.

This is the Gibson Version. You can see the bright colors

Another Gibson version.

 

[oldguy]

O.K., I see. Yep, mine was very bright, but had very little woodgrain to speak of.
It was the LP I should have held on to, and still miss.
I have to say, tho, that my Agile LP actually plays and sounds better.......whether it will stand the test of time is another thing, but with the WCR pickups and ebony fretboard, it's every bit as good as that Custom was. Plus I prefer the honeyburst finish because it shows some really nice woodgrain.
All I need to do now is bang it around enough to knock off the edges, put some cigarette burns in it, sweat on it 'till the hardware rusts, and I'll be all set!:AOK: :AOK:

:thwap:

 

[Katastrophe]

I don't post about Gibbies because I don't own any, and can't afford 'em. My LP purchase will have to be from Rondo.

I love talking about 'em though. We do have a fairly big SG thread, and Plank's LPs are completely drool worthy :master: . I've played a few Gibbies and Epis, and I like 'em!

 

[Kazz]

This seems to be at least to me....a less pretentious bunch....the kind that looks for the most bang for the buck therefore we tend to look towards the bargain lines instead of the over priced and seemingly (at least at times) quality challenged Gibson's

 

[just strum]

I'm sure they are out there, but I have yet to pick-up a Gibson that I thought had quality issues. I've picked up a lot I didn't like based on neck or design (LP, Flying V...). I'm not sure where all these tales of quality issues are coming from and I tend to think it's a bandwagon effect.

 

[ZMAN]

Kazz I guess I am a little bit of both. I have 5 Squiers that I bought for under 1300 dollars total. I also have an American 50th Ann. Deluxe that I paid 1500 Can. For. I don't really condsider myself "pretentious" because over the last 12 years I have scraped together a few Gibsons.
As far as Gibsons being poorly built I have not run into that. My new 2008 Studio is an amazing guitar. Beautiful Fireburst finish, which is really only 3 color burst in Fender language. It is chambered and had a lovely tone.
I purchased that one because our Canadian dollar was at par with the US and I was able to get it 300 off the US price.
I have run into countless problems with budget guitars, and my feeling is that every guitar no matter what it is needs a good set up out of the box
Too many people try a guitar out and it doesn't feel right so they think it is inferior. I try to see the potential after the set up.
I took me 10 years before I got my first Gibson LP, and less than a year to get my second one. That one was used and very reasonably priced.
I feel extremely lucky that I have the support of a wife of 40 years that allows me to live my dreams.

 

[Brian Krashpad]

Now you are talking. I hear this all the time. "I can't afford a Gibson" I could never understand that. The guys here I won't mention any names have spent literally tens of thousands of dollars on many many guitars. I think all anyone has to do is just say I want a Gibson. Then go out and get one. I recently purchased a Gibson LP Standard in mint conditon for 1400 Canadian. I also purchased an ES335 from a friend for 2 grand. That one was paid over 4 months. I also purchased an 08 Gibson Studio for 1099 brand new. I have owned a Gibson SG for 40 years.
Epiphones are really close and for the buck they do give you a very close Gibson experience. I just don't know how to describe it but the Gibson just sound and seem to play better. Although my Elitist LP Custom is 98% there.
I have a bunch of Fender Strats and I like them as well but the Gibsons are just sweet.
For the record I am not a rich man and I am retired living on a fixed income.

I hope you don't mean any one person here has spent tens of thousands on their guitars! If so, I think they're lurking only. Spuds has a batch to be sure, but quite a few of those are relatively inexpensive ones, and same with me. I added up once and my guitars cost me under $5K iirc.

I do have a couple Gibbies, but they ARE more expensive than a lot of other brands. Typically at most I may have 2 or three Benjies in my gear contingency fund, but never over $500. This makes it tough for me to buy Gibsons because I only buy when I run across a good deal.

 

[ZMAN]

Brian: I am a retired accountant. Math is my thing. I wasn't referring to anyone special but if I WAS referring to Spud And I am not saying this in a negative way what so ever, I don't know the total count but I have heard upwards of 50 guitars. Even at 200 dollar average what is the number? I am sure there are other guys here who have spent in that range on their total collection of guitars.
Remember I have been in the hobby since 1969, and have recently taken it more seriously in the last 12.
Also I didn't set out to have a large collection of guitars it just happened. LOL
Oh and Brian I don't know how old you are but from your pictures I would say you have a lot of years of "collecting" ahead of you.

 

[Andy]

here's a couple pics of my 85 standard

 

[Robert]

Stop posting such cool LP pics - makes me want to go out and buy one!

I will get one though, one day. Count on it. It just might take a while.

 

[warren0728]

that's a real beauty andy.... :drool:

a gibson lp standard is definitely in my future....my gibby lp special needs a friend! ancake:

 

[Spudman]

Brian: I wasn't referring to anyone special but if I WAS referring to Spud And I am not saying this in a negative way what so ever, I don't know the total count but I have heard upwards of 50 guitars. Even at 200 dollar average what is the number? I am sure there are other guys here who have spent in that range on their total collection of guitars.

You is correct there. I know I've got more than 10K in just guitars. There are only about 5 that I haven't gigged with so they have been worth the investment for sure. 2 of those are for investment purposes only.

All that said, I wouldn't spend the money on a Gibson or a PRS because I haven't found one I like yet and I've been looking a long time. I've found more Korean guitars that light me up than anything. They just feel and sound right to me. Maybe if Gibson had a Korean factory...oh wait they do (sort of). Maybe that's why I have 2 Epiphone Les Pauls and an older Agile LP?

If I were to spend 5K, or price similar to an upper end Gibson, on any guitar it would definitely be a Jet. I'm glad some folks like their Gibsons but their electrics don't do it for me. Now their acoustics....:AOK:

 

[ZMAN]

Andy what a sweet looking burst. An 85 I bet she sounds sweet. How much does she weigh? I have one of the newer chambered ones and an older weight relieved model and there are very different in tone. Those must be the PAF pickups. It is amazing how the lighting affects the look. In the second picture it looks like a dessert burst.