Les Paul Custom '54 RI... how much are they worth/what would you do?

Jaded

Somewhat related to an earlier thread of mine (about the 50's Tributes). I've played a few LP's of late and am thinking of going the Historic route as the USA models I've played just lacked something. 

So now I'm (kind of) set on getting a Historic re-issue of some sort. preferably a '54 Custom - the Alnico V and P-90 combo just appeals to me so much more than humbuckers. However this would mean selling most of my gear... two of my Jaguars, the Bronco and maybe some pedals and a bit of scrimping and saving etc... think it would be worth it? 

Anybody have experience with them, know the going rate or even if they still come with those "fretless wonder" frets?

jd0272

£2.5k +? Ish? Love one. Was one on Japanese site guitarsofa. May still be there. Not many around.

ICBM

I sometimes think about this too, because of the original '56 I could have bought in 1999 if only I had realised then that one great guitar is better than several good ones...

A friend of mine had one of the reissues a couple of years ago. From memory it had normal size frets. But it also had a stupidly big clubby neck, what Gibson call the "50s" profile - but which is not like any 50s Gibson (including the real '56 Custom) I've played. I didn't find it comfortable at all.

Soundwise it wasn't bad but didn't have the character of the old one - just not as vibrant or resonant. I'm not sure I would pay what they seem to sell for - or at least, not for that one, it's likely that they vary. It was also quite heavy - I like heavy guitars normally, but it just seemed like a bit of a dead weight... and that was before he had me put a Bigsby on it .

p90fool

Jaded said:

 the USA models I've played just lacked something. 

I think you need to try to quantify this "something" before you spend thousands of pounds.

richardhomer

I echo @ICBM. The best electric guitar I have ever played was a (genuine vintage) '54 Gold Top - a different guitar from a Custom but still an old Les Paul with single-coil pick-ups. The neck was big - yet comfortable - it's tone was fantastic. One of those guitars which somehow flatters everything you play.

I've never really liked Les Pauls but this guitar was remarkable.

Every time I see a Historic version, I give it a go in the hope I will find one which has the same magic.

So far I haven't played one that is anywhere near....

Skipped

Main problem is that there are not that many of these around. You will find one but finding a great one is another matter. I am not even sure that Gibson are making one at the moment (ebony problems?). I remember wondering on LPF or MLPF what would be the average weight of a Custom made from Fijian Mahogany now that 8.2 lbs is common for mahogany + maple cap? An 8.9 lb Alnico Custom would be an interesting proposition.

 So......Sorry I am not being very helpful but I would widen the search to look at all Historic Les Pauls, both Humbuckers and P90 GTs, and make finding a great guitar the only priority. Once you have done that you have a lot of pickup options.

xSkarloey

I've never played one much as I'd love the privilege, so I can't give any direct comment.

I just wanted to let you know thoufh that there's a lovely episode of the Doug and Pat show on Youtube where they do a head to head on two 50's LPC's, an earlier fretless wonder and the later 3 HB version.

Plenty of useful background ibfo as you'd expect and a fun vid.

crunchman

AFAIK Gibson aren't using the same mahogany that they used in the 50s.  That is all gone in any kind of commercial quantities.

There is also the much debated topic of the effect of aging on the wood.

Whether it is the quality of the wood in the first place, or the effect of aging there does seem to be something about a great old one.  Personally I think that it's probably a combination of both.

ESBlonde

I agree with the 'every guitar is unique' approach and you must play a lot to discover a good one.

In addition to the old wood was better and guitars that have been played settle in theory, can I proffer the theory that the old thin finishes just harden better/differently over time. The modern H&S prevent use of the exact same methods of spraying in the factory (for the sake of the workers this is definitely a good thing). Also what I like you might not and vice versa.

stonevibe

i'd buy one and you know if you really don't like it that it will sell for reasonable money used.

lustycourtier

They are rare on used market. I do keep an eye out...

jd0272

Stick a WTB in the US Classifieds section on  My Les Paul forum. You'll get a bite if you don't sweat the shipping and customs costs.

meltedbuzzbox

Jaded said:

Somewhat related to an earlier thread of mine (about the 50's Tributes). I've played a few LP's of late and am thinking of going the Historic route as the USA models I've played just lacked something. 

So now I'm (kind of) set on getting a Historic re-issue of some sort. preferably a '54 Custom - the Alnico V and P-90 combo just appeals to me so much more than humbuckers. However this would mean selling most of my gear... two of my Jaguars, the Bronco and maybe some pedals and a bit of scrimping and saving etc... think it would be worth it? 

Anybody have experience with them, know the going rate or even if they still come with those "fretless wonder" frets?

Jaguars for sale eh?

What have you got :-)

ATTN @impmann @GavHaus

impmann

You may enlighten me :-)

GavRichList

Yeah, I'm game, especially having acquired two in the last month or so.

stevenguitars

stonevibe;259903" said:

i'd buy one and you know if you really don't like it that it will sell for reasonable money used.

I think this is true because you may well be better looking in the USA daves guitars or similar have a great rep and will do a reasonable honest hands on description for you

GavRichList

I heard idle talk of Jaguars....

gusman2x

Interested in hearing about the bronco /vulture

Jaded

Sorry it's taken me a while to reply, been away a few days. I'll probably be selling my burgundy mist MIJ and the Cobain signature. The Bronco I may be selling to a friend but if he's not interested you'll see it in a FS thread soon