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Base theme by DesignModo & ported to Powered by Vanilla by Chris Ireland, modified by the "theFB" team.
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I've sold plenty of used Historic models now for over 20 years or so - I don't personally buy into 2006 or 2016 is better/worse - Or indeed 2004 or 2014 is better or worse etc etc - There are subtle variations, but as an overview it is rare to come across a total dud as such today - Granted you may prefer one to another, but that will always be a matter of opinion, be it 2 from 2017 or a 2017 and a 2007 in an AvB test - I do feel the biggest single improvement you can make to any/many replicas is a better set of pick-ups but even that is a topic in its own right - If we can't agree on which we prefer, OX4's or Monty's etc then how can Gibson be expected to nail it - After all there are so many variations in the build and content of original PAF's from the late 50's
I've been lucky enough to play the Green/Moore LP - Whilst it was like been a kid in Disney World when the case was first opened I would not say it was a great guitar to play IMO for me - A few years earlier I played another 59 LP that was up for sale - Allegedly it belonged to Gary Moore, was purchased as a back up, for the Still Got The Blues Tour - He was not getting on with it - I played it for about 20 seconds, put it back in the case and said 'I can see why he is selling it' - I'm lucky that I've played a few other 57/58/59 models over the years - Not loads but a few - My eyes have probably said wow to them all but my hands, ears and budget have never been convinced
I've not played a Yaron, but played a couple of TM's, as well as getting a castration a while ago for selling one - I've played a couple of R9 conversions by Historic Makeovers - I've played a few Tom Murphy aged models inc a few done for Yamano - In short there are many fine Gibson replicas out there - They might not nail it to the nth degree, but for £3-8K they are more than close enough for many of us, with many original 57's 58's and 59's now fetching 6 figures
A couple of very nice LP's I've played have been early 50's conversions - You still get some vintage mojo/character at an affordable price and generally an excellent playing performance as well
Hope this doesn't sound patronising, but the more funds anyone has, then the more they can play the 'hunt for perfection' game - I'm not sure what perfection is as 2 outstanding LP's will be similar but different and on that basis you can easily swap between one and the other as the mood takes you, if you own both
My personal favourite is a 57 Tom Murphy Gold Top that I've owned for over 10 years - I've played a fair few replicas that are as good and can match it, but to be honest the more talk I hear about replica R7/8/9's and the pursuit of perfection, then the more I'm unclear as to what perfection actually is - There are many fine R7/8/9's out there
So what is it exactly that the replicas are trying to replicate?
Yaron’s work on replicating original plastics was fascinating and shows his attention to detail really well... but ultimately its something that adds nothing other than a point of interest. I am well on board at this stage. I had a similar quest for accuracy with clay dots.
The problem comes after that.
Buyers start judging replicas on the accuracy of the plastics. It’s no longer just a point of interest on a Yaron. it’s a spec that is used to judge the quality of other builders making similar styles.
Then within a few years Gibson are using the increased accuracy of its plastics as a selling point, no explanation necessary as the market is asking for it... and hopefully we all realise it’s got a bit silly.
(I know there is more to a Yaron than the plastics)
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some will tell you it always has been, I’m not fussed about that.
khaya is currently the best choice for Gibson’s production numbers.
Given all wood has a lot of variability many pieces of khaya (not all) will be in the same weight and stiffness range as many South American species of mahogany
Focusing on the species ignores all the factors that make an indivifual piece of wood suitable.
i have had this debate a few times on les Paul forums... I would rather have perfectly quartersawn straight grained Indian rosewood then substandard braz. Some would rather have braz, even with noticeable defects.
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Is it me or did it look better before the makeover?
I have also used modern khaya, and that can too.
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I'm just not sure I need those details down the New Inn on Saturday.
Electric guitars are for getting laid, no more, no less - and a discussion about the composition of post war bakelite derivatives will not get you there.
Ever.
But i am bored so put together a wood comparison. If you look at averages, Khaya is heavier and harder than Honduran, but comparable on stiffness. That's as far as most people get and they rule out khaya instantly.
Averages are very hit and miss with wood. its a natural product. I once started a whole build thread on having the right wood (old stock honduran ) in the wrong sizes. In it I detail a 50% variance in weight between planks of the same dimensions from the same source
http://www.thefretboard.co.uk/discussion/55672/build-thread-pancake-body-les-paul-deluxe/p1
For the below I have tried to show how much cross over there is between species if you just allow a +/- 20% variance from the average, which i think is very conservative given the example in the thread above.
.....
I don;t dispute Gibson had access to amazing wood in the 50's by the way. Stocks were simply better and more consistent. Any modern guitar builder, including those making replicas, has to work a lot harder to get the same kind of wood.
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Cocobolo has been found on some 50's ones apparently which is very possible, i care more about seasoned wood at a reasonable weight
They weren't all featherlight either
(formerly customkits)
There is no magic combo.... just sensible choices they made in the 50’s and slightly altered sensible choices to achieve the same thing now
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The head teacher for violin making at merton college was asked by kew gardens if he can identify species he said you need the leaf and bark, just looking at the wood is not good enough to say for definite
(formerly customkits)