I've had this guitar for about 18 months now and I don't know what to do with it.
![Image: https://i.imgur.com/xT1duZv.jpeg](https://i.imgur.com/xT1duZv.jpeg)
![Image: https://i.imgur.com/Hja2EXT.jpeg](https://i.imgur.com/Hja2EXT.jpeg)
![Image: https://i.imgur.com/yPhxDfV.jpeg](https://i.imgur.com/yPhxDfV.jpeg)
It's a 1979 Les Paul Pro Deluxe which for those who don't have infinite knowledge of obscure Gibsons means P90s, Ebony Fretboard and a Maple neck.
Pluses:
- It is the best sounding guitar I've ever owned (and I have a DGT and have owned various custom shop things)
- I think it's pretty much the coolest guitar that ever traded on the forum
- Ebony fretboards feel lovely and aren't that easy to come by on guitars that aren't insanely expensive
- The worn down finish on the neck feels completely amazing
Minuses:
- It's back breakingly heavy - I'm in my mid 40's and even with a comfort strap I can't play it standing up without it causing me hours of pain later (It's probably 10lb+)
- The frets are very low and though it plays nicely up and down the neck I like massive frets and it's going to need a refret at some point
- The bridge pickup is a noiseless SD which is fine but a bit lacking in character and the neck which is lovely, but a bit noisy for recording
Options:
- Sell it - I have 3 really lovely electrics, I no longer gig, and I don't play that much. The DGT can basically do everything. It would unlock ~£2k (which I don't especially need for anything else) which is a lot to have locked up in some wood.
- Replace it with something else - I could probably trade it for a 50's Standard, but I expect mine would sound and play better and definitely look cooler. A custom shop would require putting in another £2k. I could go for a @FelineGuitars , @Corvus or something else, but again I don't really "need" 3 guitars
- Tweak it - Research indicates weight relief isn't something I want to invest in, but it would be good to get @Corvus to refret it with massive stainless frets and get some of @OilCityPickups new noiseless P90's if I'm going to keep it
So what would you do...
BTW it's not in the classifieds as I don't want to waste anyones time, but if anyone does want it or have a trade idea then give me a shout.
Comments
If you're going to be playing sitting down, then the weight is less of a problem (although it doesn't go away completely), and you can resolve the other two negatives quite easily and keep a guitar that you obviously enjoy.
If you need to play it on a strap, then the weight isn't going away, so I'd stick it up and see if it sells. Things are slow atm, so a sale at an acceptable price isn't a given. If it sells, then you can decide to buy something else, or not. Keep the cash separate for the day when something else grabs you.
Definitely change the bridge/Treble pickup. Stacked coils P90 replacements suck.
Talk to Ash about your requirements. Things might need tweaking to compensate for the ebony and maple brightness.
Seymour Duncan Silencer P90s are another triple coil design.
Kinman are supposed to be good. (Never tried 'em.)
Fishman Fluence are worth checking out. I don't think much of Voice 3 but, in a studio, it could prove a useful variation.
As for "when am I ready?" You'll never be ready. It works in reverse, you become ready by doing it. - pmbomb
I can't see much point in replacing it, unless you just want another guitar, but it sounds like you don't, particularly.
It does look extremely cool!
Give it to me.
But also there's no shame in moving something on that doesn't add value to your life if that's the case.
Rarely do I come across a Gibson Guitar that doesn't play better after a good re-fret, especially those from the 70's and 80's - Those rail track frets are putrid IMO - Don't worry about the nibs, just re-fret over the binding - Accepted by most players inc JoBo
Maybe a bit of a trek for you to Feline, but well worth it and I'd be amazed if you didn't thank him and me after
I'm familiar with such a guitar - Sold a few over the years - Whilst you don't see many P90 based guitars with an ebony board, they are nice and well worth the investment of a good re-fret - the ebony board will always give you a slightly brighter tone than an equivalent rosewood model - Looking back at your original notes, I'd not choose S Steel frets, as they tend to be brighter than nickel, so that coupled with teh ebony board will be a bit OTT IMO - Chat to Jon/Feline about it
Then when you get it back look at p/up changes - If you go down that route then put a new/better loom in at the same time
Hope you get it sorted. IME it's best to deal with it sooner rather than later.
Would it still be a problem if you put the strap over your other shoulder?