Calling All Guitar Experts

[Dice_3008 1]

While browsing Craigslist for guitars I came across a real nice Gibson Les Paul Custom. I'm meeting this person tomorrow to play and possibly purchase said guitar. Do any of you know of a way or website I can visit to verify this is indeed a Gibson LP Custom? I know the serial number but haven't had much luck finding a website where I can plug the number in. I'm trying not to get too attached to it, but the asking price for a real Gibson LP Custom of this calibur would be a steal.By the way I'm bringing a friend along just in case there's any funny business.Thanks!

[ajs510 122]

http://www.guitardaterproject.org/gibson.aspxInterested to know what you find out...

[Dice_3008 1]

http://www.guitardaterproject.org/gibson.aspxInterested to know what you find out...

It doesn't list on this website. I wonder if this website is up to date. The home page says "A new look for 2008". The serial number on the head stock matches the COA shown in the picture. Obviously this could be fabricated but there is another pic showing "Gibson Custom" in the finish which might not be easy to fake.

[ajs510 122]

There's also this...http://www.gibson.com/en-us/Support/SerialNumberSearch/Seems like there's also good information here. http://www.mylespaul.com/forums/gibson-les...paul-101-a.html

[SBriand 4]

Is it an Epiphone or Gibson. Big difference.Is it a Zakk Wylde Les Paul Custom? Those ran about $3500.Just asking, without know any info or seeing pics this is all I can think of that might bring the price down.

[ajs510 122]

Is it an Epiphone or Gibson. Big difference.Is it a Zakk Wylde Les Paul Custom? Those ran about $3500.Just asking, without know any info or seeing pics this is all I can think of that might bring the price down.

He said upfront that it's a Gibson.

[Dice_3008 1]

Here's the listing.http://minneapolis.craigslist.org/ank/msg/1574307279.htmlHis original post has me a little concerned which is why I'm trying to do some home work. I mean who buys a $4200 Les Paul then decides he's more acoustic and is ok with a $1600 loss?ajs, I'll check out those other links. Thanks for the help.

[solderz 0]

You can verify it through Gibson with the number on the cert of authenticity in the final picture. Gibson had a lot of trouble with this in their early years and some serial numbers were duplicated, making the verification of an early Gibson Custom very difficult (which is a shame since the early ones are the most sought after and can value in the tens of thousands), but they fixed that problem in more recent years and keep a good data base on all their custom models. They should be able to help by contacting Gibson directly. 800-4-GIBSON or service@gibson.com. Just make sure the actual serial number and the one on the cert of authenticity match when you go to make the exchange.

[outsider13 0]

If you look at it too, make sure it's never had a broken headstock. It's very common for a Les Paul. When repaired properly, you probably wouldn't even know the difference when playing it but things like that affect the value a lot.

[LongLiveYorke 38]

Here's the listing.http://minneapolis.craigslist.org/ank/msg/1574307279.htmlHis original post has me a little concerned which is why I'm trying to do some home work. I mean who buys a $4200 Les Paul then decides he's more acoustic and is ok with a $1600 loss?ajs, I'll check out those other links. Thanks for the help.

Well, it looks like a pretty beautiful guitar to me.Hope it's real, hope you get it, and hope it plays great.

[Dice_3008 1]

You can verify it through Gibson with the number on the cert of authenticity in the final picture. Gibson had a lot of trouble with this in their early years and some serial numbers were duplicated, making the verification of an early Gibson Custom very difficult (which is a shame since the early ones are the most sought after and can value in the tens of thousands), but they fixed that problem in more recent years and keep a good data base on all their custom models. They should be able to help by contacting Gibson directly. 800-4-GIBSON or service@gibson.com. Just make sure the actual serial number and the one on the cert of authenticity match when you go to make the exchange.

I called the 800-4-GIBSON number and they said it's a black custom LP with gold hardware. Assuming everything goes well tonight I'll be purchasing this beauty.

[Piddle Duck 0]

He said upfront that it's a Gibson.

Many times you will see listings for Gibson Les Paul's which are in fact Epiphone Les Pauls. Either the seller hopes someone won't realize that there is a difference or the seller just thinks that since Epiphone is a division of Gibson that they are the same thing when they are not.I was looking for the listing last night on my own and actually found someone selling and epiphone as a gibson. Said gibson all over the listing but the headstock was an epiphone headstock.

[Piddle Duck 0]

And also, jesus christ that thing is beautiful. One day I will get one, one day. I would suggest what the above person said about calling Gibson and having them look up the serial.

[solderz 0]

I called the 800-4-GIBSON number and they said it's a black custom LP with gold hardware. Assuming everything goes well tonight I'll be purchasing this beauty.

You are getting a deal and a great guitar. You will love playing it. I have an 89 custom, white with gold pickups, and it is my favorite guitar. Best jazz sound ever.

[ajs510 122]

That is one gorgeous instrument, good luck and enjoy!

[Dice_3008 1]

Thanks for the help guys. I hope everything works out tonight. I'll report back if I get it and how it sounds.

[ajs510 122]

Thanks for the help guys. I hope everything works out tonight. I'll report back if I get it and how it sounds.

Play it before you hand over the cash!!! If he won't let you, that's a giant red flag.

[Dice_3008 1]

Update for anybody interested. I ended up passing on that guitar. I just didn't get a good vibe from the seller. He cancelled our appointment that night and I never called him back. I did buy a Gibson Les Paul Traditional and I really love it. I was playing a MIM Fender Strat prior to buying the LP. Now the strat feels like a cheap POS. Here is a link:http://guitars.musiciansfriend.com/product...itar?sku=519321

[Pot Odds RAC 23]

Update for anybody interested. I ended up passing on that guitar. I just didn't get a good vibe from the seller. He cancelled our appointment that night and I never called him back. I did buy a Gibson Les Paul Traditional and I really love it. I was playing a MIM Fender Strat prior to buying the LP. Now the strat feels like a cheap POS. Here is a link:http://guitars.musiciansfriend.com/product...itar?sku=519321

Beautiful. I was wondering about this. We talked about guitars a but when you were considering this. I have a great original 1972 Les Paul. A MIM Strat (I have one and a MIM Nashville Tele) is a fine instrument - but no match for a real Les Paul.

[Dice_3008 1]

Beautiful. I was wondering about this. We talked about guitars a but when you were considering this. I have a great original 1972 Les Paul. A MIM Strat (I have one and a MIM Nashville Tele) is a fine instrument - but no match for a real Les Paul.

I've been mulling over the idea of upgrading my amp. Currently I play through a 75W Line 6 solid state amp. It has several effects built in as well as 400+ pre programmed songs, which I never use. I'd like to get either a Marshall all tube combo, or all tube Marshall head and half stack. The thing is I don't really need all that fire power. I'm not in a band and can't really open it up without pissing of the gf and driving the dogs crazy. It's really more for the great sound I've heard several people talk about when comparing all tube amps to solid state. That being said is it true that tube amps don't starting sound great unless you have it pretty loud? Any opinion on combo or head/half stack? What models do you recommend?

[Pot Odds RAC 23]

I've been mulling over the idea of upgrading my amp. Currently I play through a 75W Line 6 solid state amp. It has several effects built in as well as 400+ pre programmed songs, which I never use. I'd like to get either a Marshall all tube combo, or all tube Marshall head and half stack. The thing is I don't really need all that fire power. I'm not in a band and can't really open it up without pissing of the gf and driving the dogs crazy. It's really more for the great sound I've heard several people talk about when comparing all tube amps to solid state. That being said is it true that tube amps don't starting sound great unless you have it pretty loud? Any opinion on combo or head/half stack? What models do you recommend?

Yeah. I am a bit of a tube snob. And you really don't get that "crunch" unless you're overloading it. You can get a device called an "Attenuator" that reduces the volume going to the speaker while still allowing you to crank up the sucker and not lose the tone. It plugs in between the Amp output and the speaker.The Hot Plate is one example, but there are cheaper more simple versions (I built my own for about $20):http://guitars.musiciansfriend.com/product...ator?sku=481283I've never owned a Marshall, but that is certainly the classic Rock Amp for the Les Paul. But would be total overkill for a non-gigging situation.Most of my playing lately has been on my American Vintage 1952 Reissue Telecaster or AV 1957 Strat pushing thru either a Blues Deluxe or Blues Junior. The Deluxe is still a little loud for a "Bedroom Amp". The BJ breaks up at a much lower volume. I used to play thru a bunch of effects, but now only use a TS9 (Keeley Mod), and Keeley Compressor, and the ever popular TU-2. Rarely I'll add an Ibanez SD9 for extra distortion. I do miss the old Big Muff sometimes. But again, these days I am going for more of a Stevie Ray clean distortion rather than booming rock.

[SBriand 4]

I have been saving up for a tube amp. I have a 2x12 Behringer SS right now which I love but I want a nice head since I can use the Behringer as a cab as well and the 2 Jensens are pretty great imo. I have been looking at the VoxAC4TVH. Pretty reasonable 4W amp and won't break any windows.

[LongLiveYorke 38]

I wish I knew more about guitars, amps, effects petals, and such. Sigh.

[SBriand 4]

Since this is as good as place as any for us to talk guitars... I took some pics of my two latest acquisitions this past weekend...They are no Les Pauls but that is fine by me. I love these two guitars and will love them more once I fond the time and energy to switch out the pups.Ibanez RG3EXFM1Ibanez S470DXQMHave a Duncan JB/Jazz for the RG3 and a Dimarzio Tone Zone/Breed for the S470.

[Pot Odds RAC 23]

Since this is as good as place as any for us to talk guitars... I took some pics of my two latest acquisitions this past weekend...They are no Les Pauls but that is fine by me. I love these two guitars and will love them more once I fond the time and energy to switch out the pups.

Sweet pointy guitar. Where'd you go guitar hunting?I think this should become the official Guitar Porn Thread.I don't know how to post pics or I'd post some of my Harem.