C'mon, Gibson... Massive thanks to Ridge for bringing you today's video! Streamline your life: ridge.com/agufish and use code AGUFISH for 10% off and free worldwide shipping!
how about Gibson take their finger out of their a** and make us a damned Explorer with NO pickguard, with active pickups. Errrr Metallica! Sadly, I'm gonna have to guess I will have to buy a stock grandfather looking jazz thing, and make it metal. On that note, how about instead of suing everyone, get busy with a modern take on the V as well.
No I'd say it's the quality, the lame looking woods, the fretwork and binding on my Gibson Les Paul is comparable to high end Squiers. I'm constantly fighting tuning problems even though I use .011's. The reputation will wind down when artists stop playing Gibsons.
They also need to innovate. At some point the older players are going to start dying, and I see very fewer younger players using them. Fender have its own problems, but at least young people play them still (for now lol)
@@martyshwaartz971 Gibson is worried about monopolizing the guitar market. Fender at least seems to care about the players. You hardly ever hear about Fender suing someone over a Strat copy.
@@TylerJohnstonGuitar Honestly, I think Fender would sue other company's using the same exact reasoning that Gibson does, but Fender lost its first attempt and thus lost its Patents, where Gibson won its first attempt and thus didn't loose its patents. Though Gibson should of lost that first case like Fender did, we can't change history. The outcome of that difference is it seems Fender cares more about players than Gibson does, as Gibson doesn't need to actually compete where Fender does. This also explains why Gibson screws over players more often than Fender does.
I love Gibson... and yeah man, both of you are right. Someone at Gibson isn't doing their homework right. But I no longer buy them new because they have gone CRAZY on the price points.... In Canada, in the last 3 years the Standards have gone up $1000!! WTF Gibson?!?!?!?!?!?!? From $2699 before the pandemic to $3700 AINT NO WAY they are worth that.
Part of that is our dollar being shite, but ya. I love Gibson too but I’m not a trust fund baby, and since everything else here is so overpriced (housing, food, internet) 😢
Something is worth as much as someone is willing to pay for it. Just buy used. There’s a lot of killer deals to be had currently because of a crappy economy.
Glad you like the Norlin era Gibsons. As a longtime guitar player (44 years and counting), who had her fair share of Norlin era Gibsons back in the day (they were all that was available to most of us in the 80s), I have quite a bit less reverence for them. I remember in retrospect how bad my Norlin era 70s SG, 70s Les Paul Signature (sort of a ES-335 with a Les Paul lower cutaway, ridiculously skinny neck, and low impedance pickups), '78 Les Paul Special were quality-wise. The SG especially, sounded fantastic, but despite all of my efforts wouldn't stay in tune for more than a song or two. Even the 1980, Howard Roberts Fusion, that was my main gigging guitar for the 90s (even for playing high gains stuff), had its issues - its thin neck (like all of the Gibsons I owned in the 80s & 90s). I don't hang my thumb above the neck or over the fingerboard, I play classical style (thumb behind the neck), courtesy of my uncle (Guitar Generation #2 in the family), who had classical guitar lessons, and instructed me to play in that manner, I always found the thin necks of Norlin era Gibsons to be uncomfortable, but I put up with them. I didn't know any better, and I subscribed to the "thin neck is a fast neck" fallacy (a fast neck, is the neck that feels most comfortable in your hand, making it easier to fly in the freboard), so I put up with it. As of 10 plus years ago, I got fed up with thin necks. Luckily, my 50s spec Les Paul Junior has a neck that is oh so comfy in my hand. I found my Gibson of choice, hopefully Gibson will come to their senses, and make your Gibson of choice (a 70s spec model), like Fender finally ended up doing in the recent times for 70s spec Fender models.
I got ahold of a 72 SG 1 walnut and yeah the neck is rather thin but it plays great and the one stock pickup sounds fantastic. Glad I did because not only is it a player but it was relatively cheap under 1k with the original case. I am however not a fan of the way Gibson prices their guitars.
A few years ago I got a factory second 1978 RD Standard bass. Sounded great, looked super cool but I feel like it further contributed to my lower back issues
Have I played a Norlin era Gibson? Yup! A few, actually. I have owned a 1979 LP Custom since 1996; my first "real" guitar my parents paid 400 or 500 for from a family friend. Lots of first band/punk rock nostalgia with that bad boy, but I really keep it for sentimental reasons. It honestly doesn't hold a candle to my PRS's. Having played a few, Norlin era guitars....just like 70's and 80's Marshall's....vary so much in how they sound. Mine is a very "meh" sounding one. My friend also owns a 79 Custom and it is one of the best guitars I have ever heard or played.
The problem with legacy brands like Gibson and fender, is that they rely too much on their provenance as the selling points. Or their aesthetics. Because for new instruments, the prices they command are pretty ridiculous, given what you actually receive.
this is why up and coming makers like Mayones and Sugi are making great custom guitars for less and better quality. ESP is doing the same shit as Gibson jacking up prices as well.
The problem with being a Gibson fan is you also see how much the brand fucks up, but there are just some guitars we either own or played that were FANTASTIC. And so the journey begins of trying to find that same magic in a good Gibson amidst all the disappointment.
I heard Gibson was in talks with Ace Frehley about doing his black 70s Custom prior to the company restructure, but I recall the Custom Shop Budokan models were fairly close to Norlin specs
Those guitars turned into another Frampton run. They cut ties with Ace after he asked for 10 of his Burst sig models, then went on national TV and bragged about selling them to fans for 40k each when they weren’t meant to be sold. He was meant to be using them to promote Gibson……..
I was looking for my first, true singlecut little under a year ago. Since a store near me had a ton of Gibsons, I went there first. As much as the vibe was cool, and I quite liked the sound and vibe of the traditional and studio, the thick necks made it physically uncomfortable for me to play them, even the short-ish time in the store. I was lucky enough to find someone selling an effectively new ESP E-II Eclipse, tried it out, instantly fell in love with it, and the neck shape being perfect for my hands was definitely a good part of it. If Gibson actually made 70's reissue Les Pauls, I probably would've gotten hooked on one of those, and Gibson would've won a new customer, but they didn't. And I am absolutely certain that most younger players like me have had similar experiences. Gibson really is missing out on a LOT of potential customers by not making at least truly 70s inspired guitars. I wouldn't need the pancake bodies, I'd even be fine without the volute (although, come on, there's no reason not to have it... it massively increases the guitar's durability) but the neck shape needs to be there. Not to mention, the 70s had awesome looks as well, what's up with that?
I feel this way about Gibson Explorers. Why do I have to go all the way up to a $5,500 Custom Shop guitar just to get a fatter neck? I hate slim taper and Les Pauls just don't do it for me.
If it's any consolation, look for a 2011 Edwards E-LP 110CD QM. Save for the quilted maple top, they were spec'd like a Norlin-era Custom-- Thin neck neck with volute and ebony fingerboard. Dunno if they went all-in on a pancake body or maple neck, and the headstock was slightly bigger than a regular Edwards E-LP (but not overly-so). Unfortunately, 2011 was the only year I've found so far where any E-LP 110CD was spec'd like that.
I’m with you on this. I commented on Fluffs vid too. They reissue a guitar but the specs are all wrong and although it “looks” like the original, the feel is all off. The 2007 84’ Exp reissue is another. The body was wrong, the materials were off, but the price was sure bloated enough. Now people have the gaul to ask 4-5k for them? Pass! I’ll just buy an original for that money. Love my 74’ LPC, but Gibson isn’t gonna do it true to spec.
I've never played a Gibson before...However I do really now like the 70's Gibsons. Fluffs video made me aware of the RD and now I want one. It is annoying though when the best part of a companies history isn't favoured by anyone modern so it gets ignored and left behind
Yeah, that’s the main reason I sold a Les Paul I owned for a little while, I just prefer thinner necks. That’s why Les Paul Customs were always cooler to me, as they had thinner necks, so I’d definitely be down to see more 70s style Les Paul’s in reproduction, might actually get me to buy a Gibson.
I'd like to see Gibson raise the quality control. I always wanted a ES-335 so I traded in a Les Paul classic a Ibanez Jiva and a charvel DK-24 and still Paid $1,000 for one. I took it home and couldn't set it up properly. I obsessed for week trying to figure it out. The learned that the nut had to be filed down 2mm and replotted because it was way too high. Then it still didn't play right. Took it back to where I bought it and compared it to the other ones they had there and none of them buzzed ike this one did. We then learned that the neck was also warped. They did agree to return it as a credit but the other es-335 they had some weird stuff going on two and the es-345 was too polite sounding in comparison although same specs. So I ended up with a slash Les Paul that would have been not what I wanted to take three perfect guitars for and pay into. I would have been happier with what I had originally but they were sold already. When I too home the slash guitar I felt some edges on the binding on the neck . Then noticed the binding was cracked from the 12th fret to the neck pickup from fret spout. So it crack the binding in 12 spots if I am counting both sides. So I went back and returned it. Asked for a Les Paul that for $4,000 should be perfect. The told me if I want a perfect guitar that gibson is not the brand for me. That no two colour are the same. No two sound the same and that there is always qc issues especially because of dry climate. But there be a wall of Gibsons where they are all cracked at the bindings due to Brett spout. This never happened to be before. My 2017 les Paul classic never had that nor did my Les Paul customer lite not did Amy previous standard, traditional both sg's and Flying V. So I ended up getting a Friedman Twin Sister. Not buying anymore Gibsons till they figure this stuff out because they are too over priced for the issues and they stress and insomnia I went through for a month on this ordeal. I'm passionate about the brand they are my bucket list guitars. So it is a brand for my but maybe not from the current line up.
OMG Speaking of the Norlin-era walnut The Paul . . . I played one at a local store a few months ago, and keep in mind that I have two gibson les pauls of my own, but that thing must have weighed FIFTEEN pounds. It was unplayable. I STILL can't believe how heavy that thing was.
I own a ‘77 RD Artist. Other than the weird electronics, everything else…and I mean EVERYTHING else about this guitar make it the finest guitar I have ever held in my hands, let alone called my own. And…once I replace the pickups with a set of bare knuckles and replace electronics with standard LP wiring, I’ll have a nice place in the control cavity to keep any extra luggage ☘️
@@mpashalian7650 it’s more than that. I like that it’s all maple with an ebony board for high end snappy-ness. I like that it’s a set neck. I like that it’s an offset body which doesn’t neck-dive on me for some reason. I like that it’s nitro finish so that it looks better with age. And I like that it’s 25.5” scale so I can put it in D standard tuning with regular strings and have them not get flubby. I can’t think of any other guitar which accomplishes all those things spec-wise. Dunables come close, but no cigar. Fluff’s Hyperion signature neck-dives like crazy. And the guy from Grizenia seems unfriendly.
@@Myoldnameiscringy and the reissues also do not suffer neck dive, same body style, nitro. I’ve tried the Dunable, Hyperion and gryzenia, and Eastman, agreed just don’t cut it. It looks like you want the scale more than anything else but I honestly don’t see how that’s such a big deal. Considering that RD’s and Explorer’s aren’t weight relieved not using maple actually seems like a good idea since many complained about them being too heavy
I had a ebony 1974 LP standard when I was in Germany back in 1984 bought it for $500. Sold it for $500. Bought a Kramer, Striker for $250. with the original Floyd Rose ( no fine tuners or locking nut) modified it with locking nut and FR with fine tuners and a DiMarzzio super distortion but changed that to a Seymour Duncan JB trembucker and still have it to this day. But I do regret letting go of that LP because it was a player and sounded awesome and looked awesome too. Plus it was from that era of manufacturing at Gibson that has vanished from existence.
A 1972 Les Paul would normally have a mahogany neck. My 73 has a mahogany neck, (although it was modded before I bought it) It has the volute, which I love, and a pancake body. I love it.
I have owned a few Norlin L6s, i still have one and my 70s tribute gets some of it right, it has the neck shape, the headstock angle, the volute and the Big 70s headstock but no pancake body, still im not complaining its a low end Gibby that comes very close.
My first lessons were on a '76 Custom back when I started in 1990. That's been the unicorn for me ever since. Simply can't bring myself to drop the coin and when I was younger, I simply didn't have the cash. As for necks, I have a '70s tribute SG and that thing has the chunkiest neck of my entire collection with no volute. You're right, why? I hadn't thought of it but yeah, why?
As a fan of the Norlin era I couldn’t agree more! I would have bought a current production standard or custom with Norlin specs in a heart beat but they made their “T-type” pickup (modern copy of 70s T-top) impossible to get unless you got a CME exclusive SG or ES-335 as no other guitar had them and you couldn’t buy them separately until now and only the LP tribute has a maple neck. I was fortunate to track down a real 1976 Black Beauty Custom at a reasonable price and it’s my favorite guitar but the lack of Norlin specs is def an issue in their line up. I’m itching to try the Adam Jones Epiphone which is the closest modern production Norlin inspired LP I’ve seen so far.
If anything they should have carried over from the 70s is the maple neck that came on the guitars, should be standard on all of their models today. Having a maple neck would help minimize the neck breaks that seem to occur alot.
I have a 78 Deluxe and I couldn't agree more about that part of the video. I tried a 70's Deluxe Reissue in a guitar center and it basically felt like a 50's neck LP with mini humbuckers in it. Not a big deal, just a little disappointing.
Because they all came off the same production line. The 70s guitars look like the 50s guitars because a mini humbucker fits the P90 route. Retooling costs money and Gibson are too cheap to provide this on their premium products.
Get a Dunable R2 if you want an RD(25.5” scale length) without overpaying. The US ones are pricey, but the DE series is great for the money. Also, good plug for the ridge wallet. I usually get annoyed by ads getting worked into videos, but I have one and love it lol. I feel targeted.
Gibson guitars are average at best. They are playable and sound great, but tuning stability is mid par and the headstock angle makes it prone to accidents. To me, buying a gibson guitar is just buying for tradition or getting nice finishes thats it. There are way more guitars that play better and feel the same with a lower price. from lower harley benton to larry carlton. Gibson makes so stupid decisions to their guitars. They're like the nintendo of guitars but worse. Their older guitars are way better, but the newer ones... you might aswell buy a epiphone.
People can say what they want about Gibson, but between reviewing my 50s Standard and a core model custom 24, I’m realizing that they’re entirely different guitars and the 24 will never be my Gibson in terms of feel and playability. It’s an excellent guitar and plays how I expect it to every time. The PRS is also a great guitar and is perfect at what it’s capable of, but I’m understanding how they’re incredibly different guitars now.
I also bought a beat up The Paul husk, simply because I was intrigued by the walnut body. It's so different from every other Gibson out there: thin neck, low and wide frets, unique sound. And yes, a deep black ebony fretboard. Works like a charm with a 57 Classic+/57 Classic pair. Fantastic, very playable axe, and still one of my favourites. The reissue wasn't bad at all, but yes, the fretboard change was a bummer. To me, the RD Artist 40th anniversary "Reissue" was an unofficial Ghost signature guitar, right before they signed with Hagstrom. Not really an attempt to recapture the quirky originals. I like mine and appreciate the screaming, very uncommon GEM active pickups as a kind of nod to the original's active electronics. In terms of playability though, it's more or less a 90s and up SG, not a 70s RD.
I would love to see Epiphone get in the ring as a 70s experimental run. 59 les Pauls are cool but the 70s had so many cool specs! They can at least give it a shot along with having artist signatures like Dave Grohl or even John Sykes who had a 70s custom
I bought a 'The SG', also in Walnut, (in the 70s). It was an incredible guitar which I unfortunately sold to get married (it happens to most of us!). Of all my guitars owned over that last 50 years, that is the one that I miss most!
Great article, the `Marauder` was a real surprise as I have one, exactly like the one shown here . Bought in London in 1976 for £210 new. I still own and play it regularly. Now, after a few choice modifications it`s a real talking point at gig`s , especially as i`ve had it from new. It has most definitely paid for itself several times over.
I have an original 74 les paul custom and it’s unbelively great. I just can’t buy more guitars because every time I find some guitar I like I jus go Nah, I already have the best :)
Well said. I really like the Norlin stuff. Maple necks, maple bodies, Schaller hardware, nice pickups. I am a big fan of the RD and Victory series (both guitar and bass), the L-5S, the G3 bass, Explorer E2, Les Paul Artisan, Chet Atkins CE. The new Gibson under CE Curleigh (well now Cesar) is not better than the Henry J era. They discontinued the Jazz boxes instead to go another route to make smaller body new models like a slightly bigger Les Paul body and venetian cutaway (similar to the Heritage Millenium) and with a bridge on a stripe of ebony, an L-5 tailpiece, gold hardware and fancy inlay and binding work, some new shapes. But instead, they put out lots of Les Paul and SG, V and Explorer in multiple variations. They have a Custom Shop but only offer few options, though I read that they advertise that you can come up with your own body design. It might cost between 7 and 10 grand, lots of money for the average play, but not that much considering their recent prices.
My ‘73 SG Standard has a one piece mahogany body, ebony fretboard and real mother of pearl inlays. A reissue of those specs would be expensive, but super cool. Also the neck is slim and narrow, which I love.
I’ve got a Norlin era LP Custom with the Tim Shaw PAF’s. That guitar slays. I also had the pleasure of playing a friend’s ‘76 LP Custom and that guitar is the reason I fell in love with the Norlin LP’s. I’ve had quite a few newer LP’s and they don’t even come close. I’m also a huge fan of the RD and it’s just a damn shame they don’t reproduce that one with the original specs, 25.5” scale and all. The reissues are cool and absolutely shred, but as you said, it would be nice to see Gibson show the Norlin era some love. It’s time.
I previously owned an 81 LP Custom Silverburst that I have regretted selling about 15 yrs ago. It had Tim Shaws in it and it sounded fantastic. I currently own a 76 LP Custom in Red Wine. It has T Tops in it, and the pickups and neck profile are out of this world. Even blows away the Silverburst. I will never sell the 76.
Wow! I guess I started hanging out in my local music store when Gibson was owned by Norlin. I remember when ALL of these models came out and were hung on the wall. I couldn't afford any of them but my best friend managed to get The Paul. [Wonder if he still has it]. I was in love with that S1.
All I ever wanted while learning guitar was a silverburst Gibson custom but now even with the means to get one it's impossible to justify it. Even their "budget" range considering how little they care about feedback from the community
My first Gibson was a brand new 1981 Norlin era Les Paul Standard. I was really excited to have a real Gibson. When I brought it to my guitar teacher he (gently) ripped just about everything wrong with it. Looking back, he was right, it was a poorly made guitar. Gibson was hit and miss during the Norlin era which was a catalyst for new boutique companies like Hamer, Dean, and the Japanese companies (Ibanez and Tokai especially) to come in and build high quality replicas and new variants. I still struggle to understand the used pricing of those guitars. Players of the time were turning away from Gibson (and Fender) in droves for better quality and features offered by newer brands.
It's always been difficult for me to understand people why people are so mad at Gibson since I've always been in love with my SG ..... But then I remember I paid 950€ for it brand new in 2013 not the high prices they are trying to sell today and I understand it 😂.....
Gibson have great guitars but got rid of my Les Paul since wasn't feeling the ergos & weight, and got rid of my SG cos it never held its tuning, even after redoing the nut. Love their colors (faded pelham 🤤). Love their finishes (big fan of nitro). And I think their stock pickups are underrated. But I prefer other brands for their playability. Price is very high but so is PRS. And I've been seeing made in China and Indonesia for over $1.2k pretty often nowadays. All guitar prices have been going up! I am a Fender fan boy though and have always appreciated their MIM being affordable and quality
I personally don't see any issue with changing the specs of a reissued guitar if they offer another one with the original specs. That way, everyone's happy. Maybe it's me against the world there, I dunno
I have an '81 Les Paul Custom that's an AMAZING guitar (not as amazing as my '06 Goddess, but still very nice). It doesn't have the pancake body, but it does have the volute and maple neck (and Shawbuckers!). I paid $2500 for it in fair player-grade condition (it just needed a refret...JUMBO STAINLESS, BABY!). Gibson needs to have a Les Paul N...a Les Paul Custom platform with the 3 piece maple neck with the volute, thin profile, and T-Top or Tim Shaw pickups to get the mid-70s to early 80s vibe.
New Gibson guitars aren’t always worth the high ticket price. A used Les Paul is one of the best guitars you could purchase today. I’ve got two lightly used Les Paul customs that were significantly cheaper than other used high end guitars like PRS, Jackson, ESP, and Charvel. As a lefty I didn’t have many brands to choose from but Gibsons, especially those past the 2018 era are some of the best quality guitars today.
As a graphic designer i'm fairly convinced the best thing about a gibson, that nobody wants to admit is the logo and headstock shape are superior to their competitors. there are LP guitars from other manufacturers better suited for every style of music, but like supreme, radioflyer, jeep, snapon, or harley davidson people have to have premium logos.
I agree to a certain degree, when they reissue something they should make no compromises and there are some cool 70s features like the volute, neck angle and the neck thickness, but wouldnt those specs acknowledge that their guitars leave the factory with a flawed design? (A volute exists so a neck doesnt break when falling) That said i dont want to see pancake bodies ever again and the rd jack output location sucks as much as the knobs layout, they should have the knobs and switch location like on a late model gibson invader, with the toggle switch above and between the neck volume and the bridge volume knob
I’ve got a custom shop Les Paul blue sparkle with an insanely thin neck. Not quite Ibanez Wizard thin, but the thinnest I’ve seen on any Les Paul. It’s a killer guitar. I usually prefer my ESP Eclipses. But I’ve got a few Gibson’s that really kick ass. And as much as I like Ibanez, Schecter, ESP, LTD, Dean or Fender…nothing sounds like a Les Paul. For all their faults, and gripes, they have a vibe that can’t be replicated. And when you find one you mesh with, you become a believer. I like Gibson. Even with all their beard stroker pretentiousness. They make a great guitar.
Dude Gibson DOES make a period correct deluxe, it's a custom shop model. Pancake body, maple neck w volute, big headstock, mini hummers and sparkle top finishes. Gibson's real issue is that they straight up DO NOT CARE about their USA lines. They know people will buy those simply for a slice of the Gibson name on the headstock. They bank on aficionados buying custom shop. I DO NOT agree with their pricing, but you are way off the mark saying they don't offer it. Adam Jones essentially forced them to reissue Norlin guitars with period correct specs...even going as far as a THREE PIECE TOP on his signature model. I have a USA Adam Jones standard, am I bummed it's not a maple neck? Eh I was, but then I realized what I'm telling you now. Gibson's "true historic" pieces with ALWAYS be custom shop. The USA guitars are merely tributes. None of either the 50s, 60s or 70s LPs have long neck tenons, the proper shape headstock, inlays, body thickness, they ALL use the same high-gloss nitro finishes, the list goes on. Fluff's issue was valid in that you CAN NOT get even a custom shop RD...for any amount of money. You want a red sparkle top Deluxe with a pancake body and maple neck? There are two of em at the Gibson Garage as I type this.
I would to see more 70's specs Gibson re-issues. Like those SG standards with smaller pickguard, smaller block inlays and pickup placement more similar to Les Paul.
A part of me empathises with your frustration, but I do wonder how significant the groundswell of interest in Norlin-era specs for let’s say the 70s Les Paul would be. If I were a business like Gibson, I’d wait for the clamour to be pretty damn deafening before I took action because it take a lot of time and effort to first identify a “definitive” neck profile, re-Programme the CNC and prototype out what may be only a product for a passing fad. Another way to look at it is: “hmm why would I want to bother with a mid-level product when ESP and all the other ‘cloners’ have that covered, when I can just stick to my regular 50s and 60s models which are proven to sell”. Again, I get the frustration, but is there a significant mass of demand to justify the deviation? I’d love to see numbers first.
I owned a 79 tobacco burst custom that was an incredible guitar - Sold it to0my best friend bacon like 1984 for I believe was $450 - He still has it... Wonder if I could get it back for the same price?
as a bass player i want a not 4000$ vintage firebird bass to come back. the ONLY ones gibson and their companies have is an epi thats roughly a grand and custom shop gibson which is rather annoying. heard good on the grabber and would like to try one but the price point to even think about it is hilarious
Norlin era have been about the only Gibsons I’ve ever liked except for a gold top tribute I picked up a few years ago but didn’t buy it Gibson homers hate Norlin era Gibsons , but at least from my experience people who typically don’t like Gibsons like the Norlin era Gibsons, they are the non Gibson guys Gibsons the only Gibsons I’ve played I liked have been 70s but it’s like classic cars everyone wanted a 67-69 camaro eventually they all got bought up and restored and the prices went up so then people got into the 70s f bodies because they were affordable and now try finding a decent split bumper for less than 30k same thing with guitars I think some of the 80s Gibsons are going up in value. I’m with you though how about a pancake body maple neck studio custom in the 1500 dollar range ? I would think that would be cheaper on materials maybe ?
I had been waiting for Gibson to reissue the Marauder for ages. They could also compete in a lower price range with the bolt on neck. I gave up waiting so just made my own Marauder. My DIY is now one of my favourite guitars.
I bought my first Gibson in the 70s , man I'm getting old! So no surprise the Norlin area is my favorite era, All the different wild looking and sounding guitars , the XPL Explorers etc etc etc etc so so many , like the music the 70s and 80s guitars were the best.. I recently picked up one of the reissue 70s deluxe LP's and while it isn't an actual 70s spec guitar it is nice , don't regret buying it at all. Would love to see Gibson do some honest reissues of the Les Pauls from the 70s but there is so much more from that era they could make and toss out to see how it does.. It's one of those things of they won't really know how they will sell until they build a few and put them out there , come on Gibson make some and see!!
I've got a 1974 SG Standard that I bought Brand New when I was around 18 or 19. It's got an Ebony Board (100 dollar option then) Factory Bigsby, darker Cherry stain than the rosewood had, Grover Keystone tuners, the Volute, and original Super Humbuckers. Still have two out of the five backups I had and will never sell them. The back ups play incredible but the 74 Ebony Board is by far the best Guitar I've ever played, prior I was a hard Core Fender Guy. I'd gladly pay 5-6 thousand for an ACCURATE Replica. Otherwise I'd patiently wait for a Good Playing similar year Guitar. There's no bad QC on Norlin Electrics, it's a Myth! I've owned Six of those early/mid seventies SG's and they're alot more consistent than any made from late 90's to current, which I've owned 13 and sold all but two recent SG's, seems the 2022 & 2023 are a large improvement over 30 years of sucking. I also had two LP Customs 74 & 76 that Blow the Doors off ANY LP I've played from the 80's until today. And Don't Forget Norlin Had Far More Stable THREE PIECE NECKS. Gibson needs to Fact Check themselves about the Real Quality from the 70's after owning Gibson from 60's Guitars to their Current I mean Several Dozen Gibson's hands down the 70's are the best. Their 80:s were more solidly built too.
Favorite Les Paul i ever grabbed - a late Norlan era Les Paul Custom. Felt great and played great. Neck was unlike most Gibsons I’ve felt (in a good way).
I think it probably would cost more to make a pancake style reissue than it's worth. As far as moving the RD's jack off the top to the side: I'm all for it. But the main feature of the 25 1/2" scale should have been left alone.
The Corvus was originally supposed to be a headless with the tuners in the notch on the rear. Gibson decided it looked too dumb with the head missing but kept the dumb shape anyways ?! 🤔
Thin neck plays too much in the modern collection category, which is the dedicated one for modern, fast, specs. From a branding strategy perspective, they need a clear distinction of the originals (traditional, vintage oriented) and modern (performance oriented). Not actually my opinion on whether there should be a 70s, Norlin-era like guitar but actually how I think they approached the issue.
That’s 100% true. But nothing sounds or feels like a Gibson Les Paul. I have schecters and ESP’s that are flawless. But nothing comes close to matching the brutality of my Gibson Les Paul Custom. Different tools for different jobs. My ESP’s are like scalpels. Precise and deadly. My Gibson’s are like sledgehammers or wrecking balls. Equally as deadly, just in a different way. Their inconsistencies is what makes them unique. Warts and all. It just depends on what you like. I’ve got a 200$ Squier that sits proudly amongst my guitars that cost 25 times as much. Play what you like. Play what you can afford. As long as you play, that’s all that matters.
wild how much more love fender pays to their equivalent 70's era than Gibson does for the Norlin. The Thinline, Deluxe, and Custom tele's are all guitars that are from the an era that was once deemed undesirable that they have incorporated as a core piece of the lineup. I mean there was even a time where the Jazzmaster and Jaguar were seen as cult fringe models, but are now core pieces of their brand. I talked to a rep at CME a bit back and they said they sell more Jazzmasters than Strats. And fender responded in kind by making a custom model JM for them and every year making more jazzmaster models for that audience. I have a feeling that if Gibson found out a store was selling more Firebirds than Les Pauls they wouldn't find a way to make more firebirds, they would tell that dealer they aren't pushing the Les Paul enough.
I have two Norlin era Gibsons in on long term loan from a friend of mine, and I can agree the necks are super fucking quick. Out of the 2 (72 SG and 74 LPC 20th anniversary) the 72 SG tends to be the guitar I reach for the most.
Also had a ‘80 wine red deluxe with the mini microphones, if it wasn’t perfectly original I would’ve routed the thing for humbuckers. The neck was heavenly like you mentioned, very ESP-esque
Tomorrow night the second batch of those Epi AJ sigs is dropping. As quick as the first batch went, could be a frenzy again. At least it's built properly. Just bullshit that Gibson makes retailers hold them till a certain "release date".
If you don't mind importing second hand from Japan, History (by FGN) do a pretty decent LPC style guitar with a maple neck/volute and comfy ass neck. Poly finish though.
I like volutes and pancake bodies, but these are the types of things that that Norlin era instruments were criticised for. I've put it down to Gibson not wanting to resurrect features that flopped first time around or to keep manufacture and parts simple and similar to other models in the current range. The L6S had a narrow neck that didn't catch on and some less common hardware. I can understand a reissue that approximates to the original without the quirky bits. The RD, Marauder, Les Paul Recording, Sonex and M3 probably wouldn't sell that well if they were remade identical to the originals. It's rough on people that like the 'correct' spec. , but maybe they aren't a big enough market to support a production run.
C'mon, Gibson...
Massive thanks to Ridge for bringing you today's video! Streamline your life: ridge.com/agufish and use code AGUFISH for 10% off and free worldwide shipping!
thats why im a fender boiiii, + I cant deal with the short scale lengt
how about Gibson take their finger out of their a** and make us a damned Explorer with NO pickguard, with active pickups. Errrr Metallica! Sadly, I'm gonna have to guess I will have to buy a stock grandfather looking jazz thing, and make it metal. On that note, how about instead of suing everyone, get busy with a modern take on the V as well.
For a company that prides themselves on being the “authentic” brand, they really hate using the right specs 😞
I think the saying refers to not playing a Chibson.
@@tonepilot I feel like it also infers about people buying brands like ESP or others who use a similar shape to theirs.
@@theders8590 Agree!
@@theders8590 That's expected when guitars like the ESP EC1000 are way better than any Gibson available.
@@usuallyclueless4477 Even my EC330 played better then this Gibson I tried at Guitar Center for 1500 bucks.
The issue is the price. The reputation alone is what makes the sales, it’s certainly not the quality of the products.
No I'd say it's the quality, the lame looking woods, the fretwork and binding on my Gibson Les Paul is comparable to high end Squiers. I'm constantly fighting tuning problems even though I use .011's. The reputation will wind down when artists stop playing Gibsons.
They also need to innovate. At some point the older players are going to start dying, and I see very fewer younger players using them. Fender have its own problems, but at least young people play them still (for now lol)
@@mallowmarkerdon8144 They’re built like sub 500 dollar guitars, god forbid they priced them that way though. Heads would explode.
@@martyshwaartz971 Gibson is worried about monopolizing the guitar market. Fender at least seems to care about the players. You hardly ever hear about Fender suing someone over a Strat copy.
@@TylerJohnstonGuitar
Honestly, I think Fender would sue other company's using the same exact reasoning that Gibson does, but Fender lost its first attempt and thus lost its Patents, where Gibson won its first attempt and thus didn't loose its patents. Though Gibson should of lost that first case like Fender did, we can't change history. The outcome of that difference is it seems Fender cares more about players than Gibson does, as Gibson doesn't need to actually compete where Fender does. This also explains why Gibson screws over players more often than Fender does.
I love Gibson... and yeah man, both of you are right. Someone at Gibson isn't doing their homework right. But I no longer buy them new because they have gone CRAZY on the price points.... In Canada, in the last 3 years the Standards have gone up $1000!! WTF Gibson?!?!?!?!?!?!? From $2699 before the pandemic to $3700 AINT NO WAY they are worth that.
Part of that is our dollar being shite, but ya. I love Gibson too but I’m not a trust fund baby, and since everything else here is so overpriced (housing, food, internet) 😢
Something is worth as much as someone is willing to pay for it. Just buy used. There’s a lot of killer deals to be had currently because of a crappy economy.
funny... in my country, last month, something happened that I never thought I would ever see during my lifetime... Gibsons went down in price!
@@dirgmario man, stop lying!!! 🤣🤣🤣 seems like a miracle. 😆
@@Wargasm644 Yeah, pretty much what I do... but going 1k in less than 3 years for the same exact model is b.s.!
Glad you like the Norlin era Gibsons. As a longtime guitar player (44 years and counting), who had her fair share of Norlin era Gibsons back in the day (they were all that was available to most of us in the 80s), I have quite a bit less reverence for them. I remember in retrospect how bad my Norlin era 70s SG, 70s Les Paul Signature (sort of a ES-335 with a Les Paul lower cutaway, ridiculously skinny neck, and low impedance pickups), '78 Les Paul Special were quality-wise. The SG especially, sounded fantastic, but despite all of my efforts wouldn't stay in tune for more than a song or two.
Even the 1980, Howard Roberts Fusion, that was my main gigging guitar for the 90s (even for playing high gains stuff), had its issues - its thin neck (like all of the Gibsons I owned in the 80s & 90s). I don't hang my thumb above the neck or over the fingerboard, I play classical style (thumb behind the neck), courtesy of my uncle (Guitar Generation #2 in the family), who had classical guitar lessons, and instructed me to play in that manner, I always found the thin necks of Norlin era Gibsons to be uncomfortable, but I put up with them. I didn't know any better, and I subscribed to the "thin neck is a fast neck" fallacy (a fast neck, is the neck that feels most comfortable in your hand, making it easier to fly in the freboard), so I put up with it. As of 10 plus years ago, I got fed up with thin necks. Luckily, my 50s spec Les Paul Junior has a neck that is oh so comfy in my hand.
I found my Gibson of choice, hopefully Gibson will come to their senses, and make your Gibson of choice (a 70s spec model), like Fender finally ended up doing in the recent times for 70s spec Fender models.
I got ahold of a 72 SG 1 walnut and yeah the neck is rather thin but it plays great and the one stock pickup sounds fantastic. Glad I did because not only is it a player but it was relatively cheap under 1k with the original case. I am however not a fan of the way Gibson prices their guitars.
I played a 1977 Gibson Les Paul custom in tobacco sunburst, and it was amazing. Such a beautiful guitar, and when my mate bought it, it was cheap
A few years ago I got a factory second 1978 RD Standard bass. Sounded great, looked super cool but I feel like it further contributed to my lower back issues
Fender weightless strap
Props for the Norlin love! They aren't traditional, but they are beasts in their own right!
Definitely! At this point, they're like 50 years old, so I'd say they're at least kind of traditional haha
Proud owner of a Late Norlin era Flying V, the best Guitar ive ever played.
Have I played a Norlin era Gibson? Yup! A few, actually. I have owned a 1979 LP Custom since 1996; my first "real" guitar my parents paid 400 or 500 for from a family friend. Lots of first band/punk rock nostalgia with that bad boy, but I really keep it for sentimental reasons. It honestly doesn't hold a candle to my PRS's.
Having played a few, Norlin era guitars....just like 70's and 80's Marshall's....vary so much in how they sound. Mine is a very "meh" sounding one. My friend also owns a 79 Custom and it is one of the best guitars I have ever heard or played.
The problem with legacy brands like Gibson and fender, is that they rely too much on their provenance as the selling points. Or their aesthetics. Because for new instruments, the prices they command are pretty ridiculous, given what you actually receive.
this is why up and coming makers like Mayones and Sugi are making great custom guitars for less and better quality. ESP is doing the same shit as Gibson jacking up prices as well.
The problem with being a Gibson fan is you also see how much the brand fucks up, but there are just some guitars we either own or played that were FANTASTIC. And so the journey begins of trying to find that same magic in a good Gibson amidst all the disappointment.
I heard Gibson was in talks with Ace Frehley about doing his black 70s Custom prior to the company restructure, but I recall the Custom Shop Budokan models were fairly close to Norlin specs
Those guitars turned into another Frampton run. They cut ties with Ace after he asked for 10 of his Burst sig models, then went on national TV and bragged about selling them to fans for 40k each when they weren’t meant to be sold. He was meant to be using them to promote Gibson……..
@@Richtone85 that’s what happens when being a screwup no wonder why kiss fired him lmao 😂
@Tattoo_suit619 still better than tommy 'Mr splinter' thayer, he's so wooden you get splinters...
@@jasonl1942 tbh I’d choose him over ace lol 😂
@Tattoo_suit619 thats cool, you can have him.
I was looking for my first, true singlecut little under a year ago. Since a store near me had a ton of Gibsons, I went there first. As much as the vibe was cool, and I quite liked the sound and vibe of the traditional and studio, the thick necks made it physically uncomfortable for me to play them, even the short-ish time in the store.
I was lucky enough to find someone selling an effectively new ESP E-II Eclipse, tried it out, instantly fell in love with it, and the neck shape being perfect for my hands was definitely a good part of it. If Gibson actually made 70's reissue Les Pauls, I probably would've gotten hooked on one of those, and Gibson would've won a new customer, but they didn't.
And I am absolutely certain that most younger players like me have had similar experiences. Gibson really is missing out on a LOT of potential customers by not making at least truly 70s inspired guitars. I wouldn't need the pancake bodies, I'd even be fine without the volute (although, come on, there's no reason not to have it... it massively increases the guitar's durability) but the neck shape needs to be there. Not to mention, the 70s had awesome looks as well, what's up with that?
A volute does nothing to prevent neck breaks.
Properly quarter-sawn lumber does.
ESP Eclipse is what Gibson should have made in the modern Les Paul guitar. Love mine so good.
Would love to see a 70s LP!
I feel this way about Gibson Explorers. Why do I have to go all the way up to a $5,500 Custom Shop guitar just to get a fatter neck? I hate slim taper and Les Pauls just don't do it for me.
If it's any consolation, look for a 2011 Edwards E-LP 110CD QM. Save for the quilted maple top, they were spec'd like a Norlin-era Custom-- Thin neck neck with volute and ebony fingerboard.
Dunno if they went all-in on a pancake body or maple neck, and the headstock was slightly bigger than a regular Edwards E-LP (but not overly-so).
Unfortunately, 2011 was the only year I've found so far where any E-LP 110CD was spec'd like that.
I played a 1973 Les Paul Custom at the Chicago Music Exchange and it was the best guitar ive ever played.
How spectacular.
i have a 73 LP triumph bass...
I’m with you on this. I commented on Fluffs vid too. They reissue a guitar but the specs are all wrong and although it “looks” like the original, the feel is all off. The 2007 84’ Exp reissue is another. The body was wrong, the materials were off, but the price was sure bloated enough. Now people have the gaul to ask 4-5k for them? Pass!
I’ll just buy an original for that money.
Love my 74’ LPC, but Gibson isn’t gonna do it true to spec.
I've never played a Gibson before...However I do really now like the 70's Gibsons. Fluffs video made me aware of the RD and now I want one. It is annoying though when the best part of a companies history isn't favoured by anyone modern so it gets ignored and left behind
Dunable Guitars have the R2 model. i think it's the same and better
yeah i second the dunable r2 or the r2de if your on a budget.
Yeah, that’s the main reason I sold a Les Paul I owned for a little while, I just prefer thinner necks. That’s why Les Paul Customs were always cooler to me, as they had thinner necks, so I’d definitely be down to see more 70s style Les Paul’s in reproduction, might actually get me to buy a Gibson.
I'd like to see Gibson raise the quality control. I always wanted a ES-335 so I traded in a Les Paul classic a Ibanez Jiva and a charvel DK-24 and still Paid $1,000 for one. I took it home and couldn't set it up properly. I obsessed for week trying to figure it out. The learned that the nut had to be filed down 2mm and replotted because it was way too high. Then it still didn't play right. Took it back to where I bought it and compared it to the other ones they had there and none of them buzzed ike this one did. We then learned that the neck was also warped. They did agree to return it as a credit but the other es-335 they had some weird stuff going on two and the es-345 was too polite sounding in comparison although same specs. So I ended up with a slash Les Paul that would have been not what I wanted to take three perfect guitars for and pay into. I would have been happier with what I had originally but they were sold already. When I too home the slash guitar I felt some edges on the binding on the neck . Then noticed the binding was cracked from the 12th fret to the neck pickup from fret spout. So it crack the binding in 12 spots if I am counting both sides. So I went back and returned it. Asked for a Les Paul that for $4,000 should be perfect. The told me if I want a perfect guitar that gibson is not the brand for me. That no two colour are the same. No two sound the same and that there is always qc issues especially because of dry climate. But there be a wall of Gibsons where they are all cracked at the bindings due to Brett spout. This never happened to be before. My 2017 les Paul classic never had that nor did my Les Paul customer lite not did Amy previous standard, traditional both sg's and Flying V. So I ended up getting a Friedman Twin Sister. Not buying anymore Gibsons till they figure this stuff out because they are too over priced for the issues and they stress and insomnia I went through for a month on this ordeal. I'm passionate about the brand they are my bucket list guitars. So it is a brand for my but maybe not from the current line up.
That really stinks. I’m glad it ended well but the es-335 should’ve been literally the dream guitar
Great points. I wish they would reissue a 70's Flying V with 70's style headstock.
My 80 LP standard neck is the best Ive played Gibson needs to figure it out
OMG Speaking of the Norlin-era walnut The Paul . . . I played one at a local store a few months ago, and keep in mind that I have two gibson les pauls of my own, but that thing must have weighed FIFTEEN pounds. It was unplayable. I STILL can't believe how heavy that thing was.
I've only gotten to hold a 70's custom lp and kinda tinker on it for a couple seconds. My local guitar repair guy showed it to me. I want one.
Ohh that’s what the Sparrowhawk is based on?!
Yep because Gibson kept screwing up his sig models and he left for ESP. Smart move on his part
Heard in a recent interview with capt. Lee on Andertons channel that he is corming out with a mirrored Sparowhawk. ESP RD anyone?
EXCELLENT...well done.
SPOT ON!!!
I own a ‘77 RD Artist. Other than the weird electronics, everything else…and I mean EVERYTHING else about this guitar make it the finest guitar I have ever held in my hands, let alone called my own.
And…once I replace the pickups with a set of bare knuckles and replace electronics with standard LP wiring, I’ll have a nice place in the control cavity to keep any extra luggage ☘️
Then like fluff, you just like the body style and neck shape.
@@mpashalian7650 it’s more than that. I like that it’s all maple with an ebony board for high end snappy-ness. I like that it’s a set neck. I like that it’s an offset body which doesn’t neck-dive on me for some reason. I like that it’s nitro finish so that it looks better with age. And I like that it’s 25.5” scale so I can put it in D standard tuning with regular strings and have them not get flubby. I can’t think of any other guitar which accomplishes all those things spec-wise. Dunables come close, but no cigar. Fluff’s Hyperion signature neck-dives like crazy. And the guy from Grizenia seems unfriendly.
@@Myoldnameiscringy and the reissues also do not suffer neck dive, same body style, nitro. I’ve tried the Dunable, Hyperion and gryzenia, and Eastman, agreed just don’t cut it. It looks like you want the scale more than anything else but I honestly don’t see how that’s such a big deal. Considering that RD’s and Explorer’s aren’t weight relieved not using maple actually seems like a good idea since many complained about them being too heavy
Excellent video. Your points were very well-made
Great vid, where do you buy all of these husks of vintage guitars?
I had a ebony 1974 LP standard when I was in Germany back in 1984 bought it for $500. Sold it for $500. Bought a Kramer, Striker for $250. with the original Floyd Rose ( no fine tuners or locking nut) modified it with locking nut and FR with fine tuners and a DiMarzzio super distortion but changed that to a Seymour Duncan JB trembucker and still have it to this day. But I do regret letting go of that LP because it was a player and sounded awesome and looked awesome too. Plus it was from that era of manufacturing at Gibson that has vanished from existence.
A 1972 Les Paul would normally have a mahogany neck.
My 73 has a mahogany neck, (although it was modded before I bought it)
It has the volute, which I love, and a pancake body.
I love it.
I have owned a few Norlin L6s, i still have one and my 70s tribute gets some of it right, it has the neck shape, the headstock angle, the volute and the Big 70s headstock but no pancake body, still im not complaining its a low end Gibby that comes very close.
My first lessons were on a '76 Custom back when I started in 1990. That's been the unicorn for me ever since. Simply can't bring myself to drop the coin and when I was younger, I simply didn't have the cash. As for necks, I have a '70s tribute SG and that thing has the chunkiest neck of my entire collection with no volute. You're right, why? I hadn't thought of it but yeah, why?
As a fan of the Norlin era I couldn’t agree more! I would have bought a current production standard or custom with Norlin specs in a heart beat but they made their “T-type” pickup (modern copy of 70s T-top) impossible to get unless you got a CME exclusive SG or ES-335 as no other guitar had them and you couldn’t buy them separately until now and only the LP tribute has a maple neck. I was fortunate to track down a real 1976 Black Beauty Custom at a reasonable price and it’s my favorite guitar but the lack of Norlin specs is def an issue in their line up. I’m itching to try the Adam Jones Epiphone which is the closest modern production Norlin inspired LP I’ve seen so far.
If anything they should have carried over from the 70s is the maple neck that came on the guitars, should be standard on all of their models today. Having a maple neck would help minimize the neck breaks that seem to occur alot.
I have a 78 Deluxe and I couldn't agree more about that part of the video. I tried a 70's Deluxe Reissue in a guitar center and it basically felt like a 50's neck LP with mini humbuckers in it. Not a big deal, just a little disappointing.
Because they all came off the same production line. The 70s guitars look like the 50s guitars because a mini humbucker fits the P90 route.
Retooling costs money and Gibson are too cheap to provide this on their premium products.
Get a Dunable R2 if you want an RD(25.5” scale length) without overpaying. The US ones are pricey, but the DE series is great for the money. Also, good plug for the ridge wallet. I usually get annoyed by ads getting worked into videos, but I have one and love it lol. I feel targeted.
Gibson guitars are average at best. They are playable and sound great, but tuning stability is mid par and the headstock angle makes it prone to accidents. To me, buying a gibson guitar is just buying for tradition or getting nice finishes thats it. There are way more guitars that play better and feel the same with a lower price. from lower harley benton to larry carlton. Gibson makes so stupid decisions to their guitars. They're like the nintendo of guitars but worse. Their older guitars are way better, but the newer ones... you might aswell buy a epiphone.
So I guess to keep playing the ESP eclipse until the correct reissues happen?
People can say what they want about Gibson, but between reviewing my 50s Standard and a core model custom 24, I’m realizing that they’re entirely different guitars and the 24 will never be my Gibson in terms of feel and playability. It’s an excellent guitar and plays how I expect it to every time.
The PRS is also a great guitar and is perfect at what it’s capable of, but I’m understanding how they’re incredibly different guitars now.
I also bought a beat up The Paul husk, simply because I was intrigued by the walnut body. It's so different from every other Gibson out there: thin neck, low and wide frets, unique sound. And yes, a deep black ebony fretboard. Works like a charm with a 57 Classic+/57 Classic pair. Fantastic, very playable axe, and still one of my favourites.
The reissue wasn't bad at all, but yes, the fretboard change was a bummer.
To me, the RD Artist 40th anniversary "Reissue" was an unofficial Ghost signature guitar, right before they signed with Hagstrom. Not really an attempt to recapture the quirky originals. I like mine and appreciate the screaming, very uncommon GEM active pickups as a kind of nod to the original's active electronics. In terms of playability though, it's more or less a 90s and up SG, not a 70s RD.
I would love to see Epiphone get in the ring as a 70s experimental run. 59 les Pauls are cool but the 70s had so many cool specs! They can at least give it a shot along with having artist signatures like Dave Grohl or even John Sykes who had a 70s custom
I bought a 'The SG', also in Walnut, (in the 70s). It was an incredible guitar which I unfortunately sold to get married (it happens to most of us!). Of all my guitars owned over that last 50 years, that is the one that I miss most!
Great article, the `Marauder` was a real surprise as I have one, exactly like the one shown here . Bought in London in 1976 for £210 new. I still own and play it regularly. Now, after a few choice modifications it`s a real talking point at gig`s , especially as i`ve had it from new. It has most definitely paid for itself several times over.
I have an original 74 les paul custom and it’s unbelively great. I just can’t buy more guitars because every time I find some guitar I like I jus go Nah, I already have the best :)
Well said. I really like the Norlin stuff. Maple necks, maple bodies, Schaller hardware, nice pickups. I am a big fan of the RD and Victory series (both guitar and bass), the L-5S, the G3 bass, Explorer E2, Les Paul Artisan, Chet Atkins CE. The new Gibson under CE Curleigh (well now Cesar) is not better than the Henry J era. They discontinued the Jazz boxes instead to go another route to make smaller body new models like a slightly bigger Les Paul body and venetian cutaway (similar to the Heritage Millenium) and with a bridge on a stripe of ebony, an L-5 tailpiece, gold hardware and fancy inlay and binding work, some new shapes. But instead, they put out lots of Les Paul and SG, V and Explorer in multiple variations. They have a Custom Shop but only offer few options, though I read that they advertise that you can come up with your own body design. It might cost between 7 and 10 grand, lots of money for the average play, but not that much considering their recent prices.
My ‘73 SG Standard has a one piece mahogany body, ebony fretboard and real mother of pearl inlays. A reissue of those specs would be expensive, but super cool. Also the neck is slim and narrow, which I love.
I’ve got a Norlin era LP Custom with the Tim Shaw PAF’s. That guitar slays. I also had the pleasure of playing a friend’s ‘76 LP Custom and that guitar is the reason I fell in love with the Norlin LP’s. I’ve had quite a few newer LP’s and they don’t even come close. I’m also a huge fan of the RD and it’s just a damn shame they don’t reproduce that one with the original specs, 25.5” scale and all. The reissues are cool and absolutely shred, but as you said, it would be nice to see Gibson show the Norlin era some love. It’s time.
I previously owned an 81 LP Custom Silverburst that I have regretted selling about 15 yrs ago. It had Tim Shaws in it and it sounded fantastic. I currently own a 76 LP Custom in Red Wine. It has T Tops in it, and the pickups and neck profile are out of this world. Even blows away the Silverburst. I will never sell the 76.
when i worked at GC i never once had anyone call/ask about a 70s LP
Wow! I guess I started hanging out in my local music store when Gibson was owned by Norlin. I remember when ALL of these models came out and were hung on the wall. I couldn't afford any of them but my best friend managed to get The Paul. [Wonder if he still has it]. I was in love with that S1.
I bet they will put out a more authentic 70s standard line soon, they have to know there’s a high demand.
All I ever wanted while learning guitar was a silverburst Gibson custom but now even with the means to get one it's impossible to justify it. Even their "budget" range considering how little they care about feedback from the community
Heritage, or eastern brands are making old school Gibson type guitars.
Love this
I've been waiting ages for my adam jones standard, I pray it comes safe and well made for what I paid to get in AUS
Great video and all, but that “17435% of y’all aren’t subscribed” is what actually just made me subscribe
Unbelievable (but true) fact
Funny I sent Gibson a tweet not long ago about this very subject. I even left a list of specs not too far off from yours. Are they listening?
Tea 😮
When I watched fluff’s video I instantly thought of you. Glad you made this follow up to it.
My first Gibson was a brand new 1981 Norlin era Les Paul Standard. I was really excited to have a real Gibson. When I brought it to my guitar teacher he (gently) ripped just about everything wrong with it. Looking back, he was right, it was a poorly made guitar. Gibson was hit and miss during the Norlin era which was a catalyst for new boutique companies like Hamer, Dean, and the Japanese companies (Ibanez and Tokai especially) to come in and build high quality replicas and new variants.
I still struggle to understand the used pricing of those guitars. Players of the time were turning away from Gibson (and Fender) in droves for better quality and features offered by newer brands.
It's always been difficult for me to understand people why people are so mad at Gibson since I've always been in love with my SG ..... But then I remember I paid 950€ for it brand new in 2013 not the high prices they are trying to sell today and I understand it 😂.....
yeah but all guitars have gone up massively in price not just gibson =( guitars 15 years ago that were 1800 bucks are now like 4 grand
@@dookietoon7198 yeah dude , a friend of mine wanted to buy a Mexican tele the other day and the prices are surreal....
Gibson have great guitars but got rid of my Les Paul since wasn't feeling the ergos & weight, and got rid of my SG cos it never held its tuning, even after redoing the nut.
Love their colors (faded pelham 🤤). Love their finishes (big fan of nitro). And I think their stock pickups are underrated. But I prefer other brands for their playability.
Price is very high but so is PRS. And I've been seeing made in China and Indonesia for over $1.2k pretty often nowadays. All guitar prices have been going up! I am a Fender fan boy though and have always appreciated their MIM being affordable and quality
I personally don't see any issue with changing the specs of a reissued guitar if they offer another one with the original specs. That way, everyone's happy. Maybe it's me against the world there, I dunno
I have an '81 Les Paul Custom that's an AMAZING guitar (not as amazing as my '06 Goddess, but still very nice). It doesn't have the pancake body, but it does have the volute and maple neck (and Shawbuckers!). I paid $2500 for it in fair player-grade condition (it just needed a refret...JUMBO STAINLESS, BABY!). Gibson needs to have a Les Paul N...a Les Paul Custom platform with the 3 piece maple neck with the volute, thin profile, and T-Top or Tim Shaw pickups to get the mid-70s to early 80s vibe.
New Gibson guitars aren’t always worth the high ticket price. A used Les Paul is one of the best guitars you could purchase today. I’ve got two lightly used Les Paul customs that were significantly cheaper than other used high end guitars like PRS, Jackson, ESP, and Charvel. As a lefty I didn’t have many brands to choose from but Gibsons, especially those past the 2018 era are some of the best quality guitars today.
As a graphic designer i'm fairly convinced the best thing about a gibson, that nobody wants to admit is the logo and headstock shape are superior to their competitors. there are LP guitars from other manufacturers better suited for every style of music, but like supreme, radioflyer, jeep, snapon, or harley davidson people have to have premium logos.
Facts it really just is so visually perfect
I agree to a certain degree, when they reissue something they should make no compromises and there are some cool 70s features like the volute, neck angle and the neck thickness, but wouldnt those specs acknowledge that their guitars leave the factory with a flawed design? (A volute exists so a neck doesnt break when falling)
That said i dont want to see pancake bodies ever again and the rd jack output location sucks as much as the knobs layout, they should have the knobs and switch location like on a late model gibson invader, with the toggle switch above and between the neck volume and the bridge volume knob
AGufish, one of your best reviews--I learned a lot .
Thanks, I aim to educate
I’ve got a custom shop Les Paul blue sparkle with an insanely thin neck. Not quite Ibanez Wizard thin, but the thinnest I’ve seen on any Les Paul. It’s a killer guitar. I usually prefer my ESP Eclipses. But I’ve got a few Gibson’s that really kick ass. And as much as I like Ibanez, Schecter, ESP, LTD, Dean or Fender…nothing sounds like a Les Paul. For all their faults, and gripes, they have a vibe that can’t be replicated. And when you find one you mesh with, you become a believer. I like Gibson. Even with all their beard stroker pretentiousness. They make a great guitar.
Dude Gibson DOES make a period correct deluxe, it's a custom shop model. Pancake body, maple neck w volute, big headstock, mini hummers and sparkle top finishes. Gibson's real issue is that they straight up DO NOT CARE about their USA lines. They know people will buy those simply for a slice of the Gibson name on the headstock. They bank on aficionados buying custom shop. I DO NOT agree with their pricing, but you are way off the mark saying they don't offer it.
Adam Jones essentially forced them to reissue Norlin guitars with period correct specs...even going as far as a THREE PIECE TOP on his signature model. I have a USA Adam Jones standard, am I bummed it's not a maple neck? Eh I was, but then I realized what I'm telling you now. Gibson's "true historic" pieces with ALWAYS be custom shop. The USA guitars are merely tributes. None of either the 50s, 60s or 70s LPs have long neck tenons, the proper shape headstock, inlays, body thickness, they ALL use the same high-gloss nitro finishes, the list goes on.
Fluff's issue was valid in that you CAN NOT get even a custom shop RD...for any amount of money. You want a red sparkle top Deluxe with a pancake body and maple neck? There are two of em at the Gibson Garage as I type this.
I would to see more 70's specs Gibson re-issues. Like those SG standards with smaller pickguard, smaller block inlays and pickup placement more similar to Les Paul.
A part of me empathises with your frustration, but I do wonder how significant the groundswell of interest in Norlin-era specs for let’s say the 70s Les Paul would be. If I were a business like Gibson, I’d wait for the clamour to be pretty damn deafening before I took action because it take a lot of time and effort to first identify a “definitive” neck profile, re-Programme the CNC and prototype out what may be only a product for a passing fad.
Another way to look at it is: “hmm why would I want to bother with a mid-level product when ESP and all the other ‘cloners’ have that covered, when I can just stick to my regular 50s and 60s models which are proven to sell”.
Again, I get the frustration, but is there a significant mass of demand to justify the deviation? I’d love to see numbers first.
I owned a 79 tobacco burst custom that was an incredible guitar - Sold it to0my best friend bacon like 1984 for I believe was $450 - He still has it... Wonder if I could get it back for the same price?
Cool, I owned a “The Paul” in the mid ‘70s - early ‘80s. I bought mine New in ‘76 and Loved it! Cheers from Salem, Ohio.
as a bass player i want a not 4000$ vintage firebird bass to come back. the ONLY ones gibson and their companies have is an epi thats roughly a grand and custom shop gibson which is rather annoying. heard good on the grabber and would like to try one but the price point to even think about it is hilarious
Norlin era have been about the only Gibsons I’ve ever liked except for a gold top tribute I picked up a few years ago but didn’t buy it Gibson homers hate Norlin era Gibsons , but at least from my experience people who typically don’t like Gibsons like the Norlin era Gibsons, they are the non Gibson guys Gibsons the only Gibsons I’ve played I liked have been 70s but it’s like classic cars everyone wanted a 67-69 camaro eventually they all got bought up and restored and the prices went up so then people got into the 70s f bodies because they were affordable and now try finding a decent split bumper for less than 30k same thing with guitars I think some of the 80s Gibsons are going up in value. I’m with you though how about a pancake body maple neck studio custom in the 1500 dollar range ? I would think that would be cheaper on materials maybe ?
I had been waiting for Gibson to reissue the Marauder for ages. They could also compete in a lower price range with the bolt on neck. I gave up waiting so just made my own Marauder. My DIY is now one of my favourite guitars.
I bought my first Gibson in the 70s , man I'm getting old! So no surprise the Norlin area is my favorite era, All the different wild looking and sounding guitars , the XPL Explorers etc etc etc etc so so many , like the music the 70s and 80s guitars were the best.. I recently picked up one of the reissue 70s deluxe LP's and while it isn't an actual 70s spec guitar it is nice , don't regret buying it at all. Would love to see Gibson do some honest reissues of the Les Pauls from the 70s but there is so much more from that era they could make and toss out to see how it does.. It's one of those things of they won't really know how they will sell until they build a few and put them out there , come on Gibson make some and see!!
I've got a 1974 SG Standard that I bought Brand New when I was around 18 or 19. It's got an Ebony Board (100 dollar option then) Factory Bigsby, darker Cherry stain than the rosewood had, Grover Keystone tuners, the Volute, and original Super Humbuckers. Still have two out of the five backups I had and will never sell them.
The back ups play incredible but the 74 Ebony Board is by far the best Guitar I've ever played, prior I was a hard Core Fender Guy. I'd gladly pay 5-6 thousand for an ACCURATE Replica. Otherwise I'd patiently wait for a Good Playing similar year Guitar. There's no bad QC on Norlin Electrics, it's a Myth! I've owned Six of those early/mid seventies SG's and they're alot more consistent than any made from late 90's to current, which I've owned 13 and sold all but two recent SG's, seems the 2022 & 2023 are a large improvement over 30 years of sucking. I also had two LP Customs 74 & 76 that Blow the Doors off ANY LP I've played from the 80's until today. And Don't Forget Norlin Had Far More Stable THREE PIECE NECKS. Gibson needs to Fact Check themselves about the Real Quality from the 70's after owning Gibson from 60's Guitars to their Current I mean Several Dozen Gibson's hands down the 70's are the best. Their 80:s were more solidly built too.
I have a ‘79 The Paul and I regret not buying a second one when they were still cheap
I saw one in an Edinburgh 2nd hand shop for £200 in 1983, but I was a skint student and couldn't afford it. It kills me now.
I used to love Gibson but I would never give them my money these days.
Favorite Les Paul i ever grabbed - a late Norlan era Les Paul Custom. Felt great and played great. Neck was unlike most Gibsons I’ve felt (in a good way).
I think it probably would cost more to make a pancake style reissue than it's worth. As far as moving the RD's jack off the top to the side: I'm all for it. But the main feature of the 25 1/2" scale should have been left alone.
Volutes would sell me on Epiphone and Gibson. Without them, no deal.
The Corvus was originally supposed to be a headless with the tuners in the notch on the rear. Gibson decided it looked too dumb with the head missing but kept the dumb shape anyways ?! 🤔
Gibson still makes the best guitars. Can't wait to get my 57/58 custom reissue soon.
Best is kinda subjective though, same as i would say Ibanez does.
Thin neck plays too much in the modern collection category, which is the dedicated one for modern, fast, specs. From a branding strategy perspective, they need a clear distinction of the originals (traditional, vintage oriented) and modern (performance oriented).
Not actually my opinion on whether there should be a 70s, Norlin-era like guitar but actually how I think they approached the issue.
Price. That's the biggest problem with Gibson. For less than half the money you can have a guitar of equal quality.
That’s 100% true. But nothing sounds or feels like a Gibson Les Paul. I have schecters and ESP’s that are flawless. But nothing comes close to matching the brutality of my Gibson Les Paul Custom. Different tools for different jobs. My ESP’s are like scalpels. Precise and deadly. My Gibson’s are like sledgehammers or wrecking balls. Equally as deadly, just in a different way. Their inconsistencies is what makes them unique. Warts and all. It just depends on what you like. I’ve got a 200$ Squier that sits proudly amongst my guitars that cost 25 times as much. Play what you like. Play what you can afford. As long as you play, that’s all that matters.
wild how much more love fender pays to their equivalent 70's era than Gibson does for the Norlin. The Thinline, Deluxe, and Custom tele's are all guitars that are from the an era that was once deemed undesirable that they have incorporated as a core piece of the lineup. I mean there was even a time where the Jazzmaster and Jaguar were seen as cult fringe models, but are now core pieces of their brand. I talked to a rep at CME a bit back and they said they sell more Jazzmasters than Strats. And fender responded in kind by making a custom model JM for them and every year making more jazzmaster models for that audience. I have a feeling that if Gibson found out a store was selling more Firebirds than Les Pauls they wouldn't find a way to make more firebirds, they would tell that dealer they aren't pushing the Les Paul enough.
I have two Norlin era Gibsons in on long term loan from a friend of mine, and I can agree the necks are super fucking quick. Out of the 2 (72 SG and 74 LPC 20th anniversary) the 72 SG tends to be the guitar I reach for the most.
Also had a ‘80 wine red deluxe with the mini microphones, if it wasn’t perfectly original I would’ve routed the thing for humbuckers. The neck was heavenly like you mentioned, very ESP-esque
Is it weird when I started watching guitar vids on the tubes I found you before I found fluff. No regrets so far…… Don’t let me down 💀
Tomorrow night the second batch of those Epi AJ sigs is dropping. As quick as the first batch went, could be a frenzy again. At least it's built properly. Just bullshit that Gibson makes retailers hold them till a certain "release date".
100%. I’m very frustrated too. I’m sure people would appreciate original specs. plenty of other reissues if you have different preferences
If you don't mind importing second hand from Japan, History (by FGN) do a pretty decent LPC style guitar with a maple neck/volute and comfy ass neck. Poly finish though.
I’m sorry, it was spot on!!! I loved it
I like volutes and pancake bodies, but these are the types of things that that Norlin era instruments were criticised for. I've put it down to Gibson not wanting to resurrect features that flopped first time around or to keep manufacture and parts simple and similar to other models in the current range. The L6S had a narrow neck that didn't catch on and some less common hardware. I can understand a reissue that approximates to the original without the quirky bits. The RD, Marauder, Les Paul Recording, Sonex and M3 probably wouldn't sell that well if they were remade identical to the originals. It's rough on people that like the 'correct' spec. , but maybe they aren't a big enough market to support a production run.