There's a website in the US that makes and has metric to US spec bridge and tail piece inserts. Get and install them, and your original Gibson parts fit pefectly. It's the only way to go in my opinion. There's a UA-cam video here about them and shows how to remove old metric and install the new ones along with the bridge and tail piece which are both US Gibson. **Question, so if customs keeps my guitar and I don't get it, my money would be refunded if bought from Guitar Monopoly through AliExpress...??? I've heard that customs is tough where I'm at and was thinking of getting a headstock without the logo or made in usa on it. I really want them, but can't afford to loose $250 bucks.
I have ordered many, no issues. I'm not sure about refunds once in the US. They don't need Gibson parts if you get the ABR. Spend your money on the electronic upgrades.
www.aliexpress.com/item/In-stock-one-Neck-one-Mahogany-2-inches-body-guitar-Free-shipping-Upgrade-guitarra-1959-R9/32254230900.html?spm=2114.13010608.0.0.IWwxDJ I waited for a sale on it!
Awesome! Thanx for the link! My #2 is one of my faves as well. It does have a tinge of red/cherry to it. I'd say it's somewhat of a "root beer" burst though. Really nice for sure. Plays fantastic as well.
I really like the true gibson les pauls so ofcourse i will like these too. i have no problem with these, infact im going for an afd les paul soon. ill change the electrics, pickups ect. There wont be much diff in the end
ifly65 AFD is appetite for destruction. The guitar itself is one slash from guns n roses used on the album. It was given to him to use by his then manager Alan niven to try. The sound it gave slash made the album and he used that guitar for some time after the appetite period before using other les pauls. The neat thing about the AFD guitar is that Ironically, this vintage-looking Les Paul-the one Slash used on AFD is not a Gibson. It is a replica made by Kris Derrig of MusicWorks, a guitar store located in Redondo Beach, California. The top, like those of the most sought-after original Les Pauls, features highly figured book-matched maple, but with no cherry tint around the edges of the top. The serial number is ink-stamped in the style of a 1959 Gibson, but the neck profile is actually that of a ’58. The special sound of this guitar comes from a pair of Seymour Duncan Alnico II humbuckers with black-and-white zebra coils and some vintage electronics that the maker had in his shop.
All in all id rather recreate the guitar with a cheap body from china and do the work myself to get it right the way i like rather than sell my organs to give gibson a premium for maybe a good version. Id say only 1 in a 100 les pauls are great and very few are magic. So giving over such a sum isnt really logical. As regards to the real argument and disatisfaction people have with knock offs read my previous reply about The AFD slash had on the album. It wasnt a real gibbo and lit a fire under youre feet folks. Dont be blinded by big name brands and see the sound with youre eyes. Instead close youre eyes and open youre ears. Chances are you wont tell the difference with a proper set up regardless of price.
They are equal to the $600-$800 mid line of most brands or Mexican Fender guitars. They are better than any Epiphone lp Ive owned or played. They are better than the low dollar, non-binding genuine les paul standards Ive seen and played at work. They are not equal to any les pauls above that price point. They lack the weight, quality of hardware, fret work and wood quality of the real thing. Fit and finish is a close call, but not as clean as the real ones (mainly glue residue under the stain at certain spots). They seem to be hand made, sort of old school. They do have very pretty tops that you would pay a fortune for usually. The gloss factor is off the charts and is some sort of tough poly coating, not lacquer. The gold hardware actually holds up for years without tarnishing. Way longer than a real one. Im guessing this has to do with OSHA standards on metal plating in the USA. Some have great fretwork, others need fret polishing. All of the necks are straight and set correctly. All of the nuts have been cut at the correct height except one, which was an easy fix.
hi..i have heard guitar monopoly is defunct..?? I cant find anyone offering abr bridges... i love how yours looks..Let me know if you have any current info on where to grab one like that w abr..also wood looks great
Thanks! Nope...here they are and this is the exact guitar: www.aliexpress.com/store/product/Upgrade-1959-R9-Tiger-Flame-electric-guitar-ONE-piece-neck-no-joint-ONE-piece-Mahogany-BODY/817622_32254230900.html?spm=2114.12010609.8148355.23.7BGy8t Everyone I have bought from offers ABR-1 bridges...just ask them.
I haven't bought one yet, but after seeing this one with the aged yellowed binding, 2" body, etc, I think I'm getting close to getting one. Are these chambered or weight relieved bodies? Are they on the light side? No one with a chibson has ever said anything about this?
Is there a way to find Guitar Monopoly specifically? Ive heard several people say nice things about them. I know that might seem like a dumbish question but I don't know how to hone in on them
Awesome guitar!! I've been getting my Duncans from Sigler Music. They have good prices on pickup sets, AND include 50's wiring harnesses for free. I'm wondering, does that red logo on the pickguard come off?
I have a real one and don't think I'll ever bother with a copy but damn.. I'm starting to see why people would take a punt on one.. some of them look amazing. You could easily be fooled if you weren't totally on the ball.
Sorry to keep bugging you with questions. Should be the last....LOL Plus your vids are current and not from a few years ago like most on chibsons. Are they or yours Nitro finish, or Poly? If I want a Nitrocellulose finish, do I need to ask for it, or is that what they use? I plan to get this same guitar from same seller by end of Summer or Spring. Thank You again....
Its ok, I like helping out and learning about these. Its poly. You will have to ask Anna @GM. Remember, these are $250.00 guitars, don't expect too much. The more you ask for, the more the sellers get confused. It can triple the build time. Who does nitro now? I would think only high end and custom shops offer that. Don't forget to get your entire unboxing on video as a back up. Plus, I want to see it too!
ifly65 Got it, yeah, I want nitro cuz I'd like to age and check the finish. Want a cheap les paul to relic up heavy. I've done a lot of real 70's Les Pauls many years ago, but haven't done any in about 15 or more years now. I may just order an empty and unfinished guitar since I'm replacing with better anyway. I've built a few LP's from kits, etc. Just really need a base to start with that has nice tiger top. Still sittin on the fence thinking about this. I'm disabled now, and looking for a project really. Very tight on funds, thats why I'm interested in these guitars. Thanks again for the info.
I know its not what you want but check this seller out. '10s' is the best Ive seen yet. There is a great video on here showing what someone did to continue the aging on a 10s by adding aged plastic to one. It takes a long time to get one, but they really do a great job: www.aliexpress.com/item/10S-Custom-Shop-Limited-Edition-Billy-Gibbons-Pearly-Gates-Standard-Electric-Guitar-Aged-Signed-6-Heritage/32796504596.html?spm=2114.13010208.99999999.291.wWwP6C
Hi Ronald. Tell me about it...the sounds and smells of cutting open the box...etc. I want to see it! Yes the Budokan Congrats! Please post a link if you did a video.
i'm trying to decide between chibson or lower end epi, what would you recommend? and how much do upgrades cost?, if i wanted to keep it as it is would that make a huge difference in tone quality (would it sound like trash)?
honestly I have both. My last "Chibson" has been my #1 go to for 2 years straight now. It just has an amazing look, tone etc. I did ask them makers in an emal that I wanted ebony fretboard, the "Supreme" inlays. Which they did a great job and the frets were great. Just changed out the pups (which I won't lie are horrible), for 130 bucks got a set of hot rodded set of Seymours and I got a roller bridge from guitarfetish.com.. that was it. Been going strong playing it daily for over 2 years. it's the one pictured here as my profile pic. It sounds incredible man. And over all cost, guitar, upgrades, customizations (fretboard/inlays) and a case.. 450 bucks. Still cheaper than an Epi
I like to keep these under $500.00 after I install Duncans, Switchcraft 3 way/output jack and CTS pots. I have not changed out machine heads, bridges or nuts because they seem to work fine with no issues. The ABR is in his cart for under $15.00 when on sale and well worth it.
Can anyone tell me a good store on aliexpress to buy a good guitar ... Guitar monopoly has closed so any other good stores ... Thanks . Larry in Sydney ..
No, although I am a former jeweler, I love the replica watch forums and artists that make fantasy and rep watches. Some are amazing. I have a fantasy Pam that has a dial never made to emulate radiation from the hands which changed the color on the real ones, which are a quarter of a million at auction. The real rolex like this is 10 g's.
if it tells the correct time it doesn't matter, does it? I've got 2 Chibsons, just as good as my Indonesian EPI LP custom...but maybe not quite as good as my 79 The Paul...
@@mikeydep89 i bought a chibson two months ago. i had to see the quality for myself. little under 300. looks amazing, plays... mehe... joking about your watch.
I just bought a left handed LP from Aliexpress. I also ordered a one piece Mahogany body, but with a plain maple top. The grain on the back is nice from the pictures sent. I noticed in my pictures and now on your guitar that (maybe its because of the 1 piece body request) that the neck heel is too large as compared to a real Gibson. When they do the 2 pieces at the heel its closer to correct. Mine will come with a proper bridge (pins instead of flat blade screwdriver), and I bought a complete CTS/orange drop wiring harness, and Seymour Duncan '59 set. Can't wait. I'm trying not to have high hopes.
That sounds great. It should be ok, they have these down much better than a few years ago. I think it depends on the seller and factories they use. Hopefully you found a good seller with good feedbacks. You may be right about the tenon. My first one has a two piece heel. Let me know how it goes. Please do an unboxing video!
My seller has zero feedback, but has been pretty good at responding. He has also been bad about capturing the pictures I requested. I've seem several instances of guitars claiming to be 1 piece only to have a laminate back to hide multiple pieces of "wood". Hopefully I will not run into this. While I only paid $250 I DID specifically request this and was willing to pay for it. If not delivered I will be kinda pissed. No matter what I HIGHLY doubt the back wood is true Honduran Mohogany. Shit I doubt its even Sapele.
Of my LP's #1 three piece back, no funny block pieces. #2 two piece, #3 one piece...all three capped on the back. I kept my hopes really low considering and all three turned out to be excellent quality and great playing guitars which exceeded my hopes. Angela #1 and Anna #2, #3 are both great sellers. They all do custom orders and most offer the same things basically. Best of luck to you, I know the waiting is tough...you would have thought I ordered a $10,000 guitar by the way I paced around on each one.
Yeah those are some strange numbers. I think most have the same with only a couple of variations that I have seen. I wonder if its code to which factory they are from?
To buy an American Made Gibson is not an easy thing, but it the cost of having American hands build American icons. By buying and importing these copies is pissing in the American workers mouth. You need to be ashamed.
There's a website in the US that makes and has metric to US spec bridge and tail piece inserts. Get and install them, and your original Gibson parts fit pefectly. It's the only way to go in my opinion. There's a UA-cam video here about them and shows how to remove old metric and install the new ones along with the bridge and tail piece which are both US Gibson.
**Question, so if customs keeps my guitar and I don't get it, my money would be refunded if bought from Guitar Monopoly through AliExpress...??? I've heard that customs is tough where I'm at and was thinking of getting a headstock without the logo or made in usa on it. I really want them, but can't afford to loose $250 bucks.
I have ordered many, no issues. I'm not sure about refunds once in the US. They don't need Gibson parts if you get the ABR. Spend your money on the electronic upgrades.
Wow! That is gorgeous! Love the guitar AND the "brown case" lol. ;) Fantastic all around!
Thanks! I'm really happy with it. Both LPs from this seller are nearly identical in build. No issues. Plays like a dream.
Very glad to hear that. I think I'm going to have to hit up this seller soon. Mine has dropped the ball big time lately.
www.aliexpress.com/item/In-stock-one-Neck-one-Mahogany-2-inches-body-guitar-Free-shipping-Upgrade-guitarra-1959-R9/32254230900.html?spm=2114.13010608.0.0.IWwxDJ I waited for a sale on it!
I still think your #2 is the prettiest Ive ever seen. Does that have cherry in it? How would you describe the color of that one?
Awesome! Thanx for the link! My #2 is one of my faves as well. It does have a tinge of red/cherry to it. I'd say it's somewhat of a "root beer" burst though. Really nice for sure. Plays fantastic as well.
I really like the true gibson les pauls so ofcourse i will like these too. i have no problem with these, infact im going for an afd les paul soon. ill change the electrics, pickups ect. There wont be much diff in the end
I'm very happy with all of mine. Whats afd?
ifly65 AFD is appetite for destruction. The guitar itself is one slash from guns n roses used on the album. It was given to him to use by his then manager Alan niven to try. The sound it gave slash made the album and he used that guitar for some time after the appetite period before using other les pauls. The neat thing about the AFD guitar is that Ironically, this vintage-looking Les Paul-the one Slash used on AFD is not a Gibson. It is a replica made by Kris Derrig of MusicWorks, a guitar store located in Redondo Beach, California. The top, like those of the most sought-after original Les Pauls, features highly figured book-matched maple, but with no cherry tint around the edges of the top. The serial number is ink-stamped in the style of a 1959 Gibson, but the neck profile is actually that of a ’58. The special sound of this guitar comes from a pair of Seymour Duncan Alnico II humbuckers with black-and-white zebra coils and some vintage electronics that the maker had in his shop.
All in all id rather recreate the guitar with a cheap body from china and do the work myself to get it right the way i like rather than sell my organs to give gibson a premium for maybe a good version. Id say only 1 in a 100 les pauls are great and very few are magic. So giving over such a sum isnt really logical. As regards to the real argument and disatisfaction people have with knock offs read my previous reply about The AFD slash had on the album. It wasnt a real gibbo and lit a fire under youre feet folks. Dont be blinded by big name brands and see the sound with youre eyes. Instead close youre eyes and open youre ears. Chances are you wont tell the difference with a proper set up regardless of price.
Would you consider these worth the money and does it play like a 10,000 dollar Gibson?
They are equal to the $600-$800 mid line of most brands or Mexican Fender guitars. They are better than any Epiphone lp Ive owned or played. They are better than the low dollar, non-binding genuine les paul standards Ive seen and played at work. They are not equal to any les pauls above that price point. They lack the weight, quality of hardware, fret work and wood quality of the real thing. Fit and finish is a close call, but not as clean as the real ones (mainly glue residue under the stain at certain spots). They seem to be hand made, sort of old school. They do have very pretty tops that you would pay a fortune for usually. The gloss factor is off the charts and is some sort of tough poly coating, not lacquer. The gold hardware actually holds up for years without tarnishing. Way longer than a real one. Im guessing this has to do with OSHA standards on metal plating in the USA. Some have great fretwork, others need fret polishing. All of the necks are straight and set correctly. All of the nuts have been cut at the correct height except one, which was an easy fix.
ifly65 I appreciate your time and reply thank you 🙏 so very much
Where i can buit it?
Is that logo on the pickguard a sticker?
Its more like a decal that has been lacquered over.
At 2:30 you state the name of the seller but I can’t make it out. Who is the seller please?
Guitar Monopoly
hi..i have heard guitar monopoly is defunct..?? I cant find anyone offering abr bridges... i love how yours looks..Let me know if you have any current info on where to grab one like that w abr..also wood looks great
Thanks! Nope...here they are and this is the exact guitar: www.aliexpress.com/store/product/Upgrade-1959-R9-Tiger-Flame-electric-guitar-ONE-piece-neck-no-joint-ONE-piece-Mahogany-BODY/817622_32254230900.html?spm=2114.12010609.8148355.23.7BGy8t Everyone I have bought from offers ABR-1 bridges...just ask them.
You got a good one and no problems with Customs your very lucky !!!
I haven't bought one yet, but after seeing this one with the aged yellowed binding, 2" body, etc, I think I'm getting close to getting one. Are these chambered or weight relieved bodies? Are they on the light side? No one with a chibson has ever said anything about this?
They vary. I do mention in my Jimmy Page 2 video how the JP2 is heavy, but the others I have are lighter.
Is there a way to find Guitar Monopoly specifically? Ive heard several people say nice things about them. I know that might seem like a dumbish question but I don't know how to hone in on them
www.aliexpress.com/store/817622?spm=a2g0s.9042311.0.0.tyR6f8
Awesome guitar!! I've been getting my Duncans from Sigler Music. They have good prices on pickup sets, AND include 50's wiring harnesses for free. I'm wondering, does that red logo on the pickguard come off?
Thanks Dave, Ill check them out. Some sand them off.
Just checked out the site...cool!
I've got one of their harnesses and a Duncan Hot Rod set in my white Custom, and another harness and Duncan APH2'S are going in my green one.
It is a real shame because you cannot get them as good these days.
The ones being sold now are no where near to this spec.
That sucks, how did you find this out? Even if you custom order one?
Awesome!👍🏼 can you send me the link to the store where you bought it? Im thinking of getting one too! Thanks!🙏
Thanks! Guitar Monopoly Ali Express.
I have a real one and don't think I'll ever bother with a copy but damn.. I'm starting to see why people would take a punt on one.. some of them look amazing. You could easily be fooled if you weren't totally on the ball.
Sorry to keep bugging you with questions. Should be the last....LOL Plus your vids are current and not from a few years ago like most on chibsons. Are they or yours Nitro finish, or Poly? If I want a Nitrocellulose finish, do I need to ask for it, or is that what they use? I plan to get this same guitar from same seller by end of Summer or Spring. Thank You again....
Its ok, I like helping out and learning about these. Its poly. You will have to ask Anna @GM. Remember, these are $250.00 guitars, don't expect too much. The more you ask for, the more the sellers get confused. It can triple the build time. Who does nitro now? I would think only high end and custom shops offer that. Don't forget to get your entire unboxing on video as a back up. Plus, I want to see it too!
ifly65
Got it, yeah, I want nitro cuz I'd like to age and check the finish. Want a cheap les paul to relic up heavy. I've done a lot of real 70's Les Pauls many years ago, but haven't done any in about 15 or more years now. I may just order an empty and unfinished guitar since I'm replacing with better anyway. I've built a few LP's from kits, etc. Just really need a base to start with that has nice tiger top. Still sittin on the fence thinking about this. I'm disabled now, and looking for a project really. Very tight on funds, thats why I'm interested in these guitars. Thanks again for the info.
I know its not what you want but check this seller out. '10s' is the best Ive seen yet. There is a great video on here showing what someone did to continue the aging on a 10s by adding aged plastic to one. It takes a long time to get one, but they really do a great job: www.aliexpress.com/item/10S-Custom-Shop-Limited-Edition-Billy-Gibbons-Pearly-Gates-Standard-Electric-Guitar-Aged-Signed-6-Heritage/32796504596.html?spm=2114.13010208.99999999.291.wWwP6C
Here is the video. I asked him about it, he aged the metal parts and added aged plastic. ua-cam.com/video/Tc55vRqTg4g/v-deo.html
I would think 10s uses nitro by the looks of the relic job...?
Yeah man, these things are addictive, i just got an Ace Frehley budokan today. lol
Hi Ronald. Tell me about it...the sounds and smells of cutting open the box...etc. I want to see it! Yes the Budokan Congrats! Please post a link if you did a video.
ifly65 I did a video already.Just to show it off. I didn't unbox on video. too excited. lol
Ahh. Love that new guitar smell. Lol
I want to get one without the pickguard
i'm trying to decide between chibson or lower end epi, what would you recommend? and how much do upgrades cost?, if i wanted to keep it as it is would that make a huge difference in tone quality (would it sound like trash)?
honestly I have both. My last "Chibson" has been my #1 go to for 2 years straight now. It just has an amazing look, tone etc. I did ask them makers in an emal that I wanted ebony fretboard, the "Supreme" inlays. Which they did a great job and the frets were great. Just changed out the pups (which I won't lie are horrible), for 130 bucks got a set of hot rodded set of Seymours and I got a roller bridge from guitarfetish.com.. that was it. Been going strong playing it daily for over 2 years. it's the one pictured here as my profile pic. It sounds incredible man. And over all cost, guitar, upgrades, customizations (fretboard/inlays) and a case.. 450 bucks. Still cheaper than an Epi
How would you say is the quality of the abr bridge?
Its better than the Epiphones and actually pretty good. Its thicker and heavier than I thought it would be.
ifly65 Would an original Gibson bridge fit the post placement?
I don't think so. Its metric vs US. Ask Kenny at Philadelphia luthier. He has replacement parts and knows more than I do about specific measurements.
I like to keep these under $500.00 after I install Duncans, Switchcraft 3 way/output jack and CTS pots. I have not changed out machine heads, bridges or nuts because they seem to work fine with no issues. The ABR is in his cart for under $15.00 when on sale and well worth it.
Ok. I wasn't sure if they used us measurements on the abr bridge
Can anyone tell me a good store on aliexpress to buy a good guitar ... Guitar monopoly has closed so any other good stores ... Thanks . Larry in Sydney ..
See my new video of gold top. Guitar parts center store.
www.aliexpress.com/item/gold-top-electric-guitar-GD-one-piece-body/32825303065.html?spm=a2g0s.9042311.0.0.960a4c4dtymHSU
They have one of the prettiest honeybursts Ive seen in china.
what is the name of aliexpress seller?
www.aliexpress.com/store/product/Upgrade-1959-R9-Tiger-Flame-electric-guitar-ONE-piece-neck-no-joint-ONE-piece-Mahogany-BODY/817622_32254230900.html?spm=2114.12010609.8148355.23.7BGy8t
It's a pretty guitar,...I'd personally still take a wood file to the tenon
Seller??
Guitar Monopoly.
Hey I want one, very nice!
is that a real rolex? lol
No, although I am a former jeweler, I love the replica watch forums and artists that make fantasy and rep watches. Some are amazing. I have a fantasy Pam that has a dial never made to emulate radiation from the hands which changed the color on the real ones, which are a quarter of a million at auction. The real rolex like this is 10 g's.
if it tells the correct time it doesn't matter, does it? I've got 2 Chibsons, just as good as my Indonesian EPI LP custom...but maybe not quite as good as my 79 The Paul...
@@mikeydep89 i bought a chibson two months ago. i had to see the quality for myself. little under 300. looks amazing, plays... mehe... joking about your watch.
its been sitting in the corner for two months also. havent decided what to do with it. its not my go to guitar, though
and there seems to be a problem with the chronology in your feed.
Very nice, I am a Chibson fan also, serious guitar geeking , lol
Thanks Ronald, you really cant believe the quality until you own a good one.
I just bought a left handed LP from Aliexpress. I also ordered a one piece Mahogany body, but with a plain maple top. The grain on the back is nice from the pictures sent. I noticed in my pictures and now on your guitar that (maybe its because of the 1 piece body request) that the neck heel is too large as compared to a real Gibson. When they do the 2 pieces at the heel its closer to correct. Mine will come with a proper bridge (pins instead of flat blade screwdriver), and I bought a complete CTS/orange drop wiring harness, and Seymour Duncan '59 set. Can't wait. I'm trying not to have high hopes.
That sounds great. It should be ok, they have these down much better than a few years ago. I think it depends on the seller and factories they use. Hopefully you found a good seller with good feedbacks. You may be right about the tenon. My first one has a two piece heel. Let me know how it goes. Please do an unboxing video!
My seller has zero feedback, but has been pretty good at responding. He has also been bad about capturing the pictures I requested. I've seem several instances of guitars claiming to be 1 piece only to have a laminate back to hide multiple pieces of "wood". Hopefully I will not run into this. While I only paid $250 I DID specifically request this and was willing to pay for it. If not delivered I will be kinda pissed. No matter what I HIGHLY doubt the back wood is true Honduran Mohogany. Shit I doubt its even Sapele.
Of my LP's #1 three piece back, no funny block pieces. #2 two piece, #3 one piece...all three capped on the back. I kept my hopes really low considering and all three turned out to be excellent quality and great playing guitars which exceeded my hopes. Angela #1 and Anna #2, #3 are both great sellers. They all do custom orders and most offer the same things basically. Best of luck to you, I know the waiting is tough...you would have thought I ordered a $10,000 guitar by the way I paced around on each one.
Looks like a Gibson bridge
Funny, our guitars serial numbers are only off by 2.
Yeah those are some strange numbers. I think most have the same with only a couple of variations that I have seen. I wonder if its code to which factory they are from?
Yeah, 2000 , Nashville, as I recall.
Looks just like a Gibson. Thanks for this valuable public service.
Bad horn cut pickups crap frets like chiclets narrow headstock , always many flaws ! Love Nashville LP's !
is that a fake cat? silly rabbit
To buy an American Made Gibson is not an easy thing, but it the cost of having American hands build American icons. By buying and importing these copies is pissing in the American workers mouth. You need to be ashamed.