#6079 – Gibson Les Paul Classic T – used/2017 – heritage cherry sunburst
£1759
Many times I hear the question, what is the difference between an LP Standard and an LP Classic – Valid question – If the two guitars are not identical twins, there is certainly a strong family resemblance – Maybe if you go back to 1990 and look at the early introduction of the LP Classic, then compare it to the LP Standard, that was available at the same time, then there was more of a clear difference between the 2 models – Slimmer 60’s neck profile on the Classic, along with a pair of open coil, hotter humbuckers with ceramic magnets – Nickel hardware and the vintage style ABR bridge – Today there is far less of any difference – In part as Gibson have updated, changed and introduced many variations to both models, on a regular yearly basis over the last 10/15 years – To the point that at times it is hard to know which model is which – Today I can offer for sale a used Gibson Les Paul Classic T, from 2017, with a nitro gloss heritage cherry sunburst finish, which with a couple of changes (more on this later) ensures it is far closer to an LP Standard than ever before – Certainly not a case that one is a far superior spec’d model, as both have always been offered for sale with a similar price tag
Key features and details of this used Gibson Les Paul Classic T from 2017 : –
- What does the T stand for – For a while Gibson offered a range of LP’s with a ‘High Performance’ spec – More of a modern spec that might find favour with modern speed merchants – On that basis T stood for traditional – Hence the LP that is more about what we expect based on traditional values
- Whole guitar weighs 9lbs and 7oz
- 1 piece mahogany body with 9 hole weight relief – Swiss cheese style relief around the low E side, mainly around the bridge/tailpiece area – So still solid in the central area of the body
- One piece mahogany neck with the slimmer 60’s neck profile – measures .813″ around the top nut end – then fattens out to .884″ around the 12th fret
- Factory Plek set-up
- Rolled fingerboard/binding edges for a comfortable ‘played in’ feel
- Engraved ‘Classic’ truss rod cover
- ABR vintage style bridge mounted on ‘modern’ threaded inserts
- Light weight tailpiece
- Locking Grover machine heads with ‘tulip’ buttons
- ‘Upgraded’ Seymour Duncan SH55 Seth Lover humbuckers – so non-original – measure 7.09K neck and 7.84K bridge – Satin nickel aged pick up covers
- Original orange drop tone caps
- Re-strung with 10-46 gauge strings and set-up with a sensible action that responds to a light touch Includes deluxe Gibson brown case and a host of various tags/leaflets, along with a leather Gibson strap
- Condition :- Some signs of the usual tarnish to the hardware – An initial quick glance of the nitro gloss finish will suggest this LP is in very good condition – So a more detailed tour will be required to find the odd graze – It is not in that 10 out of 10 mint/as new condition – Yet equally any hint of a blemish to the maple top, or rear/side of the mahogany body is more on the subtle side of life – More of the odd subtle compression mark, rather than a ding or dint that has damaged the finish – Look on the mahogany neck and you can see a blemish to the neck, more on the side, rather than the back of the neck – Touched up and cut back for a smooth feel, but with a translucent finish you’ll still be able to view the blemish – But certainly nothing detrimental to the feel/playability of the guitar
Tonal character :- To a traditional LP player, looking for more of the classic (no pun intended) tones, then the addition of a pair of SH55 Seymour Duncan Seth Lover humbuckesr will be a welcome addition – So far more of that lush vintage quality thanks to a pair of paf flavoured humbuckers – Think Pete Green, Kossoff, G Moore and JoBo and you’ll know where I’m coming from – On clean amp settings it possesses enough natural character to avoid sounding ‘bland’ with a lush, laid back voice pouring out of the neck pick-up – With more of a hot ‘country’ pickin’ voice available from the bridge position that has a hint of a fat Tele character to it – Like many Les Paul’s, it is not a pure hot ‘death metal’ guitar, yet it doesn’t lack girth and energy if/when required – In my opinion the guitar shows its true colours when played through an amp, with subtle levels of gain, hence that is more Green/Kossoff and BB King – Now utilise the volume pots on the Classic to control the level of gain that you require – As such a volume setting of 6 or 7 will deliver more of a chilled out cleaner voice, yet it won’t loose any of the guitars goodness – This option can be your ‘base camp’ setting – Now turn the volume back towards 10 as and when you require more gain, with a touch of extra bite – This approach delivers far more expression, soul and emotion, as you and the guitar now control the amp – Add more gain to the amp if you want it to sing more in the style of Gary Moore and co – The addition of a pair of SH55 pick-ups have certainly enhanced the tonal character of this fine LP
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Guitars4You is not another corporate high street guitar store - My selection of premium grade guitars is about quality not quantity. Every guitar has been selected, inspected and approved by me, with particular attention to the set-up and playing performance. Every sale, phone call, email and mail order transaction is handled by me. A journey that is now over 40 years old, has fuelled my knowledge, experience, love, devotion and passion for exceptionally fine guitars.