Gibson
Les Paul Artist Model: No Moog for Guitarists? By Mike Slubowski December 2002
(please click on images to enlarge)
One of the most interesting and short-lived Les Paul models in Gibson's
Norlin era was the Les Paul Artist model (sometimes also referred to as
the "Les Paul Active"). The prototypes of the Les Paul Artist were developed
in 1978, which used a circuit of active electronics originally developed
for Gibson's RD Artist model.
In the late 70's, synthesizers
were the rage, and Norlin surmised that a relationship with the famous synthesizer
manufacturer, Moog, would aid Gibson at gaining market share for its guitars.
MOOG synthesizers were manufactured and marketed by Norlin Industries Inc.
beginning in approximately 1977 by way of an agreement with Dr. Moog. Subsequently
the MOOG trademarks were assigned to Norlin.
The Gibson
RD line (RD Artist) was launched in 1977, but did not turn out to be successful.
Gibson believed that the radical styling of the RD Artist was to blame,
and moved to combine the RD technology with traditional designs like the
ES models and the Les Paul models.
The
Les Paul Artist actually has two circuit boards which are installed under
a large control plate on the back of the Les Paul Artist model (see photos).
There is also a separate control plate for the 9 volt battery placement.
Because of the size of the circuit boards, a large amount of wood had to
be removed from the back of the Les Paul. Despite this removal of wood,
the Les Paul Artists are heavy guitars. The two Artists featured in the
photos accompanying this article are 10 lbs. 5 oz. And 10 lbs. 2 oz., respectively.
The
Les Paul Artist is a handsome guitar with some very unique features besides
the Moog circuit board and active electronics. All Artists were made in
Nashville. The Artist has a unique peghead logo with the letters "LP" in
script style, a gold truss rod cover with the "Les Paul Artist" inscription,
brass nut, TP-6 fine tuning tailpiece,gold hardware, two potted gold plated
Gibson Humbucking pickups, five piece laminated maple neck with volute,
a bass, treble, and one master volume pot, brass nut, new design "scarfed"
cutaway back, black speed knobs, gold jack plate, Nashville bridge, block
fingerboard inlays, multi-ply binding on the top of the body, neck, and
peghead, and three mini-toggle switches for compression, expansion, and
brightness. The tone controls are active, with a notch in the midway ("0")
position. With the tone controls at this mid-point, the sound of the Artist
is close to a traditional Les Paul tone. The tone controls below this mid
position (selections numbered 1-5) or above mid position (also numbered
1-5) actively "cut" or "boost" the tone, respectively. The active circuitry
is enabled (and battery drain occurs) when a cord is plugged into the guitar's
phone jack.
Colors
for the Artist were Antique Fireburst, Antique Sunburst, or Ebony finish.
The Fireburst is a three-color sunburst (similar to modern day "Tri-Burst"
Les Pauls). The photos of the two Artists with this article include one
in Fireburst and one in Ebony. The Ebony Artist is in mint, unplayed condition
with all dealer tags and warranty card and is still wearing its protective
covering on the pickguard.
The
craftsmanship of the Artist model was outstanding, with excellent fit, finish,
and attention to detail.
The
Artist is a unique sounding guitar, with many tonal variations. With the
tone controls in the "boost" position, the guitar takes on a unique tone
that seems suited for jazz or chord work with shimmering arpeggios. It can
be shaped to sound very "Fender-esque" or very dark and woody with the adjustment
of the tone controls and switches. The compression feature greatly increases
the volume of the guitar in addition to working like a normal outboard compressor.
The neck is of medium thickness and is very comfortable to play. The guitar
is slightly neck heavy in design due to the removal of wood for the active
electronics and the Custom-style (large) peghead.
The
1980 Gibson price list indicates a list price of $1,299.00 for the Artist,
with an additional $119.50 for an optional Protector case. In contrast,
the list prices for a Les Paul Artisan and Les Paul Custom were $1,099.00
and $949.00 respectively.
It
is ironic that the complexity and wide sonic variety of the Artist led to
its demise. In fact, when the author purchased his first LP Artist from
a player in Ottumwa Iowa, the seller said that it was "too much guitar for
him." Tim Shaw of Gibson said the he didn't appreciate until later that
"…guitar players are really conservative folks, and nobody really wanted
a Les Paul that did all that." Tim was also quoted as saying that "somebody
once said that with one of those Artists you were a flick of a switch away
from total disaster." Thus, the Artist, which was introduced in late 1979,
was dropped by 1982 from the Gibson line.
In
1984 Norlin sold the MOOG music business to two former executives, but their
company, Moog Electronics, went bankrupt. The company's assets were purchased
by an investor group who also offered service and genuine repair parts for
Moog music products
According
to the 2003 Vintage Guitar Price Guide, Les Paul Artists in excellent condition
are selling in the $1,200-$1,500. price range. In the author's opinion,
the Les Paul Artist is an excellent value in the vintage guitar market.
Due
to the unique tone of this guitar, the author often uses this model for
a rhythm track when recording.
The
Les Paul Artist is another unique and special guitar in the history of
Gibson Les Paul models, and is sought by collectors and players looking
for something different in the Les Paul family.
NOTE
from the author:As a member of the Les Paul
Forum, I am always interested in learning new things about the details
and history of Gibson Guitars. Thus, I appreciate any additional information
or questions that readers may have about the history of the Les Paul Artist
or any other Gibson model. Please contact me at MikeSlub@aol.com.
Credit
is given to the Gibson Les Paul Book, by Tony Bacon and Paul Day,
for some of the excerpts in this article.
Mike
Slubowski is a Gibson enthusiast, collector, player, and author, with
a special passion for Les Pauls.
This
article and photos are property of Mike Slubowski.
No part of this article may be reproduced without the expressed written
permission of the author.
