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Hey it's Mat from Gibson Product Development - AMA

matkoehler

Well-known member
Joined
Sep 12, 2014
Messages
482
Hey @matkoehler, I requested a M2M quote through my local guitar shop just shy of two months ago, still haven’t heard back. Is that typical?
No, it's not typical unless it is was done at a Guitar Center or it was an out-of-the-ordinary request, in which case it takes time to get answers from Custom Shop engineers. If nothing too crazy, should be a quick quote turnaround. Dealer may need to ping CS staff again.
 

killbot

New member
Joined
May 18, 2019
Messages
1
Any developments with historic SGs? A while ago you mentioned a new CNC machine that would help with more complex shapes. It's awesome to see the Custom Shop SGs gradually get more accurate with their bevels and shaping (I think one of the more recent changes were sanding the edge on the front lower bout) but there's probably still improvements underway. For example the outer bevel on the treble horn is shaped to start almost flush with the pickguard, which doesn't match what I see in vintage examples (including the one I'm lucky to own), where there's actually flat space past where the pickguard ends and then the bevel starts. Just curious if this was stuff the team is still working on.

And thanks for all the hard work you folks are doing with the Murphy Lab, I picked one up and it is a beast. It rings for ages when I pick a note. Remarkable.
 

matkoehler

Well-known member
Joined
Sep 12, 2014
Messages
482
Any developments with historic SGs? A while ago you mentioned a new CNC machine that would help with more complex shapes. It's awesome to see the Custom Shop SGs gradually get more accurate with their bevels and shaping (I think one of the more recent changes were sanding the edge on the front lower bout) but there's probably still improvements underway. For example the outer bevel on the treble horn is shaped to start almost flush with the pickguard, which doesn't match what I see in vintage examples (including the one I'm lucky to own), where there's actually flat space past where the pickguard ends and then the bevel starts. Just curious if this was stuff the team is still working on.

And thanks for all the hard work you folks are doing with the Murphy Lab, I picked one up and it is a beast. It rings for ages when I pick a note. Remarkable.
Yes absolutely, that new 5-axis machine will improve the horn shapes and bevels in that area. Pretty confident in saying no two vintage SG bodies are exactly alike, due to the human element, but we captured all the most common nuances. Implementing into production very soon alongside the serial number rollover to 2023. It will be so subtle most would never notice, but I respect those who do! Ha.
 

spetillion

New member
Joined
Oct 26, 2020
Messages
1
Hey @matkoehler !

I believe I have in my possesion a 1986 Pre-Historic Reissue, are you able to help me confirm that? I did email Gibson at one point and all they could tell me was (paraphrasing) "it looks like a real Gibson, looks like it's from 1986, and it looks to be some sort of reissue".


Cheers!
Stuart
 

matkoehler

Well-known member
Joined
Sep 12, 2014
Messages
482
Hey @matkoehler !

I believe I have in my possesion a 1986 Pre-Historic Reissue, are you able to help me confirm that? I did email Gibson at one point and all they could tell me was (paraphrasing) "it looks like a real Gibson, looks like it's from 1986, and it looks to be some sort of reissue".


Cheers!
Stuart
Sorry Stuart, have to leave that one with Customer Service. But I'm sure the folks in this forum could help you with peace of mind. We do not have a lot of shipping records from the 80s.
 

Dude2Dude

New member
Joined
Nov 2, 2010
Messages
1
Hey @matkoehler.

I've got a 2008 LP R0 that needs a replacement truss rod cover and a set of gold reflector knobs (silver inserts). Any ideas? Doesn't seem that Gibson has any in stock.

Thanks!
 

rhye

New member
Joined
Jul 27, 2016
Messages
13
Hi Mat!
Question: Is it true that Gibson used Phenol-Formaldehyde Resin for glueing the top of Les Paul's in the 50's instead of hide glue?
 

DoubleBoogie

Well-known member
Joined
Jun 6, 2004
Messages
4,800
Hi Matt, I have a Historic R0 from 2013 which is the first year to my understanding when Gibson went back to hot hide glue and also more accurate inlays. I bought this from Dave’s Guitar Shop and was told that it weighed 7.6 lbs on their scales. It was a tad heavier on my scales but easily the lightest non-chambered Les Paul I’ve ever picked up. It’s also hands down the best sounding and playing Les Paul I’ve ever had and it has ended my search for that elusive combination of tone that so many others have chased. I found out after I bought it that the serial number is 0 3001 making it the first produced R0 in 2013. My question now is are you aware of anything out of the ordinary that would have been done to make this first one? Nothing I can find indicates that it is chambered but I have wondered about that off and on for a while now.EB5A8638-B9AC-433F-AF8E-DA9004E64587.jpeg
 
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matkoehler

Well-known member
Joined
Sep 12, 2014
Messages
482
Hi Mat!
Question: Is it true that Gibson used Phenol-Formaldehyde Resin for glueing the top of Les Paul's in the 50's instead of hide glue?
That info probably exists somewhere, I would have to do a deep dive. But even so, I believe hide glue is same or better in terms of instrument properties. Also OSHA probably has something to say about formaldehyde outgassing these days... Thanks for the question!
 

matkoehler

Well-known member
Joined
Sep 12, 2014
Messages
482
Hi Matt, I have a Historic R0 from 2013 which is the first year to my understanding when Gibson went back to hot hide glue and also more accurate inlays. I bought this from Dave’s Guitar Shop and was told that it weighed 7.6 lbs on their scales. It was a tad heavier on my scales but easily the lightest non-chambered Les Paul I’ve ever picked up. It’s also hands down the best sounding and playing Les Paul I’ve ever had and it has ended my search for that elusive combination of tone that so many others have chased. I found out after I bought it that the serial number is 0 3001 making it the first produced R0 in 2013. My question now is are you aware of anything out of the ordinary that would have been done to make this first one? Nothing I can find indicates that it is chambered but I have wondered about that off and on for a while now.View attachment 20279
You've just got a light one! I own an R9 with all solid woods and it weighs even less, believe it or not. Beautiful guitar.
 
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