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I needed up selling this guitar several years ago. You’ve got several options for pickups that don’t require permanent mods
- Curtis Novak makes a small Melody maker P90 style pickup that fits beneath the skinny cover
- Jason Lollar make s a full size p90 with a smaller baseplate that fits...
Colors vary significantly between different camera settings and lighting. Flash can really make the flame pop sometimes, and reds will be more briliant under certain lighting..
These photos were both taken with the same camera. This one was taken in sunlight:
Same camera, but taken under...
I don't know if Pigtail makes tailpieces for Montreux or not, but I agree that Steve did an superb job of copying the 1950s tailpiece. I weighed both the Pigtail and a 1955 wraparound at 31G.
Examples of 2003-2012 swirly-pattern acrylic inlays:
Example of 2013-current streaked-pattern celluloid inlays:
Inlays vary in appearance so sometimes it may not be clear as to which is which, however measuring the distance between the pickup rings is a surefire way to discern whether the...
Photos of the inlays will help to identify the year. If they have a swirly pattern and yellowish coloration, then they are acrylic inlays from 2004. If they are more whitish or slightly grayish with a streaked or fractured pattern, then they are celluloid inlays from 2014.
Other differences...
Here's a comparison of a 1950's wraparound to the Pigtail and Historic parts. A stopbar is the same part except that counterbores are machined into the backside for the string balls and the set screws are omitted.
The Pigtail is a nicely made part which looks very vintage-like. The most...
Its apparent from these 1952/1953 Goldtops that the ground wire channel was hand routed.
Note: It is recommended that you do not make the modifications shown below in order to see exactly where the ground wire channels is located.
:LOL:
Here are some links to browse through:
https://www.lespaulforum.com/index.php?threads/real-feel-historics.73587/
https://www.lespaulforum.com/index.php?threads/music-machine-real-feel-r9-revisited.89296/
https://www.lespaulforum.com/index.php?threads/r9-real-feel.75463/...
All of the features I see point to it being a 2008. A 2008 would have the yellowish swirly inlays as the subject guitar has, whereas 1998 would white crackled looking inlays. Also, this guitar has aligned tuners which is something that began in 2003.
I first started shopping for a Historic Reissue in 2003 when Brazilian Rosewood fretboards were being used on all models. R7s were running in the $1750-$2000 range and R8s were $2300-$2400. I ended up with a Brazilian R7 for $1800 shipped (still have it)
"1" and "2" would be cavity numbers in the mold. Its typical of all multiple cavity molds to have cavity indicators so that part measurements, flaws, etc can be tied to a specific cavity in the mold.
UC-450 and UC-455 are probably just Gibson part numbers.
If I understand the OPs post correctly, this “replica” Black Beauty Custom will use decals for the Gibson logo and split diamond rather than inlayed Mother of Pearl, it will have locking tuners, graphite saddles, and other parts that have never appeared on a factory-made Custom. The only people...