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1979 Les Paul "The Paul"

kharrison

Active member
Joined
May 18, 2006
Messages
4,225
I just picked up one of these for less than a MIM Telecaster. All original with no breaks but with some play wear. It sports a couple of pat # t tops. All I can say it that this thing rings like a bell and has a great neck and feel. Ebony board with big frets. I remember when these came out and were around for a few years during the dusk of the dark years. Anyone have any experience with these? Not sure if I am going to keep it but so far it has my interest. I will post some pics shortly.
 

JJC

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Joined
Feb 25, 2008
Messages
1,027
My local music shop had one when they first came out along with "The SG" (remember when small shops could carry Gibson guitars?). Anyway, I always played it whenever I went in - I remember it being quite nice - the look was different, but it sure played good.
 

Siegler

New member
Joined
Jul 21, 2001
Messages
956
I just bought one from 1979 on eBay (they changed to all-Mahogany from all-Walnut approx. 1980, I believe)

I put a light-weight tail on it and a couple of '50s Gibson magnets in (eventually I'll alligator clip in cap-resistor couplings on the volume pots)

As I strap it on, I react as if the guitar sucks ass before I play a note because it feels so heavy and stiff (association with heavy, tone-less guitars I've had) - but when I finally have it on and start playing and honestly listening it sounds like a righteous vintage Gibson

Regarding neck feel (besides the psychological part of reacting to its weight), it feels totally great; easy to play and rock-solid stable
 

kharrison

Active member
Joined
May 18, 2006
Messages
4,225
Here are a couple of pics. This one does not seem too heavy. I paid $400 bucks for it. Previous owner put a metal pickguard on it and different rings and tuners. I had some black rings and some Grovers so now it looks close to factory now. So far, for the money I am very impressed. Some arm wear on the top bout and back of neck.

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kharrison

Active member
Joined
May 18, 2006
Messages
4,225
I just bought one from 1979 on eBay (they changed to all-Mahogany from all-Walnut approx. 1980, I believe)

I put a light-weight tail on it and a couple of '50s Gibson magnets in (eventually I'll alligator clip in cap-resistor couplings on the volume pots)

As I strap it on, I react as if the guitar sucks ass before I play a note because it feels so heavy and stiff (association with heavy, tone-less guitars I've had) - but when I finally have it on and start playing and honestly listening it sounds like a righteous vintage Gibson

Regarding neck feel (besides the psychological part of reacting to its weight), it feels totally great; easy to play and rock-solid stable

:2zone
 

RNELEE

New member
Joined
May 16, 2004
Messages
645
My instructor had a used and very beaten up "The Paul" in walnut and it was the guitar that got me into Gibson. My instructor never knew what PU's were in it it and the guitar was starting to delaminate. But, to this day that guitar will outsound just about anything that I have ever heard. I am passively looking for one or an LP Special with 490/498. That guitar at $400.00 you did very well.
 
Y

yeti

Guest
I remember those. On of my teachers in HS had one. I played it a few times and wasn't too impressed but I was a kid and only paid attention to what the guitar rags were saying about what's good and what's not. At that time Gibson and Fender=bad, Ibanez=good! The german reviewer for "Fachblatt" gave it a 5 out of 6 (6 being the worst). I'm glad (but not surprised) they were wrong.:pwink
 

Troy T. Blues

Member
Joined
Dec 2, 2001
Messages
638
I had one a while back and it was a 1979 as well. I unloaded it in a trade in to get something else. Wish I still had it! Not the most desired Paul around, but it had a super sweet tone. It had a T-Top neck and old JB bridge which really cut. Great clean tone as well. I still have a recording of me playing with it. Makes me yearn for another. :)
 

jsegel

New member
Joined
Jan 21, 2012
Messages
6
Dude! I found one earlier this year for $500, it's amazing. It has Seymour Duncan PG and 59 pickups, and the tung oil finish is worn off above and below the strings (rhythm guitarist sold it?). The thing is solid as a RAWK and the neck feels amazing. I like the ebony fretboard and the medium sized frets. Really undervalued guitars, in my opinion.
And yes, I remember seeing them at the music store back in 79 when I was in high school... I sorta dug it, but never got one then. Love the one I have now! I can't believe these are going for mere hundreds of dollars.
 

becks bolero

New member
Joined
Jul 15, 2001
Messages
1,810
that's the first electric guitar I ever saw in real life, or even tried to play.

my older brother's friend got one for his birthday, along with a big muff pedal and some kind of amp.

we used to go mess around & make weird noises thru the fuzz :D

I always liked it :dude: congrats!!
 

Big Al

Well-known member
Joined
Apr 24, 2002
Messages
14,537
I remember these well. I think they sound and play wonderful and my only gripe was the switch. I would have preferred it in the upper bout. I was managing Castle Music in Santa Barbara, and later San Louis Obisbo at that time and we sold many of them, I had the guys at the factory source two piece ones for me and they were GREAT!!! I customized in store many of them with Duncan Pickups and mini sliding switches on the pickup rings. Some I buffed up and put creme plastic with gold hardware on. I also did a bunch of nice Ibanez Performers at the same time.

These guitars showed me how wonderful Walnut was as a tone wood. I have never forgotten it and often think how cool would a North American Les Paul be, made with native hardwoods. Figured Walnut and Maple, together.... yum.....
 
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