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2020 Gibson Quality

1958jr

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Mar 26, 2014
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4
I have owned many Les Paul and SG models over the decades including custom shop and regular production. I was in a guitar shop (independant, not box), looking for an SG. I had a chance to play a standard production 61 reissue and a special in sparkling burgundy, and was blown away by the quality of fit and finish. The necks had dark rosewood boards, played perfectly, with smooth frets, no buzz outs and meticulous binding especially the way the nibs were finished. It was finished exactly like my R9 from Wildwood. The paint on the special was also flawless. I bought the special.

Not sure if these 2 examples were atypical, but they were pretty impressive, definitely worth the price.
 

GotTheSilver

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Joined
Apr 14, 2007
Messages
2,433
I have a 2020 R9 that I bought about a year ago. The quality is amazing! I have not found a single flaw on it, although I am not the type to go over everything with a microscope. The build quality, fit and finish is really second to none. Even better, it is the best sounding Les Paul I have ever played!
 

Icandrive55

Active member
Joined
Oct 26, 2019
Messages
166
I think they definitely heard the complaints about the fretboards loud and clear. The last 2 Gibson's I played were just as you described. The fretboards were the nicest I have seen in years. The frets even seemed nicer like you said. Would be amazing if this quality keeps up!
 

Morlock

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May 22, 2018
Messages
58
Just got my 60's Standard LP a couple of days ago and it's perfect. My LP Studio from 2017 and Explorer from 2017 were perfect too.
 

C-4

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Joined
Jan 5, 2005
Messages
1,776
While I have never owned a Gibson with QC issues, I have played a few hanging on walls in music stores over the years.

I have also noticed, as others here have, that the QC on Gibson guitars has really improved in recent years. It makes me feel good to know that this improvement has happened. :)
 

Revelation

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Joined
Mar 6, 2021
Messages
7
I purchased a 2021 Gibson 335 Figured Cherry guitar and it's perfect. No issues with the fretboard, binding, or frets. The action was a little too low for me but a couple of turn on the bridge screws and I was good to go.
 

TM1

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Jun 27, 2003
Messages
8,349
I got a `64 reissue ES-335TDC. It became perfect after I changed out the nylon Saddles for a bridge with brass saddles and I installed a set of pre T-Top Pat.#'s from a `65 SG. WOW!!
 

Revelation

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Mar 6, 2021
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I got a `64 reissue ES-335TDC. It became perfect after I changed out the nylon Saddles for a bridge with brass saddles and I installed a set of pre T-Top Pat.#'s from a `65 SG. WOW!!
It must sound closer to my 2021 335 60'S cherry that has the titanium saddles.
They said the nylon saddles gave a duller sound. Is that why you changed them?
 
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TM1

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Jun 27, 2003
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It must sound closer to my 2021 335 60'S cherry that has the titanium saddles.
They said the nylon saddles gave a duller sound. Is that why you changed them?
I've never liked the Nylon saddles. Gibson started them back in the early `60's as customers were complaining that the guitars were too bright sounding. The Titanium saddles aren't an option for my bridge as I use an ABM Bell Brass bridge. The whole bridge is machined out of Bell Brass and really let's the guitar resonate vs. the crap diecast zinc one Gibson uses. My 335 is a Custom Shop version. I had the `63 that was made in Memphis in 2014. The new one is the `64 that replaced the `63 model. It's an amazing guitar and very close to alot of the original's I've played over the last 50+ years.
 

Wise Guy

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Apr 3, 2021
Messages
62
The only problem with my 2020 LP was a dry fretboard. That really isn't an issue though as I easily corrected it but it sure beats the issues my 2006 Explorer had. That guitars truss rod had like 5 or so threads sticking through the acorn already purchased direct from Gibson. Just didn't seem right to me.
 

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Bluesman58

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May 17, 2021
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Last friday it arrived and nothing to complain about quality. During the years have had some guitars - including Les Pauls - during the 50 years i have played since 1972. Heritage Series Standard 80 Elite, Heritage Series Standard 80, Guitar Trader with original P.A.F:s, 1972 Les Paul Custom and this one do not shame compared to them, at least as great as those were or even better. One piece mahogany back, weight 8 pounds and 12.21 ounces. Cherry Sunburst. In last pic couple other Les Pauls of mine.
 

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Wise Guy

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Apr 3, 2021
Messages
62
60's bourbon burst soaking up some morning sun with what I believe to be near perfect build quality. Then again I'm probably not nearly as picky as some. Deciding if I prefer the pickguard on or off is my biggest dilemma....

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wmachine

Active member
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Mar 17, 2016
Messages
303
It must sound closer to my 2021 335 60'S cherry that has the titanium saddles.
They said the nylon saddles gave a duller sound. Is that why you changed them?
I've never liked the Nylon saddles. Gibson started them back in the early `60's as customers were complaining that the guitars were too bright sounding. The Titanium saddles aren't an option for my bridge as I use an ABM Bell Brass bridge. The whole bridge is machined out of Bell Brass and really let's the guitar resonate vs. the crap diecast zinc one Gibson uses. My 335 is a Custom Shop version. I had the `63 that was made in Memphis in 2014. The new one is the `64 that replaced the `63 model. It's an amazing guitar and very close to alot of the original's I've played over the last 50+ years.
It is understandable why some don't like the sound with the nylon saddles. But to be fair to Gibson, their goal was to make an accurate reissue, and that they did. If you don't like them with the nylon saddles, you won't like and original '63/''64 either. This is just a matter of preference to your ears. I just want to make it clear that it is in no way a shortcoming of the guitar. Later years in Memphis they offered reissues and standard models. The standard models are brighter. People bought reissues because they were "better", but then complained about the sound. Doesn't really make sense when the model does exactly what it is supposed to do. You don't have to spend reissue money to get that brighter sound.
 
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