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'57 heaven

deytookerjaabs

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Nov 6, 2016
Messages
1,621
bNDFYC2h.jpg


3HveDU2h.jpg


f8vhQVph.jpg



That body binding seems thick, maybe it's the angle of the photo but it looks thicker than original to my eyes (edit, could be due to natural finish thus no paint scrap making it look thinner). The neck binding is over modern fretwire so obviously that was replaced. The guitar had to be real clean before the refinish I'd imagine. That veneer looks perfect, dot on I seems kinda tiny but who knows, headstock shape is very clean too. Would like to hear what others think.
 
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Any Name You Wish

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Apr 15, 2021
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635
Binding does stand out a bit. Nice clean looking guitar and nice bit of playing. Makes me want to try a set of '57 Classics in my R9.
 

deytookerjaabs

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Binding does stand out a bit. Nice clean looking guitar and nice bit of playing. Makes me want to try a set of '57 Classics in my R9.

Here's a photo (from Abalone Vintage) of a member's '57:

LQjkkVah.jpg



The binding in this era coupled with the workmanship and the tiny frets make the nibs pretty tiny. Sometimes there's almost no nib left on guitars with original frets. It's not unique to Les Paul's either:

004FiY2h.jpg



There was a burst posted here a while back that had wide binding w/nibs and IIRC it was sent back to Gibson for work so Gibson just put whatever was around on it.
 

thin sissy

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Jan 2, 2006
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2,761
The guitar is way cool and Guthrie is a fantastic player!

But man it would be soo much cooler if it was still a goldtop. I wonder if with the increasing prices of goldtops, people will stop refinishing then?
 

deytookerjaabs

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Nov 6, 2016
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The guitar is way cool and Guthrie is a fantastic player!

But man it would be soo much cooler if it was still a goldtop. I wonder if with the increasing prices of goldtops, people will stop refinishing then?

Even worse, if that's the actual serial # the goldtops before & after are dark backs with black plastics. Should be able to tell the original back color with cavity shots.
 

F-Hole

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Sep 2, 2015
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Well, Carter’s new “head buyer” wouldn’t know his ass from a hole in the ground, as has been demonstrated in this very parish. Those with any knowledge have left the building.
 
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AA00475Bassman

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Apr 26, 2016
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3,922
The playing is fantastic - once again the magic is in the hands - I had the honor of hearing Lou Pallo play a USA standard at The Les Paul Auction , after hour event Lou's sound was amazing on the very run of the mill instrument . Thank you for posting this fabulous playing !
 

Xpensive Wino

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Joined
Nov 3, 2012
Messages
7,260
bNDFYC2h.jpg


3HveDU2h.jpg


f8vhQVph.jpg



That body binding seems thick, maybe it's the angle of the photo but it looks thicker than original to my eyes (edit, could be due to natural finish thus no paint scrap making it look thinner). The neck binding is over modern fretwire so obviously that was replaced. The guitar had to be real clean before the refinish I'd imagine. That veneer looks perfect, dot on I seems kinda tiny but who knows, headstock shape is very clean too. Would like to hear what others think.

I think it sold immediately.
 

sws1

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Joined
Dec 4, 2001
Messages
2,886
You wouldn't think a guitar with a near mint headstock would be worn enough to justify a refinish.

And IF that s/n is the original number (which we'll never know), it would have came with pre-sticker PAFs. But with all those other parts being changed out, likely they aren't original pickups. And that shape isn't right for early '57.

Who ever did the refret should probably not have been allowed to touch the guitar? Why a brand new binding? New neck, perhaps?

Hope the new buyer likes it.
 

jimmi

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Oct 8, 2012
Messages
2,208
You wouldn't think a guitar with a near mint headstock would be worn enough to justify a refinish.

And IF that s/n is the original number (which we'll never know), it would have came with pre-sticker PAFs. But with all those other parts being changed out, likely they aren't original pickups. And that shape isn't right for early '57.

Who ever did the refret should probably not have been allowed to touch the guitar? Why a brand new binding? New neck, perhaps?

Hope the new buyer likes it.
Maybe the refinished the headstock too?
 

57gold

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Jan 14, 2005
Messages
759
I'm out of my depth here, but would a '57 with buckers have a low logo like that?

- Douglas C.
My GT is an early one. Non sticker PAFs with brushed covers and steel screws, dark back.

Documented in the Gibson Electrics: The Classic Years by A.R Duchossoir. Mr Gil Southworth supplied the color photo in the book. When I was offered this instrument by another vintage dealer, I called Gil and he said, "It's the cleanest 1957 I have ever seen, if you can afford it, buy it." So I did, twenty something years ago.

A cluse up:

1Yoj9kL.jpg
 

57gold

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Jan 14, 2005
Messages
759
Nope, not taking it off.

Just as clean under the guard as it has never been removed.
 
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