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'68 Lp @ Guitar Center

moonweasel

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Joined
Jan 20, 2004
Messages
9,427
A lot of these guitars got the dark back treatment in the 70s to hide repairs etc. Only seen VERY VERY VERY few that look legit. No idea about this one with such a horrible quality pic. You'd think it would occur to GC to upgrade their website. :) It's been the same, 1997-quality pics FOREVER. :)
 

Finbar

Member
Joined
Apr 18, 2015
Messages
67
I know I don't speak much here, but this is my current dilemma. I am scouting for a vintage p-90 gold top and I am perplexed that I can get a 1968 (vintage and rare) or a 1953 (more vintage and more rare) for only a little more. I have several in my sights, but I simply cannot pull the trigger. Seeing this confuses the matter.

The 53 is/ was lovingly owned by couple for it's entire life and an original player and priced accordingly.

Am I misguided in my thinking that the 68 is indeed special and rare and would I be nuts in choosing it over a 1953?

ugh...
 

WBailey

Active member
Joined
Apr 23, 2015
Messages
1,131
I know I don't speak much here, but this is my current dilemma. I am scouting for a vintage p-90 gold top and I am perplexed that I can get a 1968 (vintage and rare) or a 1953 (more vintage and more rare) for only a little more. I have several in my sights, but I simply cannot pull the trigger. Seeing this confuses the matter.

The 53 is/ was lovingly owned by couple for it's entire life and an original player and priced accordingly.

Am I misguided in my thinking that the 68 is indeed special and rare and would I be nuts in choosing it over a 1953?

ugh...

mmmm....:hmm
 

WBailey

Active member
Joined
Apr 23, 2015
Messages
1,131
A lot of these guitars got the dark back treatment in the 70s to hide repairs etc. Only seen VERY VERY VERY few that look legit. No idea about this one with such a horrible quality pic. You'd think it would occur to GC to upgrade their website. :) It's been the same, 1997-quality pics FOREVER. :)

I bet they looked at the pot codes and saw 6852, whatya think ?
 

lhric

Member
Joined
Aug 3, 2007
Messages
197
I bet they looked at the pot codes and saw 6852, whatya think ?

I've seen a couple of these 1968 dark backs and 69's into the early 70s. Don't really know if the walnut stain was used to hide wood or finish flaws as they used this finish on late 50s gold tops as well. Robb Lawrence has one of these pictured in his 2009 book as it is a 531xxx series. Gary Dick/Classic Guitars has a 529xxx series on his website with the dark back. I've looked at one in person and it looked super clean with no repairs finish flaw. However, the one in question on Guitar Center's website is marked with the number 2 on the back headstock with no mention of a design or finish flaw.
 

Reno_1ted

Member
Joined
Sep 21, 2014
Messages
665
My very late 68 has a dark back. I have no reason to think it isnt original, but you never know of course. Its faded and still quite "clear" so not hiding any repairs or anything. The one on the link looks very dark, in comparison, but could just be the crappy picture.

Its certainly very old given it looks like smashed glass. :salude :)


 

moonweasel

New member
Joined
Jan 20, 2004
Messages
9,427
I know I don't speak much here, but this is my current dilemma. I am scouting for a vintage p-90 gold top and I am perplexed that I can get a 1968 (vintage and rare) or a 1953 (more vintage and more rare) for only a little more. I have several in my sights, but I simply cannot pull the trigger. Seeing this confuses the matter.

The 53 is/ was lovingly owned by couple for it's entire life and an original player and priced accordingly.

Am I misguided in my thinking that the 68 is indeed special and rare and would I be nuts in choosing it over a 1953?

ugh...

The 68 is overprice most likely, or the 53 is underpriced. THat's the first thing you have to figure out. :) I would NOT buy a 68 at correct 53 prices, but I sure as hell would buy a 53 at correct 68 prices. :)
 

moonweasel

New member
Joined
Jan 20, 2004
Messages
9,427
I've seen a couple of these 1968 dark backs and 69's into the early 70s. Don't really know if the walnut stain was used to hide wood or finish flaws as they used this finish on late 50s gold tops as well. Robb Lawrence has one of these pictured in his 2009 book as it is a 531xxx series. Gary Dick/Classic Guitars has a 529xxx series on his website with the dark back. I've looked at one in person and it looked super clean with no repairs finish flaw. However, the one in question on Guitar Center's website is marked with the number 2 on the back headstock with no mention of a design or finish flaw.

The 2 in the LSLP era typically means a special order, not a flaw. Did I miss that in the pic above? Hmmm

I am not doubting that there are real Darkbacks in the LSLP era, but I do believe that most we see today are refins. A lot of the time you can see the original amber finish UNDER the dark stained clear, especially in the cavities. :)
 

moonweasel

New member
Joined
Jan 20, 2004
Messages
9,427
My very late 68 has a dark back. I have no reason to think it isnt original, but you never know of course. Its faded and still quite "clear" so not hiding any repairs or anything. The one on the link looks very dark, in comparison, but could just be the crappy picture.

Its certainly very old given it looks like smashed glass. :salude :)



Looks so awesome, love that finish.

I specifically sought out a Dark Back R4 back when they were beyond rare because I love it so much. :)
 
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