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Is this real?

Slimpickenz

New member
Joined
Dec 16, 2018
Messages
5
Hey everyone!!! I’m new here, but am a semi pro collector. I just picked up a Les Paul from my local shop that came in used. There are so many red flags going up for me.... I need to know if it is legit. According to the ser# it is a 1968. I popped the pickups out (all electronics and hardware are not original) and it looks like it was originally a gold top. I’m thinking it isn’t legit because the flame isn’t book matched (it goes all the way from side to side), and the nitro on the back of the body doesn’t match the glossy-ness of the neck. Thoughts?

I can’t figure out how to post pics, but if it is real, it is definitely one of a kind.

help please

Slim
 

corpse

Well-known member
Joined
Jun 9, 2007
Messages
4,876
What are the pickups- P90’s or HB? There were very very few sun burst LPs built in 68- maybe five or so. All of the started off as Gold. And the body is likely more of a golden tint compared to the brown of the 50’s. Lots of them had the necks shaved down and refinished- hence the mismatch.
 

Slimpickenz

New member
Joined
Dec 16, 2018
Messages
5
It was definately a gold top originally with P90s. The cavity is still painted gold but routed out to now fit humbuckers. It’s a pancake body with a thin veneer in middle. Im wondering if the top has just been airbrushed to look like it is flame maple (if it is, the artist is absolutely amazing). Did Gibson ever use 1 solid piece for their tops? I’ve only ever seen maple tops book matched.

How do I post pictures?

What are the pickups- P90’s or HB? There were very very few sun burst LPs built in 68- maybe five or so. All of the started off as Gold. And the body is likely more of a golden tint compared to the brown of the 50’s. Lots of them had the necks shaved down and refinished- hence the mismatch.
 

HSTR

New member
Joined
Dec 6, 2015
Messages
65
70's Deluxe with painted on flames and a new headstock, grafted on the neck, probably due to a clean break off off similar. Run, quickly.

I was thinking the same about the flames on the top.
Headstock logo does look strange.
 

El Gringo

Well-known member
Joined
Apr 8, 2015
Messages
5,657
Broken headstocks are very bad and all should stay away , it is the ultimate black hole with an endless bottom of misery and money spent on endless repairs.
 

PaulD

Active member
Joined
Jun 25, 2007
Messages
673
Broken headstocks are very bad and all should stay away , it is the ultimate black hole with an endless bottom of misery and money spent on endless repairs.

A properly repaired broken headstock will last a lifetime and be perfectly stable - yes it will affect the value and collectability of the guitar but is certainly not a black hole and will not require endless repairs.
 

latestarter

Well-known member
Joined
Nov 9, 2009
Messages
4,173
A properly repaired broken headstock will last a lifetime and be perfectly stable - yes it will affect the value and collectability of the guitar but is certainly not a black hole and will not require endless repairs.

I agree...but El Gringo may have been joking too?

The issue with this guitar the OP is looking at, is the entire headstock, neck (to the 4th fret area) is all new, and grafted onto the old neck....and not built like a Gibson would be. That detracts significantly more than a repaired headstock in its original form.
 

corpse

Well-known member
Joined
Jun 9, 2007
Messages
4,876
Having seen those pics this is a $750-1000 guitar that will actually sound pretty darn good- but you would still have a hell of a time selling it. That might be the worst finish I have ever seen that was not applied with a brush.
 

latestarter

Well-known member
Joined
Nov 9, 2009
Messages
4,173
Having seen those pics this is a $750-1000 guitar that will actually sound pretty darn good- but you would still have a hell of a time selling it. That might be the worst finish I have ever seen that was not applied with a brush.

I have a feeling a brush may have been used....
 
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