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Les Paul Custom - what year?

CK6

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Anyone have an idea of what year this guitar could be? Pots are not original so would have to rely on serial number (stamped) but I can’t confirm what is yet.

My guess is pre 77 by looking at the bridge... tuners look like early 70’s. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks
 

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CK6

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Definitely mid to late 73.
Thanks, much appreciated!

I had the chance to go check it out today; it had a nice chunky neck and was very resonant. Also, I noticed that the top binding in the cutaway was “single” unlike like a 77 Custom where they double it up.

It has a “Made in the USA” stamp on the back and the serial number is 124696.

The remaining neck T-Top pick up is interesting as it appears winding wires are on the opposite side of the output T-Top.
 

Big Al

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As the man said, '73 Custom. Nothing about that bridge says anything but pre 75 Norlin, or, "Hey! Look at me, I'm from Kalamazoo." You know the neck pup is rotated 180 degrees from the bridge, right? Braided hookup wires will be on opposite sides to each other when installed. Binding laminates remain consistant on the top, and didn't double up in the cutaway.
 
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CK6

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As the man said, '73 Custom. Nothing about that bridge says anything but pre 75 Norlin, or, "Hey! Look at me, I'm from Kalamazoo." You know the neck pup is rotated 180 degrees from the bridge, right? Braided hookup wires will be on opposite sides to each other when installed. Binding laminates remain consistant on the top, and didn't double up in the cutaway.
Thanks Al, appreciate it! I do hope that you’re feeling better and sending lots of positive vibes your way.

Would It had a short, transitional or long neck tenon?

Thanks again
 

Big Al

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Thanks Al, appreciate it! I do hope that you’re feeling better and sending lots of positive vibes your way.

Would It had a short, transitional or long neck tenon?

Thanks again
tranny
 
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Big Al

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Are you going to buy it? Those are just wonderful guitars, imo. Great wood and Kalamazoo build.
 

CK6

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Are you going to buy it? Those are just wonderful guitars, imo. Great wood and Kalamazoo build.
I really want to buy that guitar but it is a little expensive considering that it only has one T-top (pots and bridge pup have been replaced). I think that he will come down in price over the next few weeks.

It played great, and I love the neck. It will need new frets as well but that’s no big deal.

Fingers crossed! I’ll keep you posted..
 

CK6

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I'll perform some secret mojo rituals and offerings to the proper spirits and hope the stars align in your favor.
Thanks Al! I made an offer but he’s sticking to his price..... let’s see what happens over the next few days! Thanks for the rituals!!!
 

CK6

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I'll perform some secret mojo rituals and offerings to the proper spirits and hope the stars align in your favor.
I got it, just picked it up and brought it home!!! Thanks Al, the mojo-rituals worked!!! photos to follow
 

Big Al

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I got it, just picked it up and brought it home!!! Thanks Al, the mojo-rituals worked!!! photos to follow
Good, 'cause I'm getting too old too keep dancin' naked at midnite, chanting the lyrics to Voodoo Chile and not chattering my teeth.
 

123sg

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Feb 24, 2021
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Recently picked up a 72 custom 72. My guitar tech said there are issues with the neck and these guitars? He’s doing a refret Which I suspect that it needed but had to take extra material out and of course the pearl and lays and lays because the neck tips down. It has a mahogany neck and said this was common in the early Les Pauls 70s customs . Anyone have experience with this?
 

123sg

Member
Joined
Feb 24, 2021
Messages
125
Recently picked up a 72 custom 72. My guitar tech said there are issues with the neck and these guitars? He’s doing a refret Which I suspect that it needed but had to take extra material out and of course the pearl and lays and lays because the neck tips down. It has a mahogany neck and said this was common in the early Les Pauls 70s customs . Anyone have experience with this?
 

Shocktop99

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Mar 6, 2017
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92
Congrats! I love Norlin Era Black Les Paul customs!!


Recently picked up a 72 custom 72. My guitar tech said there are issues with the neck and these guitars? He’s doing a refret Which I suspect that it needed but had to take extra material out and of course the pearl and lays and lays because the neck tips down. It has a mahogany neck and said this was common in the early Les Pauls 70s customs . Anyone have experience with this?
I've never heard of a LPC from the 70s having problems with neck dive...
 
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