Looking for info on Standard 82

[NastyHabits]

I recently bought a Standard 82 quilted top Les Paul. I heard they are similar to the Heritage guitars, but built at the the Kalamazoo factory closer to the original specs. Does anyone have any info on how many were made or the rarity of the guitar?
There does not seem to be much info on the web on them, and the Gruhn book does not even acknowledge the model.
Thanks
D

 

[MikeSlub]

Very nice guitars; I have one. There were less than 100 made. They are not like the Heritage 80s. First of all they were made in Kalamazoo vs. Nashville, and they have the amber (red) side dot markers and one piece neck, and the body shape is more historically accurate (look at the shape of the horn on a Heritage 80 and you'll know what I mean). The Standard 82s have superb quilted tops in natural color, with light brown back, very stunning. In 1982, the Kalamazoo plant was down to less than 50 workers, and they were mainly building special run LPs only (all other LP work had shifted to Nashville) and limited editions. This guitar was rumored to be one of the "rivalry" guitars issued by Kalamazoo to show their Nashville friends who knew how to build LPs. At the same time that these guitars were being manufactured, the Kalamazoo plant was building special runs for Leo's Music and Guitar Trader. While I am pleased with the workmanship of most early 80's Nashville guitars, I find the Kalamazoos from this time frame to be a bit superior, mainly due to the longevity and experience of the workforce. The only gripe I have about most of the Standard 82s I've seen is that some are a bit on the heavy side (high 9 lb. to 10 lb range). Most Standard 82s have a truss rod cover that says "Standard 82" on it, but some were issued with a plain black truss rod cover. Luckily, mine still had the warranty registration card with serial number and model number to verify its authenticity, because it has the plain truss rod cover. The recent Gruhn/Carter book does acknowledge this guitar. I hope these details help! Hang onto that guitar!

Picture of Standard 82 whole body:
http://albums.photopoint.com/j/View?u=1249643&a=11832234&p=51985715

Picture of Standard 82 close up of top:
http://albums.photopoint.com/j/View?u=1249643&a=10840995&p=51985695

 

[professor]

Mike...

That's a beauty! I'm not normally a fan of natural-topped LPs, but that is some beautiful wood! BTW, just received my 30th Anniversary GT -- can't wait to plug 'er in...!

 

[NastyHabits]

Thanks

Thanks for the info Mike. Did you say they were all naural tops? The one I have is a sunburst (Honeyburst)

Here are some pics:

http://albums.photopoint.com/j/View?u=1762937&a=13601938&p=52653607

http://albums.photopoint.com/j/View?u=1762937&a=13601938&p=52653604

It does have the "Standard 82" on the headstock.
I have 3 Pauls and you are right, this one plays better than any of them, but it is on the heavy side.

Thanks
Del

 

[NastyHabits]

photos

Sorry
I'm having problems with my pics
try

http://albums.photopoint.com/j/View?u=1762937&a=13602014&p=52653604

http://albums.photopoint.com/j/View?u=1762937&a=13602014&p=52653607

 

[MikeSlub]

Hey Dave: Be sure to post your "review" on the 30th Anniversary after you've had a chance to crank 'er up! Also, post a picture!

Hey Dell: Your photos still don't load. I'd be interested in seeing yours, since it would be the first non-natural color top I've encountered - very cool!

Mike

 

[NastyHabits]

Let's try this one more time!

Try

http://www.picturetrail.com/iwasthe1/333521

 

[MikeSlub]

Dell: That is indeed a beauty! Thanks for sharing the photos (they are now part of my scrapbook). It is the first Standard 82 I've seen in that color, so you have a rare one!

Mike

 

[Dave Paetow]

Dell,
I saw a Std. 82 about 2-3 years ago in a similar burst color, but the top wasn't as nice as yours.