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Some help choosing between two LP’s

shoeshineteeth

New member
Joined
Aug 11, 2021
Messages
4
Hey, new here but have been lurking for some time. Last year I sold my 2006 R8 as I started to no longer like the baseball bat neck and weight (9.5 lbs). I’ve since been in the market for something with a nicer top, slimmer neck and lighter weight (not as important as the other two). I’m down to a couple which are each different and I’m having trouble deciding which way to go. One is a 59 VOS in factory burst which I normally wouldn’t go for. But this one is fairly unique in the burst and I think it matches the flamed top well. More of a brownish hue than the bright cherry. Normally I wouldn’t be into the super-tight flamed tops but there’s something about this one.

The other is a southern fade ultra lite Murphy aged and has a more straight forward top. It’s slightly lighter than the other and I like the aging. As this one ships from another country into Canada I wouldn’t have a warranty. The factory burst 59 is in Canada so it’d make things easier. I can’t decide which to go with so I’m wondering if someone can provide some insight!
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GotTheSilver

Well-known member
Joined
Apr 14, 2007
Messages
2,433
First, realize that the color of a guitar in person can look different than it does in photos. The 59's burst may have a more brownish hue in pictures, and it may actually be that way in person, but it may be the brighter cherry that you don't care for in person.

Second, what neck profile is on the southern fade guitar? Neck shape is important to you, but you don't mention what model this guitar is or say anything at all about the neck profile.

Also, I assume you are not able to try either guitar out before you buy. That would be the ultimate way to choose a guitar.
 

shoeshineteeth

New member
Joined
Aug 11, 2021
Messages
4
Thanks for the help! You’re correct in that I have no way to try either out, unfortunately.

I did get a video of both so that I could get a better sense of how it looks vs pictures and the factory burst probably looks even more 3D and brownish than the pictures show.

For the neck profile, both have a ‘59 Medium C so should be more comfortable than my previous ‘58.
I guess I’m wondering if both are similarly priced, is there a noticeable quality difference between a ‘59 Reissue VOS and an Ultra Lite Murphy Lab ‘59? And, while I’ve never had any issue with any Gibson I’ve owned, is the lack of warranty worrisome?
 

El Gringo

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Apr 8, 2015
Messages
5,657
Factory Burst , which as you said is in Canada and the warranty is very important to have peace of mind protection as you don't want to shell out of pockets expenses when you should have coverage (very important ) Plus I think the color and figure is finer on the Factory Burst plus you will save !
 

El Gringo

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Joined
Apr 8, 2015
Messages
5,657
Thanks for the help! You’re correct in that I have no way to try either out, unfortunately.

I did get a video of both so that I could get a better sense of how it looks vs pictures and the factory burst probably looks even more 3D and brownish than the pictures show.

For the neck profile, both have a ‘59 Medium C so should be more comfortable than my previous ‘58.
I guess I’m wondering if both are similarly priced, is there a noticeable quality difference between a ‘59 Reissue VOS and an Ultra Lite Murphy Lab ‘59? And, while I’ve never had any issue with any Gibson I’ve owned, is the lack of warranty worrisome?
The Murphy will cost more .
 

Tim Plains

Active member
Joined
Aug 1, 2013
Messages
795
As this one ships from another country into Canada I wouldn’t have a warranty.
US dealer? They're not supposed to ship to Canada but some do and Gibson can't deny a warranty claim if you have the original sales receipt. You could have picked it up within in the states, or shipped it to a US address, as far as they know. New Gibsons purchased in Canada only have a one year warranty from Yorkville.

As for these two, personally, neither. There are so many better tops out there.
 

shoeshineteeth

New member
Joined
Aug 11, 2021
Messages
4
Thanks guys. Appreciate the help! I ended up going with the Canadian one. I’m not typically for tight flame, but there’s just something about the contrasting colours that stands out and, in the video they sent, it almost looks 3D. I have a Firebird and 330 that are in vintage sunburst so this’ll be something different for the collection and it’ll get its own aging through gigging. Next will be a Murphy SG as I’m letting my Brian Ray SG go.
 

El Gringo

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Joined
Apr 8, 2015
Messages
5,657
Thanks guys. Appreciate the help! I ended up going with the Canadian one. I’m not typically for tight flame, but there’s just something about the contrasting colours that stands out and, in the video they sent, it almost looks 3D. I have a Firebird and 330 that are in vintage sunburst so this’ll be something different for the collection and it’ll get its own aging through gigging. Next will be a Murphy SG as I’m letting my Brian Ray SG go.
Good choice . My compliments and best wishes on your up coming New guitar day !
 

axeman565758

Well-known member
Joined
Jan 23, 2007
Messages
1,204
as for looks alone, I like the Factory Burst top. As mentioned the color can and prob will vary from the photo to in-person.
But that top is good for that color.
I hope its all you expect it to be
 
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