barnesjd
New member
After years of playing Gibson SG Specials, I've finally gotten disciplined with saving money and bought my first Les Paul from ~Abstract~. You can see the original classifieds post here.
My past research led me to obsession with non-weight-relieved bodies and appreciation for Les Pauls with maple necks. That of course made me very interested in these Norlin-era dogs.
This LP in particular was a big win because it has a fresh refret, which is often a complaint of Norlins. While my utmost preference was an LP Custom, I've always loved the traditional look of a Gold top. I just happened to have the right amount of coin when this one came along. There are already mods to this one (most notably the bridge cavity and the gold hardware), so I have one I can further modify to my liking without any concern about value.
First impressions... This thing is HEAVY. Exactly like I wanted. I'm at a stage in life where I cannot commit to a band, so I just jam alone a few minutes here and there. I'll get back to it eventually, and probably regret owning a brick.
The frets are outstanding. I thought my SG-X had good sustain, but this LP is showing me what sustain really is.
As I fully expected, I don't love everything about it. I'm a high-gain junkie, so the pickups are a bit weak for my tastes. I plan to get some nickel-covered full-size humbuckers and route the neck cavity. I really dislike gold hardware, and even more so on a gold top. Fortunately I already have some good nickel Grover tulip tuners (without those ridiculous plastic or whatever tulips), and I've been convinced to not stick with stock bridge hardware anyway. I figure a good bone nut will be great, and some 50's style wiring. So basically, I'll only be keeping the wood and the frets.
So yeah, we're in love. Y'all enjoy the pics!
My past research led me to obsession with non-weight-relieved bodies and appreciation for Les Pauls with maple necks. That of course made me very interested in these Norlin-era dogs.
This LP in particular was a big win because it has a fresh refret, which is often a complaint of Norlins. While my utmost preference was an LP Custom, I've always loved the traditional look of a Gold top. I just happened to have the right amount of coin when this one came along. There are already mods to this one (most notably the bridge cavity and the gold hardware), so I have one I can further modify to my liking without any concern about value.First impressions... This thing is HEAVY. Exactly like I wanted. I'm at a stage in life where I cannot commit to a band, so I just jam alone a few minutes here and there. I'll get back to it eventually, and probably regret owning a brick.
The frets are outstanding. I thought my SG-X had good sustain, but this LP is showing me what sustain really is. As I fully expected, I don't love everything about it. I'm a high-gain junkie, so the pickups are a bit weak for my tastes. I plan to get some nickel-covered full-size humbuckers and route the neck cavity. I really dislike gold hardware, and even more so on a gold top. Fortunately I already have some good nickel Grover tulip tuners (without those ridiculous plastic or whatever tulips), and I've been convinced to not stick with stock bridge hardware anyway. I figure a good bone nut will be great, and some 50's style wiring. So basically, I'll only be keeping the wood and the frets.
So yeah, we're in love. Y'all enjoy the pics!
