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Conference napalm::guitar

Title:GUITARnotes - Where Every Note has Emotion
Notice:Discussion of the finer stringed instruments
Moderator:KDX200::COOPER
Created:Thu Aug 14 1986
Last Modified:Fri Jun 06 1997
Last Successful Update:Fri Jun 06 1997
Number of topics:3280
Total number of notes:61432

683.0. "Looking for info on '71 Les Paul Custom" by VAXWRK::INGRAM (Larry Ingram) Tue Jun 21 1988 16:45

	Gee, Les Pauls are popular lately!

	I'm seriously considering buying a 1971 Les Paul Custom. This guitar
	is a cherry sunburst, has 3 humbuckers, apparently stock, and the
	"fretless wonder" frets. The finish is in pretty decent shape except 
	for the back of the guitar. It plays great (that's what counts, right?)
	and I can get it for about $500.

	Was '71 a good year? Are three pickups better than two? Any info is
	appreciated!


Thanks,

	Larry
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683.1my .02 worthSCOMAN::WCLARKbite the wax tadpoleTue Jun 21 1988 17:052
    I personally don't like the fretless wonder frets, but that's just
    my taste. If you like to bend strings, it's kinda tough.
683.2Les Pauls revived in rock scene due to Slash! <^;MARKER::BUCKLEYYo, the MESSIAH by GFH Kicks total ass!Tue Jun 21 1988 17:2913
    
    Yes, 71 was a great year for Les Pauls!! I know several people with
    71's and they all have similar traits.  
    
    these guitars have massive necks...refered to a `tree trunks' by
    the owners. I like that feel personally. Also, the pickups have
    a great midrange boost to them. Three pickups sounds like it would
    be a nice variation in tonality. The frets are nice...I used to
    have em on my SG...you can always change em.
    
    I'd go 4 it.
    
    wjb
683.3MARKER::BUCKLEYYo, the MESSIAH by GFH Kicks total ass!Tue Jun 21 1988 17:305
    
    Also, they had mahongany necks...probably contributed to that warm
    midrange tone!
    
    
683.4GO FOR IT !!!!!!!!!!!!!SALEM::ABATELLISet/Mode=No_ThinkTue Jun 21 1988 20:1324
    Boy....it seems that alot of people are asking questions about Pauls
    these days.....
    "1971" was a good year for Les Pauls. Tree trunks huh? Hmmm..... never 
    heard of that expression. I know one guy in N.Y. that had a 3 p/u
    Les Paul and the set-up was interesting. It might have been just
    his set-up, so take it for what it's worth, but the 3-way toggle
    switch in the "up" position was for the neck P/U ONLY! The "middle"
    position was just for the middle, BUT when you had it in the "down"
    (bridge pick-up) position both the bridge and middle pick-up's
    were ON! I didn't like that idea. Also the fact that you don't have
    any "air space" between p/u's sometimes made it awkward to play.
    You'd get used to it. This certainly wouldn't prevent me from
    buying this guitar though.  On the whole, the Custom's are made
    better than all the rest, usually 2 or 3 piece bodies, with a 3
    piece neck, (5 piece at the head stock).... nice guitars! $500.
    isn't too bad for a price. I'd personally try to cut the price down
    alittle more, but like I said, it isn't bad for $500. Cherry sunburst?
    I like those! I have a 1970, or 1971 (I don't know really, but around
    there...) Les Paul Custom cherry sunburst with only two p/u's and the 
    fretless wonder frets and love it!
    
    GO FOR IT DUDE!!!!!
                    
    Fred
683.52nd opinions are always a good idea!SALEM::ABATELLISet/Mode=No_ThinkTue Jun 21 1988 20:3310
    FYI....
    I just called a friend who owns a music store in N.Y. and he said
    that if anyone has the chance to pick up a L.P. Custom w/3 p/u's
    for ONLY $500. in good condition, should buy it BEFORE the seller 
    comes to his senses. He'd sell it for $650. or more! 
    This is HIS opinion, but remember, it has to be pleasing to YOU!
    You're the one buying it and playing it, so if it feels good to
    you and you like the tone, then buy it and enjoy!
                               
    Fred
683.6The dude went for it!VAXWRK::INGRAMLarry IngramThu Jun 23 1988 14:233
	Thanks for all the replies! I picked it up yesterday.

Larry