However, the cream pickup rings have M-69 molded in them and according to www.provide.net these cream ones were only used from mid 57 to 59/60. Also, the 'tune-o-matic' bridge has ABR-1 stamped on the bottom, however, I am unclear whether they used these any later.
Anyway, have contacted a les paul specialist in England and hope to hear from him in the next couple of days. Will keep you posted.
Statistics: Posted by roadsweeper — Mon Dec 15, 2008 5:14 pm
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In regards to the logo, according to a number of website sources, in late 1957 the logo was moved closer to the top of the head (check out http://www.provide.net/~cfh/gibson5.html. This is a great website for vintage gibsons.)
I have contacted a specialist and hope to receive a reply in 4 - 5 days. This reply will be able to state if it is definitely not original, however before it can be comented upon 100% the guitar will obviously have to be seen in person.
I opened up the plastic covers on the back for the first time today to check the volume and treble pots. I found out that the Electronics Industries Association (EIA) standardised a source dating code for all pots of this nature where there are 3 digits which state the company that manafactured them followed by 3 more digits, the first of which denotes the year. Sure enough, the pots appear to have been made in 1957. Obviously though, this in reality means nothing except that the pots were definitely made in 1957 however it is of course a hopeful step.
I will continue to keep you posted on the progress as I understand that some of you are interested in this.
Statistics: Posted by roadsweeper — Fri Dec 12, 2008 6:45 pm
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The truss rod cover - as well as being an odd shape the top screw is lower down than on the first one than on yours, and the bottom screw is closer to the nut on yours too....
Statistics: Posted by simonm — Fri Dec 12, 2008 2:47 pm
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Thanks
Statistics: Posted by roadsweeper — Thu Dec 04, 2008 8:37 am
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As can be seen in the larger picture the bell is more pronounced. However, in the almost unintelligibly small image this is not the case.
This may get interesting!
Statistics: Posted by roadsweeper — Wed Dec 03, 2008 10:12 pm
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This may seem like a silly question but, if it was a forgery would this have any affect on the way that it played? I understand very little about the forgery process, could this involve some sort of neck replacement/serial number printing etc? The reason that I ask is that everyone that has played it has commented on how beautifully it plays and sounds, some of them owning modern Les Pauls themselves.
Thankyou jamesthomason, it really is a beauty!
Thankyou for all your replies, will update you as it unfolds. An if any of you know of a specialist in the Midlands area (England) please let me know.
Statistics: Posted by roadsweeper — Wed Dec 03, 2008 9:45 pm
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Statistics: Posted by jeff mercer — Wed Dec 03, 2008 6:55 am
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Like the others have said, an expert could tell you in two seconds flat if it's a bona fide '57, a doctored re-issue, or a forgery.
One thing that stands out is the condition of all the plastic hardware. The pickguard, pickup rings, toggle switch tip etc. are all remarkably clean for a 50 year-old guitar, as there is normally at least SOME discolouration or shrinkage on guitars of that vintage.
Good luck, mate, and PLEASE let us all know what you find out !
Statistics: Posted by jeff mercer — Tue Dec 02, 2008 3:41 pm
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