Gibson 70's Vintage Norlin years

Gibson Guitar 70's NORLIN years: Minute: 5.59 New Necks / 7.30 Sandwich Pancake Bodies / 11.10 50's models were made from several wooden parts / 12.40 50's vs 70's Pickups / 15.00 50's and 70's same shape different guitars / 16.20 Why does NORLIN have such a bad reputation / 19.50 1980 - 84 Tim Shaw's back to the roots / 20.10 The 145 million loss / 21.05 which famous guitarists play/played the norlins / 25.40 Why moved Gibson from Kalamazoo to Nashville, Kalamazoo, Black Beauty, Deluxe, 1970's, Les Paul, Vintage, quality, playability, neck, fast, sound, tone, NORLIN, norlin years, solid, body, finishing

[@matthewbaade-whittendale7292]

Just bought my first Gibson. Was going for a brand new standard but then a 1980 standard in ebony popped up and I fell in love with it and it’s big pointy headstock and heavy body. Went with the Norlin and couldn’t be happier.

[@GC-sy1uf]

Great information! I own a 1978 Les Paul Custom (Tobacco Sunburst ). It’s a fantastic sounding , rock machine! Norlin’s are rising in value and I predict that they will continue to do so.

[@gentelmanjunkie542]

good call lol

[@GC-sy1uf]

Sold mine a couple of years ago for $4500…. Made a little money on it !!

[@simonsimonc]

Hi Ron. I found your video really interesting thank you. I am just in the process of purchasing a 1977 Les Paul standard (natural). It is in great condition and all original apart from the machine heads, which are period schaller. It has the gold printed serial number and was built in Kalamazoo. I must say it plays beautifully and sounds superb. I was initially a bit concerned about the purchase due to the many negative comments online about these Norlin years guitars, however, I now feel very excited about getting my first vintage Gibson. Cheers

[@billb89]

I love Norlin era guitars.

[@scottptolomey3498]

I would love The Edge LP Custom which was a Norlin 1975 (pancake body) he auctioned the original off for Music Rising and Gibson built an exact replica of it. Randy Rhodes also had the same Norlin model too so how they’ve got a bad reputation I’ll never know as most professional musicians used them and still do ❤️

[@abozzone]

Wonderful review!!! Love my 1976 norlin les paul.

[@StringTension]

Great video, there's only a couple videos discussing the Norlin era on KZbin and yours was really in depth and well done. Thank you I have an '82 Standard

[@ryanfulldark2775]

There are hundreds of Norlin era vids on Troglys channel. I highly recommend it! Ron is very knowledgeable here as well, I like the argument he makes for these guitars.

[@GoodPockets]

Great video! I recently bought a '73 custom and was feeling some heat from industry friends, but after some research and this video I feel pretty good about it (alongside playing a loving it!)

[@ronwall]

Hi Ryan, thanks for your comment. There are two opinion groups on the 70's Gibson guitars. The first are those who curse the 70s Gibson guitars but have never played or owned one and the second is the group who own one or more 70s Gibson guitars and love them dearly! In any case, my 70s LP's offers my a great and comfortable playing pleasure! Keep on rocking! Ron

[@bodichair]

I purchased a Brand New 1972 Triple pickup Les Paul Custom in 1972. This is the first I've heard of the Norlan Gibson's era. I still own it and it has a beautiful sound , well built made in Kalamazoo Mi. So this is news to me?

[@aylabillick]

Thank you for such an in depth informative video! I play two Norlin era ‘74 SGs. A Standard and a Custom! Love them to death! ✌🏻

[@tobiascree6799]

excellent Norlin history! Thank you.

[@scottgordonenterprisesinc.9441]

I have a highly modified Norlin era (1972) Fretless Wonder. I love it.

[@ronwall]

I love my 70's fretless wonder too!

[@franckdelamarasse5129]

I love both my "76 L6-s and my "81 Firebrand The SG deluxe. Thanks for this awesome video!

[@ronwall]

I'm glad I'm not the only one who thinks that the Norlins are completely undervalued!

[@gentelmanjunkie542]

Exact detailed history I was looking for, killer video dude. Thanks 🤟🤟🤟🤟

[@ianhoyle8459]

This was very interesting and enjoyable to watch, thank you.

[@theuserthatishere]

i have 2. one is heavy and sounds good. the other, light and super resonant. without hearing for myself i never would've thought a pancake paul could have that 50's resonance and nuances

[@flipmcdonought5835]

Extremely interesting and informative - thank you.

[@American-Dragon]

Had a 78. Wish I did not sell it. Had a lot of gibsons I wish I never sold. Every gibson I sold I made money on. They have been a good investment for me.

[@bloosorangebox7497]

Very nice vid…and informative. I was always wondering…what is the history of the “bad” years of Gibson. I own a 76’ White Custom Les Paul. And it plays awesome.

[@abozzone]

I bought a 1973 Custom Ebony Les Paul, I paid 5500$, is in almost pristine condition and is a treasure for me! I will keep it with me I hope all my life.

[@user-vt9bi8ui5e]

Thank you for the knowledge

[@user-pu5sk1zc8s]

I love the 70s les paul deluxe guitars.

[@billb89]

I have a 73 Deluxe in tobacco burst, it’s my favorite guitar.

[@edouardroth1112]

Mister Ron wall , I wish I could have a talk with you for hours ! The situation has evolved since my last comment ( thank you for your answer by the way ! ) . I have bought randomly Norlin les Pauls during last year , just to try and get myself a real experience . Chronologically : , 1980 Bb, 1979 tobacco , 1977 red wine , 1973 bb , 1971 Bb, 1974 alpine white , 1974 20th anniversary Bb , 1981 3 Tim Shaw Bb . Here are my conclusions : 1980 sounded like crap , ans so did the tobacco and the red wine . The 1973 had a good mojo but became quickly unplayable because of fretless wonder frets still there . The 1974 alpine white is pretty good and has a dirty and muddy sound with the t tops . The 1971 with embossed pickups is absolutely amazing and gives organic tone , this one s a keeper ! The 1981 is not bad , maybe gibson started doing good models again after 1980 despite it was too late... and I ended up buying a 1974 Bb 20th anniv because of your video .... it s pretty good but the 1971 kills it from A to Z .... my conclusion is that despite there might be a big amount of good guitars between 74 and 76 Including the anniversary models .... I am now sure 100% the very first years of Norlin s era already include fantastic guitars and the best black beauty I have tried is this 1971 ! Only my Tommy colletti collector s choice from 2015 could have competed with ! My 57 reissue from 1999 and my prehistoric 35th anniversary from 1989 are not that good . It might mean that when Norlin took the wheal in 1969 they maybe wanted to do a lot of work for manufacturing gréât axes to settle a good reputation .... before being submerged by orders and issues we know about the end of Kalamazoo and Nashville s workers ! Please tell me what you think about it ! Thank you for your video , it was so interesting ! 👍 and one question : do you feel important differences between a 1969 very pricy Bb with no volute , and a 1971 or 1973 ??? I was wondering since 1968-9 models worth around 15000 euros now !!! Not the case yet for early 70s.....

[@ronwall]

Hi Edouard, wow what a great job you did!!! Thank you for sharing your experience with us. If everyone publishes their experiences with their preferred guitars, then the whole guitar community benefits. Thank you and keep on rocking!

[@felicelococo9226]

I have a 76 Custom in Natural Finish

[@mezzoca8110]

They just played anything that was available at the time, no great research into the sonic properties of the instrument particularly, although at low volume some were clearer and more articulate. The transformation really came down to good amplification.

[@DanielAlvarez-sl6yh]

Thank you I like your channel I just found it tonight I have a 1976 Gibson Les Paul Custom all original black it plays sounds and feels amazing what do you think will be the price on it in about 5 years

[@ronwall]

Hi Daniel A 1976 black beauty in good condition should be worth between £8'000 - 12'000 in 5 years. So honor the beauty! Regards Ron

[@allentrevena6841]

I have a L6S Black rotary Switch, Wine Red Marauder with 3 way Switch. These are Player Grade. And a Corvus 2 In natural which is collector Grade? still looking for a couple others

[@sharplespaul]

I have a 74,75,76 deluxe..Not sure which year? It’s refinished and the model number sticker indent was finished over...But it’s my beloved axe...Nice history and info!

[@mezzoca8110]

The 70s deluxe Gibson les Paul’s are very underrated.

[@theuserthatishere]

they get good money for them

[@MrGuitars8]

I have one also but with a Gibson Tremelo on it , what pickups came on these Les Pauls ??? Wonderful Video with so much History of Gibson Les Pauls I Really Thank you .

[@ronwall]

Hi Dave, Thank you for liking the video. I assume that you have a mid-70s Gibson BB. The BB74-76 humbuckers were often referred to as PAF's on steroids. Gibson moved a bit away from the full, deep blues sound of the 50s in the 70s. The slightly higher and clearer tone is more reminiscent of Ceramics or even P90,s, which, because of the clear tone, was appreciated by the loud open stadium band. Of course, one often reads from the purists that the 70s humbuckers have a flat tone. I don't think they have a flatter tone at all, but on the contrary, that they tend to serve a wider range of tones. I myself appreciate the slightly wider sound spectrum and the clearer sound. After all, from Charlie Christian to Keith Richard, John Lennon, Black Sabbath to Iron Maiden and many more have made music history with Ceramics and/or P90, s pickups that served as role models for the 70s Humbuckers. Kepp on rocking! Ron

[@robertspears6752]

I own a 79 custom black beauty just like yours

[@edouardroth1112]

Congratulations ! Very interesting and I m sure all you said was accurate . For the record I have a black beauty 1973 , the best LP custom I have ever had, as good if not better than many 74 - 76 Norlin guitars ! Such a tone , I quickly forget the lack of fretless wonder versatility . The only one competing with is my black beauty 57 reissue 1999 full mahogany but as you described it s another guitar ! Besides , I have a 1977 Norlin red wine with 3 piece maple neck , and despite t tops on it , it doesn’t sound and embodies potentially Norlin era ‘ s lack of regularity regarding quality . I think it s better to try before buying . Ans if you can t , it s more reasonable buying a end 80 s or 90 s custom good wood era , less risk of being disappointed . What do you think about it ?

[@ronwall]

It is exactly as you describe it! The late sixties early seventies (68-73) are consistently better quality than the 74-78. Between 1974-78 there are good guitars but unfortunately there are also many with poor workmanship. It's just like you say a 74-78 should definitely be tried before buying. At the end of the seventies and certainly with the Tim Shaw era (1981) the trend reversal came back to a reliable quality. With the beginning of the Juszkiewicz era (1986) the quality got even better and when Tom Murphy started at Gibson in 1989 and co-founded the Cutom Shop in 1992, the Gibson guitars became an absolute premium product again! Your 1999 LP Custom 1957 Reissue is of course the top of the line flagship of the Black Beauty line, but unfortunately unaffordable for most Gibson lovers with the new price of almost $ 7000 dollars (2020). But besides a Custom BB 57 Reissue there are only a few electric guitars that can keep up in terms of sound volume, playability and resonance. Nevertheless, I made the video for the Norlin guitars because my BB (which I show in the video) is one of my absolute favorite guitar and I have been playing it regularly for years and it is an absolutely loyal companion and a real working horse that never let me down ! Keep on rocking, Ron

[@craigmorris4730]

I have a 1977 Les Paul std Gold Top in excellent condition,with original chain saw case. Sell it or hold onto it?

[@ronwall]

Hi Craig, The prices for the Norlin Gibson have risen sharply lately and I am convinced that this is only the beginning of a price increase. If you own a Norlin, you can't go wrong if you still keep it at the moment! Regards, Ron

[@DanielAlvarez-sl6yh]

Hi Ron what do you think about a wine red 1977 Gibson Les Paul Custom the Sellar wants $3,000 do you think it will go up in value also

[@ronwall]

Hi Daniel It depends on the condition of the RedBeauty. At the moment red is very popular with Gibson Les Paul's and almost every LP model is now offered in a red version. Red vintage Les Paul Custom from the 70's are relatively rare and thanks to the boom in red LP's I think that with the currently observable NORLIN boom the value could double in the next few years. But the condition is what matters! Take your time and examine the Red Beauty and if it is in good and above all original(!) condition, then it would be a real bargain. Keep on Rocking! Ron

[@tobiascree6799]

I can tell by your accent that you are Swiss! So am I.

[@joeyracano1]

Just bought a 2021 and man did it suck. It looked nice and nice case but it played like a toy. So I didnt want to buy a toy for 3K. Sent it back, and found a beautiful 79 custom for a lot more money but had to be done.

[@lightonthelandscape]

Thanks for the info. I can't find a lot of information regarding solid body guitars that were built in the Kalamazoo factory in the late 70's. I'm wondering if you can shed light on this for me. My Les Paul Custom was built in 1979. It has a one piece mahogany body and the 3 piece maple neck with volute. I believe it was built in the KM factory as the serial number's last three digits are under 500, the Made in USA stamp is vertically stamped and the fret markers are large dots. Quite remarkably, this guitar is only 8lbs and 11 oz (which is light for a solid body LPC of this era). It does play and sound like a dream. Seems very well made. From what I did find, the KM Factory retained more experienced builders and the guitars made at that time were well built and possibly more sought after? Any information on this would be appreciated.

[@ronwall]

Hi Peter, regarding late 70's Gibson: In 1974 Gibson opened a second factory in Tennessee to get around Union demands (wage increases/job guarantee). Officially, it is always stated that Gibson moved to Tennessee because of a lack of space in Kalamazoo, which is not entirely true, since Gibson sold fewer and fewer guitars in the 70's and had to lay off workers, there was no real lack of space. From 1977 Gibson introduced the 8-digit serial number YDDDYPPP, the first five numbers stand for the year of production: YDDDY=92345=August 22, 1995 the last three numbers represent the factory 001-499 Kalamazoo 500-999 Nashville. The number also represents the instrument made that day. Since yours has a 1979 serial number below 500, it's a Kalamazoo (probably a custom). I hope this information is helpful to you. Keep on rocking, Ron

[@lightonthelandscape]

@@ronwall That's good to know. Thanks so much for getting back to me on this.

[@TheMatrixgod]

i have a 1985 custom is that a good guitar and do you think will be worth more in the future?

[@ronwall]

From 1980 onwards, Gibson returned to its roots with the tim shaw pickups. I am sure that your guitar will continue to increase in value. Regards, Ron

[@TheMatrixgod]

@@ronwall actually i found out the guitar is actually a 86 model,not sure now if its the norlin years,looking at the serial im thinking it was built in nashville,thanks

[@ronwall]

@@TheMatrixgod Hi, Mario very good news for you. From January 1986 Gibson started the Henry Juszkiewicz aera. Juszkiewicz and Berryman bought Gibson from NORLIN. They started in 1986 with only 70 employees and Gibson produced only a small number of higher quality guitars that year. When Gibson went bankrupt in 2018, Gibson Guitars had over 1,800 employees. So you have a rarity that you should definitely keep.

[@TheMatrixgod]

@@ronwall wow nice

[@searaydrivingguy]

i owned a 1979 deluxe cherry sunburst with mini humbuckers years ago it played like garbage felt like a 2x4 and all the paint came off the neck. it was the worse les paul i ever played. i sold cheap

[@theuserthatishere]

super hit and miss. love my 73 deluxe goldtop. my burst 73 deluxe is ok but not nearly as good. guess gibson had poor q.c. even back then

[@JakelikejakefromSF4936]

I own a 75 J 50. Everyone has their opinions. But you know what they say, “opinions are as useless as an a$$hole on your elbow. “

[@ronwall]

Hi, thank you very much for your message. Of course, opinions always represent a subjective view. But you can draw your own conclusions from different opinions and form an opinion that is valid for you, which is a good thing. It's good that you love your '75 J50, I love my '76 J50 too, even though it has shrinkage damage (binding crumbled, top and sides have several cracks and I've already reattached the bridge several times). Although it is my problem child in my guitar collection, I love playing it and luckily all the quality defects don't affect the sound. Keep on Rocking! Ron

[@anthonyrichard461]

All guitars are different. Play it, if it sounds good keep it, if it doesn't sell it to someone you will never buy it back from. Rinse and repeat.