I Think My Future is Broken... | 2021 Gibson Zodiac Les Paul Custom Aurora Borealis Horoscope Review

[@fernandoreynaaguilar1438]

Except for historical reissues, ALL Les Pauls should come with a Volute. You know it, I know it, Gibson knows it.

[@1972LittleC]

But seeing that this was a made-to-measure type of deal was, maybe the original owner didn't want one, just like he wanted the long neck tenon.

[@MintStiles]

But it's much cheaper to let the band saw cut an angle than to hire someone with skills that can fit a volute. I suppose you can CNC it in, but you'd be wasting wood the thickness of the volute. The issue has always been the very steep 17deg neck angle. Epiphone had 14? You don't see epiphones with busted necks, and you definitely don't see fenders doing that either.

[@DoctorEnigma01]

The volute feels good on your hand when playing as well you can bridge your thumb on it

[@carmineredd1198]

couldn't they just steam bend it , that way the grain would be full thickness and no stress . it seems USA companies sit on the laurels because they are usa companies , harley davidson makes shit bikes but they are the only game in town . putting gaudy plastic inlays on a custom shop gibson is total bullshit and using plywood in the 1970s and plastic and sawdust an so many crap things it is a wonder anyone respects the name at all, i certainly don't . the LP died in 1961 .

[@MintStiles]

@@carmineredd1198 you can't steam bend a sharp angle in hardwood that is a 3/4 inch thick. Some hardwood is gonna have serious trouble bending at 1/8" thick. Guitars are durable goods that account for so little of hardwood that consumptions is basically irrelevant.

[@hkguitar1984]

Man, those fingerboard inlays are crazy cool. I've a weak spot for Abalone.

[@3beanspls826]

ive got weak spot for bologna

[@bohdankhmelnytsky9369]

Abalone on a rosewood or ebony fretboard always looks great

[@wesleyalan9179]

😁👍Yes Sir!

[@blablabluebla7899]

If you're looking for a les paul style guitar, wolf guitars have abalone binding and fret inlays with epiphone-like specs

[@RuthlessMojo]

If this guitar was originally sent back because of that neck damage then it's pretty ballsy for the dealer to resell it knowing it was damaged. After seeing many of these breaks, I don't understand why most guitar cases do not include some sort of neck/head support that firmly holds it in place and provides plenty of cushioning for shock absorption.

[@davidrees1840]

With all the broken Gibson headstocks on your show, you'd think Gibson would use carbon fiber bars instead of walnut in their 5-pc necks. Also, the pickup routs are clean because they probably wipe on the stain rather than spray it, as they would for solid colours -only the clear would be sprayed. It looks much nicer like that and gives the impression of more care and quality than the overspray look. Maybe they should have removeable plastic rout blocks so all guitars come out like this.

[@orlock20]

Broken necks and frets that can cause hands to bleed are noted things about Gibson guitars. The biggest issue is the neck angle that can create leverage if it falls a certain way.

[@joermnyc]

The blue and green is like Earth-burst. The green screen eating the green edge and making it a blue to gray-burst is actually a really cool burst!

[@masterchicken497]

Ah- Aurora Borealis!? At this time of year, at this time of day, in this part of the country, localized entirely within your guitar!?

[@mickyp2006]

May I see it?

[@princequestly2218]

I’d get them to drop that thing a ton more for the neck break and keep it and get it fixed those inlays are so sick.

[@HandOfMetal]

I love when guitar companies go "wild" with inlays. That is one reason why I love Schecters so much.

[@Masterfighterx]

Doesn't look like a crack from the neck starting to snap, should be able to see more signs than a surface line..

[@waynecribb4922]

Absolutely. It's that cool!

[@carmineredd1198]

@jsguitarworks Elmer Paste glue tastes better

[@thomasriley2307]

Remarkable. This is a “premium” brand with HISTORICALLY NO SOLUTIONS to this common design flaw. How can they not fix this after 75 years? There is no magic here, Scale length, Humbuckers, solid body. Plenty of folks can make a guitar that sounds identical, yet the Les Paul name drags them in, despite this flaw. If this were any other company, everyone would say “they suck”

[@Pandamasque]

They introduced the solution 50 years ago. And people moaned, so Gibson got rid of it.

[@NunchucksHabit]

Gibson's selling a huge helping of nostalgia with every guitar & I can't blame them for that, but JFC this 17 degree head stock angle is pretty stupid. Why subject all the modern models with such an achilles heel? Retrofitting or retooling is a huge investment I get it but if you're gonna refrain from bolt-on necks, better hope no one gets sick of the billion bursts copying the '58-'61 Les Pauls forever & ever. If I see one more burst I'm gonna barf. Orange-yellow over & over & over make it stop, it's wood grain & tacky looking paint not the Hope Diamond. 1959 is never happening again. Hopefully for Gibson, the repaired neck look had better make it into the relic (hipster) menu, so anyone who'd had a LP fall over can see some return on their investment.

[@thomasriley2307]

Plenty of Volute cracks too i think. Just a crap design that sounds good (or identifiable) when not broken. Ever heard of a Gretsch, or PRS with a consistent head crack problem?

[@wammons007]

@@thomasriley2307 I think you just take care of your guitar and you don’t get a break I got one that’s 25 years old little rash here and there but no break I got one that’s a year old just love them

[@NunchucksHabit]

@@thomasriley2307 Saw Peach Guitars do an unboxing of American Gibsons & almost every one of them - burst. burst. burst. All tiny variations of the same color, model. We get it, the '59 was iconic, but the number of copies out there is numbing. Gibson's got to put their name on some "alternate universe" models like Fender did, and maybe try some bolt-on necks. Purists will always sulk about changes, but for Gibson to want to fix their #1 weakness is a no-brainer. Keep making the '59 copies & sell those to suckers for $5k each, no one's faulting Gibson for that. There's got to be something between the ES-335 and Les Paul they can make that's comfortable to play on your lap. If they can put a Floyd Rose on the Ace Frehley Les Paul, they can put an Evertune and a bolt-on neck on an ES-335 clone & I don't know, try not doing another BURST???

[@FULLmeltHASH]

Im new to the channel but i kinda get it now, you’re the man with no head

[@thirteenthnile3536]

Sadly, he only had a one-piece neck.

[@216trixie]

@@thirteenthnile3536 lilol

[@johnsmith-ug5tp]

with a cam strapped to his forehead. haha

[@googoogjoobgoogoogjoob]

So a well-respected dealer got a return with cracked neck, and then sells it on. Respect.

[@richardahmyt8683]

I will never buy a Musicians Friend open box again. They have no problem selling cracked necks and not disclosing. They need to knock it off.

[@216trixie]

He said this was a grade 3, and knew something was wrong with it including the possibility of a cracked neck.

[@richardahmyt8683]

Condition 3 is scratch and dent. We know what we're talking about and cracked neck is never a cosmetic flaw and never acceptable, period. Mint - This gear was returned in mint condition. If you’re looking for a virtually new instrument in possibly less-than-perfect packaging, this is a great value. Includes 45-Day, No-Hassle Returns Includes full manufacturer’s warranty Includes Free 2-Year Warranty on guitars and basses Blemished - This gear was returned in great condition, with only minor signs of use, such as slight scuffs or pick marks. It looks and plays like new and may be considered an equivalent to display units found in retail stores. Includes 45-Day, No-Hassle Returns Includes full manufacturer’s warranty Includes Free 2-Year Warranty on guitars and basses Scratch & Dent - This gear was returned in good working condition with one or more scratches or dents, typical of an instrument that’s seen normal wear and tear. It’s a great choice if you’re looking for performance and value and can overlook cosmetic flaws.

[@tavicotavio]

In this time of the year? In this part of the country? Localized interely within your guitar?

[@ikestoddard2458]

That front color combo needs to be put into regular selection. It should have had a light blue or natural back. I agree that there should have been a group of them by zodiac month sign. And whatever features it had, should have set the price to 2995.00, i.e. in affordable range.

[@mburtondavis]

That’s probably the nicest abalone custom inlay I’ve ever seen. It’s a shame about that crack.

[@ZitherBeast]

The neck is the best thing on this guitar, well that, with the fretboard inlays.

[@Masterfighterx]

Yeah, I don't think it's a crack in the wood just the finish. If the wood was starting to crack there, it should be more visible. Sand/buff it out or give it the cool spray method, either remove it, make it less visible or make the whole thing a crackle.

[@glennwhitlock1272]

Nice guitar, but always amazes me when a guitar with these specs from Gibson costs $6000+ and something similar (or better) from a boutique builder will set you back half that price.

[@rtellomx]

We so need to get an x-ray machine for Trogly!!! I won't be able to sleep not knowing if it's weight relieved

[@allenmitchell09]

It would be good to X-ray the break to see if it would show the depth of it.

[@jonathanhudak2059]

Man it's a shame that had to happen to this guitar! This really is a beautiful piece of workmanship, I love the colors and the neck and the Abalone inlays everything, beautiful instrument. I was hoping there would be no issues with it and was bummed out to hear about the crack! 😟 sounds great with those custom bickers too!

[@TayTayKemp]

After mentioning that small comment about ESP he’s I would completely agree. They would do it better, especially ESP Japan. They have made some of the most beautiful guitars I’ve ever seen!! Wish you would have some of those on the show Austin!

[@jasonskidmore7007]

I believe I was the first one to send it back. Yeah, it definitely showed up broken. When I bought it from MF, there were 4 left in stock and when I called them about it like a day or 2 after getting it, there was 1 left in stock. Sent the broken one back and they sent the last one to me. The back on it is more purple than blue. Might just be in my head too but it seemed that I liked the first one better… A few days after I sent the broken one back, MF showed they had another one for sale and I bet it was the same one and they were charging full price. My guess is someone else bought it after me and played it for quite awhile and sent it back too. I had it in my possession for less than 48 hours I believe.

[@Push-Pull]

As far as the tone demo goes, this one is an absolute winner

[@joermnyc]

Those custom-buckers must be worth the extra coin.

[@gethinap]

It's stunning, shame about the crack

[@jamiejohn2575]

There is a ding on the top on the treble side of the bridge p/u also 9;10 time stamp

[@wadeguidry6675]

The band's sign is Virgo, and we see it's Saturn in the third house, alright, and it is a bit rocky. But, because Virgo is one of the most highly intelligent signs of the Zodiac, we're gonna pull through this, with great aplomb.....Jeanine Pettibone (David St. Hubbins wife: Spinal Tap)

[@liamdowling14]

They should put thin metal rods running through the neck to the headstock, basically like they do with the truss rod.

[@jubei7259]

Still wouldn't stop the wood from cracking (or the finish in this case). For us players it'd be no problem at all but for the people who don't mind paying that kind of crazy money & collectors, it's an instant no go.

[@facurojas4477]

I wish I had the money, I love that guitar, I don't give a damn about the crack, if it ends up breaking then it gets fixed... I really don't mind sodiac stuff but the guitar is so damn cool

[@MarkRawling]

I was thinking the same thing, but 10lb is too heavy. Be glad there's a reason not to want it.

[@facurojas4477]

@@MarkRawling I'm not glad, I also like heavy guitars lol

[@ryanfulldark2775]

I really dig that riff the playing demo started with. The tone was killer!

[@rexrollins3607]

Me too. Good ear brother.

[@christophervaldez8746]

For a second I thought u had decided to delve into True Crime and do a segment on the Zodiac Killer 😅

[@ashleyjohansson230]

They can start doing seamless scarf joints and flatten out the headstock angle and that would solve the problem completely but the problem is all the boomers will get mad.

[@216trixie]

Okay zoomer. Us boomers have been asking for the neck angle to be fixed for decades.

[@hkguitar1984]

Great clean tones. Defiantly seeing an improvement in your fingerpicking.

[@HigzyTeflon]

Yes. Definitely.

[@scottbogfoot]

First Sound demo tune was a real treat! What a shame this is damaged, this one sounds like it sings

[@9372duffy]

Love when Gibson ventures outside the box. Very cool instrument. Thank you!

[@D.Guitar]

I'm not a huge Gibson fan.. because I Really like 24 frets.. but this Guitar is Gorgeous.... especially with the crack beginning at headstock neck.. it's 5 piece. Maple with walnut strips... If I could (in my dreams) get this for under $1000. I might even be interested. But. Heck. I have well over ,20 Guitars now. ...so. It would be an impulse. Show piece

[@sunbrookcondo4179]

Doesn't necessarily look like a wood break. Looks more like a defect/indentation in the finish. You can easily see the wood through the clear finish, which appears fine. Black light doesn't show any chips or flakes of finish actually missing. The line doesn't cross the entire center strip of wood. A 5 piece laminated neck has a lot of strength. You would see significant chipping at tip of headstock if it took a strong enough blow against something to flex enough to cause a wood break. I would also inspect the case. Is this spot aligned with neck rest inside case? Is the neck rest rough? Even an uncut string while in case may have been pinched between neck and neck rest at one point. A high powered magnifying glass would be beneficial here. Would be best to see if it can be buffed out before concluding "start of a neck break".

[@ChrisShortyAllen]

You buy it and glue it.

[@jamesluther3506]

It needs a holy water sprinkler in the head stock to be worth 8000 dollars.

[@lettuce_spray]

Second verse, same as the first… Gibson’s COA = cracked on arrival!

[@xvx6663]

🤣🤣🤣

[@ChienandKun]

You're a very good sport, keep on trucking that's why you're successful in business. I like your idea about the individualized guitars. And, It's interesting that we're getting a demonstration of why Gibsons are so valuable, and that is because, like Tiffany, they are delicate. It takes a lot of things to line up to make a good Gibson, and to keep it that way. If one thing is off, it ruins the entire piece. If it were a Fender, you can just replace the neck, and its not only fine, but you can resell it for nearly the same price. It's not something I would want to worry about all the time, personally, but since that's what you have chosen to do, I think you learn to deal with that disappoint in a more constructive way every time. Cheers.

[@NunchucksHabit]

Drop a Telecaster, pick it up & finish the show. Drop a Les Paul, it's kindling.

[@ChienandKun]

@@NunchucksHabit People pay the Custom Shop to make Telecasters look like they have been dropped, and those are marked up to 4 grand lol. What a world!

[@NunchucksHabit]

@@ChienandKun Hipsters will pay quadruple to appear authentic, which of itself is totally inauthentic. Long as the price of retail doesn't go up because of that, Fender and Gibson "artists" can drag new guitars behind their cars & sell them for anything they can get. Relic is hilarious.

[@rondobondo6600]

Austin u should keep it .... Make a deal with the dude..... That guitar is truly stunning..

[@MikeE-]

Well a clean amp and reverb is all I need; maybe a little dirt sometimes for fun. I’m sure Blues isn’t the only music genre to thrive with reverb.

[@tinystar3010]

Blues, country, jazz. Many styles. I'm the same in style. Primarily just a good reverb like a Fender spring reverb, and just a pedal for some minor gain as needed.

[@alsaunders2490]

I’d almost buy that and get the HS fixed -

[@alvarez19912010]

shoot i would still grab it, but just not at 8k. i love the paint job, inlays and the over all theme of it. i think if for someone who like zodiac stuff in general. knowing that it has the neck break i would pay just a little over what a standard lp custom runs, i know that makes me sound cheep but 5k is 5k.

[@harmonic3350]

You can see black finish buckling on the front top of the head from the back impact. Such a shame. Looks n sounds cool.

[@jshphysicistatyahoo]

I really enjoy the zodiac theme on that guitar. Wish I could buy it from GC but I'm one year late and I just spent my $$$ on a basic 2020 R9. Liked your playing. And you're right, that neck pick up is beautiful.

[@sirmaurice1023]

Tbh i dig the way it looks when you took all the green out of it in post...

[@jaxonvictoria4345]

The more I see of super zoomed in B-roll shots of these high end Gibsons, the more I appreciate my $730 Epiphone Les Paul Custom. I guess you pay extra for the headstock crack…

[@homersreluctantodyssey2508]

the previous owner was the zodiac killer?

[@bankruptcoffee650]

Just so you know, the phrase "mother of pearl" still refers to abalone. It's a blanket term used for describing things that are made from the shell of a pearl producing mollusk, instead of the pearl itself.

[@MrScrofulous]

That's fantastic. I would buy that, neck crack and all. Volutes don't stop necks from cracking there, just ask my acoustic, nice volute, broken twice.

[@scottclark7592]

5 piece neck likely to be stable if its minor. If there is a good price drop i would keep it, but not for resale

[@allisonholmesmusic97]

I normally hate heavily flamed tops, but that looks really nice

[@TUBBYMAXX]

Should have made the top finish the color of the back of neck..... with block inlays made with the same material they used on this one ....

[@stevenwhite8936]

the back of that thing is prettier than the front crack nonwithstanding

[@CC-te5zf]

It's October - I always picture the headless horseman at Halloween. So, yeah - headless Les Pauls instead, way more creepy!

[@nickphillips1721]

The grey and blue filter looks so much better than the green.

[@svart_kors]

I almost like the reviews more when the guitars are flawed. I learn more and it makes the videos more varied in their content.

[@zaphoddog3878]

Would you be able to confirm the crack with an x-ray? You can x-ray a BGA to confirm all the solder has wetted and there's no shorts

[@Kaz999998]

Girl: What's your sign? Gibson Zodiac: Yes

[@timweber7165]

The top looks really good when the green turns grey in front of the green screen

[@rocknrollresignation93]

Wouldn’t be surprised if the crack happened in shipping. Musiciansfriend is awful with packaging for shipping

[@homegrownson]

For Normal Guitars it is Half off for Neck Breaks, For Collectors Editions where those wanting it will Want and Demand Perfection it will be a Push to get more then 50% of value, especially knowing one day may be spending for Neck Repair

[@oscariznaola1193]

A friend has the same guitar and after watching your video asked him for the series No. which is CS 100265. Ergo, more than one of this same model was crafted, but it will be interesting to know how many of them.... Thanks for your interesting videos

[@PapaWheelie1]

The Spinal Tap Zodiac Costumes would go well with this one

[@imannonymous7707]

I really like it. Maybe it fell off a stand and hit a table....shame tho agreed. But again im gonna say...ebony boards sound bright

[@terrycolletti6793]

I'd glue that damn thing and play it till the frets wore off. Don't hate on handicapped guitars!

[@eddiejr540]

@1:17....Napoleon Dynamite...Trogly, you just moved up a couple of notches on the cool meter!!!!

[@guitartim2128]

Awesome tone for a heavy Les Paul. Think I heard some Black Sabbath sounds. Cool video🎸👍

[@austinshafer6854]

I wish. That’s all I can say. Beautiful guitar. I don’t know why but this one has a different voice and vibe then a lot I’ve seen. Even with the heads trying to give. You are a lucky man to get your hands on it.

[@av.punk.801]

Heeeey I remember seeing this one! Super interesting finish and concept, and if I were you, hold on to it, it's gonna be worth something man. Edit: oooor maybe not... that neck is a damn shame... you break a mirror or something dude? Greetings and well wishes from Utah man!

[@hkguitar1984]

A really interesting finish. I wish they would make a few Les Pauls' in the ES-335 Aquamarine Finish, that is one of my favorites.

[@saltyjohns8687]

How do I go about buying this... or the centipede... I've got a love for saving guitars!!! Plus les paul, custom shop, one off. Checks all my boxes

[@derrickharmon7980]

Bummer she was a beauty. Its top reminds me of a reverse argonavis burst. The similarities are there, this is just a bit more blinged out in abalone. Do they have other color zodiac runs??

[@michaelmitchell5909]

I'm sure you know, hide glue makes those breaks stronger than new, if you have the right person doing the repair. Id keep that and get the headstock fixed. That's a fantastic guitar

[@joermnyc]

Yeah, but the crack is so subtle it would need to be broken even more to fix… and not disclosing it to a buyer would be really unethical.

[@ernestschultz5065]

Does anyone else say the intro along with Trogly or is it just me

[@johnm1874]

Hell yea its like a meme of its on lol

[@timgermanyjr]

It looks way better when the green was washed out with the greenscreen and it was grey and blue.

[@ericsorensen8764]

That neck crack really sucks trogly, you should be compensated somehow for that. What if they offer to repair the brake?

[@sentforth5]

I don't normally fall in love with these adventuress LPs, but MAN! I really really love this one.

[@Floortile83]

Are you giving away guitars to trick or treaters this year?

[@waynecribb4922]

Flashback... hey babe "what's ur sign ?" Circa the 70s. LOL.

[@McShooty_]

These could have been a cool "guitar if the month" thing. Have maybe 100 made in each flagship body shape with a different finish and 12th fret inlay on the day of that respective zodiac sign.

[@LuminaryCursorem]

Woah that blue back is so vibrant!

[@DoctorEnigma01]

I never realized til this episode Trogey reminds me of Napoleon Dynamite

[@Mr.Goldbar]

definitely agree on the personalized thing you mentioned. I'd totally buy a Pisces Les Paul if there was one

[@randyheath8566]

Austin in the House. PEACE ✌ ☮

[@RussBMCSGT]

Have you done a regular 2021 Gibson Custom Shop Les Paul Custom? IDK at what part in the year they started offering them because until I bought my 2nd 50’s Standard in July I had been interested only in the Standards, but these have long neck tenon & are offered in Black, White($500.00 more so $5,499.00) & Silver Burst. I just bought a White from AMS today & am waiting on the order to finish processing & to ship. I’ve called them 3 times so they’re aware I absolutely must have it before Sat the 6th. Anyway, it’ll be the 1st one I’ve ever owned with a long neck tenon & I’ve wanted White for the last 34yrs that I’ve been playing so I am dying to get my hands on it. I’m curious if you’ve checked these out & done a video yet? I haven’t seen it if you have…full review on a White one would be Awesome!

[@thomasbombadil8190]

I love the show and always watch and like - but I am dying to know the name of the song that is playing when Troggs starts taking the pick ups out. That would be an awesome song to crank in the convertible tooling around NYC next summer! Can anyone help?

[@hkguitar1984]

LOL

[@rmsfootball63]

For some reason it does look like a veneer top

[@hkguitar1984]

I agree, its almost as if the flame patters are fuzzy and not well defined (like a typical veneer). Don't get me wrong, I've seen some veneer tops that have every bit as much depth and movement as a solid piece.

[@rmsfootball63]

@@hkguitar1984 it overall just looks like a cheaper guitar. Especially the finish on the back and the neck. Dear god just leave it natural or a darker mahogany stain

[@FrancisVoignierMusic]

It's likely just a crack in the finish.

[@willland1243]

What a sweet les Paul🤓 I would love to have it. Do you think they will make anymore of them?

[@TOOLFortySixand2]

I would have loved to see a Gemini SG or Les Paul with dual tone or color changing finish

[@JamesJLaRue]

Surprised a multipiece maple neck would crack as easily as mahog. I like your 12-individual-guitars idea.

[@sgt.grinch3299]

Not my cup of tea with the color on the top, but still had nice tones.

[@doctoribanez]

Nicest I have seen in awhile . I'm really digging blueberry bursts lately also

[@randallnelson8338]

Those fret board inlays are amazing what a shame. I would want one dam

[@ralphwest8156]

Beautiful ' not my usual colours but hey ' and love that Abalone on the headstock ...the Zodiac stuff isn't that offensive, even thought of Jimmy Page's Zofo symbol when I first saw this. Just a pity about the headstock thing, definitely won't affect the playability of this gorgeous Custom'

[@chipoverbaugh5919]

My Squire Jim Root Tele still doesn’t have a cracked headstock...just sayin

[@jubei7259]

Yeah, coz it's a Tele. Fenders don't really break there (unless you're Pete Townsend or Kurt Cobain or something lol). Gibsons unfortunately do but they do other things that no other guitars can (unless they're a copy of course)

[@HigzyTeflon]

Mysteries of life #1,137: That time I saw a guitar with so many features that I normally dislike all-together on one guitar and for some inexplicable reason... I actually like it. A lot.

[@knockhardproductions7157]

This guitar looks like the mascot for a frozen yogurt stand. Hurry up and detach that headstock before I detach my retina. All it needs to complete the 'puke-ture' is some sparkle in the finish and a pink stinger.

[@greensombrero3641]

Abalone was a song by Rocksy Music

[@ericolsen67vw]

I'll buy it. . . $750 that's being nice. . . 👍 🙂

[@guitartim2128]

Hey Trog... I thought ( and wrongly so ) that the Custombuckers were Gibson's best. What is the creme of the crop from Gibson? 🎸👍

[@Trog]

it is all just personal preference really