Why do people HATE these Gibsons? | Friday Fretworks

1970s Gibsons - great or garbage?
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Key points:
0:00 Intro
0:05 JAM! (Cardinal Black - Warm Love)
1:40 Where did all the dogs go?
1:59 Charlie Starr interview
2:28 Gibson in the 1970s
4:39 Housekeeping
5:42 First impressions?
6:26 70s Gibsons features
7:16 JAM! 1970 Les Paul Custom
8:42 Consistently inconsistent
10:12 Mini Humbuckers
10:44 JAM! '73 Les Paul Deluxe
12:11 Conclusion?
13:30 JAM! '71 Les Paul Deluxe
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[@glenfarina3027]

I have a late 60s/early 70s Gold top Deluxe that I bought second hand as a kid. It was the only Gibson that I could afford at the time and I bought it not knowing anything, only that it was a Gibson and my heroes played them. It weighs around 11 lbs and was difficult to play cos there was a hump in the fret board around fret 9 and the bridge was bent forward due to strings pushing on the back of it. I eventually had these issues fixed and 47 years later it plays and sounds like a dream.

[@kurtweiand7086]

I also have a 69 Deluxe which l purchased in 72, it's still a great player guitar, stuck a Lollar P90 in the bridge position. Gotta have a P 90 Paul ya know!

[@svenolofandersson2572]

I have an early 1978 LP Pro Deluxe with P90s. Very heavy. Ebony fretboard. Stunning looks. I bought the guitar in 1980 together with a Music Man 210 135W amp for around $1200 from a dude with more than a fleeting interest in recreational drugs in my home town of Malmö, Sweden. I still use both of them and for a very long time, they were my principal setup, most of the time with just a cable between the guitar and the amp. The P90s into that amp not only takes you to distortion heaven, but it also delivers the sweetest clean, jazzy tones you can think of. The neck is so easy to play, I can play faster on that guitar than on any other guitar I have ever come across. It’ll stay with me until my terminal breath… :-)

[@AddyAdderson]

This is a tired alarm. So many videos start out with '70's this" or 'Mini-Humbuckers that' or "Norlin something other". But the fact is, these guitars, with their pancake bodies and 3 piece necks are showing up as very strong and stable and capable of lasting the years. Ever ask yourself why it's easy to find a '70's Les Paul? It may be because people have believed the stank stories about the Norlin area, but it certainly is because those guitars last incredibly long. I bought a new Deluxe Gold Top in '72, and I still play it every day - no major service of any kind. It has easily been played most of my 10,000 hours. If you're needing vintage, a '70's Les Paul is your best bang for the buck.

[@JRriffin]

So true. I have a 75 deluxe, blonde top, standard HB, all stock. Bought it from a friend in the early 80's. IIRC the deluxe was released in 69 by Gibson. It was a hybrid of a 59 body and a slimline 60 neck. It's not replaceable to me.

[@Eliminator-rl9sn]

I got several 70s Customs. All of them great instruments. The youngest is a 1980 and my favourite guitar. Regarding pickups you have a point. Partly I swapped them out for alternatives. But the 3-piece necks did not need any adjustment for the last up to 34 years during my ownership.

[@usagi2988]

I have a '75 Les Paul Custom and I love it... in my years of trying out various Les Pauls (my absolute favorite guitar), I've come to believe that it's less that all of the Norlin-era guitars were crap and more that there was significantly more variance in quality control during that period. There were definitely singular bad build decisions made at that time, but there are some amazing guitars to be found from that time period (it just takes a bit more hunting around for them).

[@Dreyno]

Everyone hated them 25 years ago. Then the 50s and 60s ones got too expensive for most so people reevaluated them because it’s all they could afford in terms of vintage. But, to be honest, they were probably never as bad as people said and they’re probably not as good as their prices would suggest today.

[@SeanOHanlon]

No no. The 70's LPs have always been dog doo-doo.

[@Dreyno]

@@SeanOHanlon I’ve played several that were fantastic.

[@SeanOHanlon]

@@Dreyno The problem with the overwhelming majority of them is they should feel and sound far better than they do - especially for how much they cost.

[@Dreyno]

@@SeanOHanlon Like I said, people only started valuing them when they found themselves priced out of the older guitars. Guys who would’ve laughed at a Norlin era Les Paul having a premium on it quietly started appreciating them when it was clear they’d never own a 50s LP. Personally, I wouldn’t pay more than the price of a new LP for one but people want to own “vintage” to convince themselves they’re worth it.

[@Deuce_Luminox.]

I have a friend with three Norlin era Gibsons, including two LP Customs. He likes the construction and the neck carves.

[@ngiles1000]

Lovely solo,

[@jremi]

My very first good guitar was a brand new 1974 Gibson Les Paul Deluxe bought that year with all the money I had made during the summer as a 16 year old student. I eventually sold it… I should have kept it… This excellent video brought back great memories!

[@clintwilson6380]

Bet you mowed a buncha yards😮

[@jremi]

@@clintwilson6380 Actually, I worked in a national park… the guitar, case and taxes cost me 783 Canadian dollars and strangely enough, I still have the receipt…

[@chadmorral1326]

I inherited a '76 ES-335 when my grandfather passed. I know people don't like the trapeze tailpieces, but man does that guitar rip.

[@bluarcher5941]

I played a '73 LP Deluxe gold top during my prime rock 'n roll years. I had always wanted a Custom but never could seem to afford one back then. The pickups were good and loud on the Deluxe, but I truthfully never was a fan of gold tops and ended up getting rid of it when I started playing full time in a country band. Now I have a Custom and I'm playin' it in the bedroom and also in a worship team environment...at least I finally got one. : )

[@wongnaichungrd]

As an aside I had a 76 strat that was a shocker. Thick poly, heavy, ice pick sounding pickups. You can have most ‘70s guitars I was there.

[@gphone9619]

I have had a 75 Strat since new and mine is great!

[@user-fv5yo5fi5c]

I love the custom. I'm a lefty so they're rare air and mighty spendy. I had to settle for an Epi Custom Pro and as much as I frown on the old boat oar of a head stock, the guitar is beautiful. It's got all upgraded electronics including Pro Buckers with CTS Pots and 50's wiring. It sounds amazing, but it's still a notch or two away from sounding like the real deal.

[@kierenmoore3236]

Different is just different - not better or worse … and there are gems and dogs, in all eras. I think the Norlin-era guitars look 👀 the best, by far.

[@chickenlickin3820]

Sorry to hear about you losing your Poppa x

[@rbull7777]

My '86 Custom is an 11 pounder. I'm so used to it I can't even imagine playing a Les Paul that ISN'T heavy!

[@CrazedFandango]

When did guitarists become so weedy? If 11lbs is heavy, I assume the spend most of their time watching tv.

[@Heatfarmer]

@@CrazedFandango I played one of those for 20 years. No problem with that, but nearing the 60 mark its not as fun to that around the shoulder anymore. you just put 11 pounds on one of your shoulders for 3-4 hours and you will know that it can be felt.

[@CrazedFandango]

​@@Heatfarmer I'm mid 50s, but lift weights. So I cannot sense a couple of extra lbs.

[@SandrOliva]

@@CrazedFandango I start feeling the weight issue now that I’ve turned 70, but I still can manage it (Other than Les Pauls, I own a Lucille which with a Bigsby fitted is even heavierevthan those guys!). And I have just got rid of a Goldtop reissue with tonal chamber, I couldn’t stand it. If I want a light guitar, I just grab an SG (or a Fender) By the way, I have never lifted weights, but I’m still lifting Fenders and Marshalls, when it’s needed😅)

[@tedgoff4559]

In 1976, I became the 2nd owner of a cherry sunburst custom. First owner only had it for a couple of months before he ran into money troubles and had to sell. It was my only guitar for more than 30 years. Always thought it was a '76 until a friend thought it was older. Emailed Gibson with the serial number. They said it was Kalamazoo built between '71' & '74, and that I would need to look at the numbers on the pots for a specific month and year. Unfortunately, whoever soldered the pots apparently though if some solder is good, more is better. The numbers are mostly obscured on all 4. I could make out 73 on one but I don't know if it was in the right place in the numbering sequence to be the year built. Really doesn't matter. Not sure why the volute is hated. I know it saved me a headstock repair when mine took a tumble hard enough to knock the gear cover off one of the Grover tuners. I have let others play it from time to time. Most ask if I want to sell it. (Nope!) I think it's a pretty good guitar. Those guys asking to buy it seem to agree.

[@clintwilson6380]

The 70's was easily the best decade for American 🎥 films.

[@LeeWhalan-bi8kc]

Man, I love watching this guy play🤯 especially that strumming, picking, muting, right hand , brilliant note choice and bends

[@user-yn3po6uh1z]

I bought a 76 Sunburst Custom new, still have it!! Best playing guitar I've ever owned. I have the original case with the Lifetime Warranty card with my Name and address from 1976

[@dw7704]

I don’t hate Norlin era Gibsons. I own one (got it used and modded, I modded it some myself, but the neck, frets, body, toggle switch, two of the pots, output jack, strap knobs, nut, bridge & tailpiece posts, and most if the wiring are original- it didn’t have the original pickups, knobs or machine heads when I bought it, and I changed all of those.) it’s about 10 pounds. I love it. The feel is original. I love the volute, no issues with it or the pancake body. It feels like an extension of myself. I have played many other Gibsons from this time frame. And most of them were good, some were much better. Yes there were duds, all companies have that, but never write them off without checking them out first.

[@pintsize8162]

I own a 77 LP Deluxe and it's one of the nicest guitars I have ever played. Very easy to play. And yes it is easily 10lbs.

[@Splattle101]

I have a 1978 Les Paul Standard I've owned since 1987 and I like it, so I suppose I'm biased. It's got the three-piece maple neck with volute and three piece top. Big head stock & one piece mahogany body (no pancake). It's heavy. But it plays beautifully. It will take a low action, and it's so stable it can keep that action with little or no setup maintenance. Its tuning is astonishingly stable, too. I didn't understand what people were complaining about with Les Paul tuning until I played one with a mahogany neck. The T-top pickups also had a great chirp to them in the middle position. The bridge went badly microphonic about 2008 so I replaced it with a SD '59. Chirp gone. It didn't come back until I tried a rather expensive set of boutique pickups. It's been a great guitar and I'll never part with it.

[@paulbangash4317]

I have a 78’ standard , bought in 86’. She is a beauty , and if yours is like mine you are not exhibiting bias at all.

[@georgelincoln5041]

This broke young kid walked into a music store in San Francisco in 1973 with just enough money to pay the rent and convinced the owner to let him play a beautiful new cherry sunburst LP Custom that was hanging high up on the wall. Put it on layaway and picked it up a month later. Took 6 months to finally afford a little fender amp! I am fortunate enough to own some excellent guitars now, but it is still the best guitar I've ever played. I did put in Schaller tuners and the Gibson TP-6 tailpiece a little later and that solved the tuning problems with that guitar. Unfortunately at 10 lbs I can't gig any more 4 hour sets with it.

[@renodavid]

Don Wehr’s Music City?

[@georgelincoln5041]

@@renodavid That was the store. Found out later the man who sold me the guitar was Don himself.

[@renodavid]

@@georgelincoln5041 Really? Very cool. He went on to open a car dealership here in Reno.

[@renodavid]

@@georgelincoln5041 Oh, and that’s where I bought my ‘74 LP Custom about a year after you got yours. Still have it.👍

[@chrisshaw6451]

Fab video once again Chris, and I received my signed copy of the live album today, so thank you to all of you in the band, for taking the time to not only make amazing music, but to sign the CD for me too! 👍❤️

[@LemonHolidayProd]

Guitars weren't the only products to suffer from poor American manufacturing quality in the '70s - cars and motorcycles were garbage, furniture and buildings were built to be replaced every 5 years, it was all terrible.

[@johnkelley7543]

Can confirm. Look at how crap Harleys were well into the 80s and 90s.

[@davidwilkins5932]

That’s because we’re all about “commerce, commerce, commerce”. Built-in obsolescence and all that stuff. Everything is ultimately “disposable”, including us.

[@mikeb5372]

I certainly agree with your comment except houses weren't built to be replaced in 5 years but they were built like crap. But you said buildings so you might be right on that one too. The 70s marked the time of big government moving in to control businesses through very high taxes and high inflation. Not to mention the workforce was stoned hippies. I would say that since 2008 US manufacturing has been declining into obsolescence as it suffers from every type of decline.

[@RobertSaxy]

Seems to be true from the pass down toys I received in the early 80s and from brass instruments from the big name companies too (though dusted mud 60s for brass instruments) even have the same issues you describe of the Gibsons, heavy and dead sounding not all but a lot

[@robmcnamara4632]

USA still maintains a reputation for poor workmanship (especially cars)

[@andybaginski3195]

My first Gibson was a 73/74 (pots date to November of 73 so it could be an early 74) cherry sunburst Custom that I bought for 350 bucks from my guitar teacher in high school. I played that guitar all throughout the 80’s in various bands and it never failed me. I have owned many Les Pauls from the 70’s 80’s 90’s and 2000’s mostly customs and the only ones Ive held onto is the 73/74 custom and a 1990 Custom in alpine white that has aged into a nice cream color ala Randy Rhoads 😁

[@ralphmuller6040]

I own a 1969 Gold Top Deluxe with P90s installed. I believe these must have been a retrofit. I'm NOT a Gibson fanboi, I'm a Fender guy. Having said that, I played this guitar when the previous owner, a mate, brought it to work in one day (in a guitar shop where we both worked). I was *astounded* by the sound and I made him promise that he would sell me the guitar if he ever parted with it. Fast forward a few years and I now own it. The luthier I engaged to refret its super low frets, told me that it was a real ripper. It has a three piece neck (which are very stable btw) but a 'non-pancake' body.

[@paulbangash4317]

I have a 78’ Gibson les Paul standard. Cherry sunburst. Had it for 38 years. Still one of the nicest I have played. I love it 💫

[@peddanp6325]

Came across this video by accident and I'll say; Wise words and the playing at the end is second to none. Will you do any gigs in Sweden in a foreseeable future? //BR, Peter

[@shirtshine73blitz]

I had a 73 Deluxe and it was magnificent. Every time I played with a Les Paul Standard player they would be stunned at the nuance and flavor the little humbuckers would get.

[@shawnboyett8726]

Man I love his style of play

[@davidsixstrings]

playing amazing? yeah, i kind of like that style too 😀

[@ljdellar]

Chris plays as though the guitar is a singer, with a singer's melodic line and phrasing. And with a singer's natural dynamics. Human beings are naturally attuned to human voices, and the more a guitar sounds like a human being singing, crying or screaming, the more it makes a connection with us. Or is that just me? :-)

[@user-fv5yo5fi5c]

Agreed, Chris is a KZbin treasure

[@MickH60]

I had a 1979 "The SG" that was a great guitar, the guy I sold it to in the mid 1980's, toured America with It and absolutely loved it... Wish I'd kept that one..

[@johnmcevoy3598]

Walnut!

[@JonnySaffordMusic]

I own an early 70’s SG and I love it to death. Setups go miles, find yourself a good luthier no matter what guitar you have and life will get better.

[@lost_in_gravy]

I still have my 11 lbs '79 LP Custom along with the lifelong warranty registration card with my name on it. Still love her for the full and utterly heavy sound. All the sh*tty parts (pickups, bridge, pots) have been replaced over the years. Love the 3-piece maple neck with the volute, the high grade ebony board, the color, the buzzsaw case and the overall quality. It's the epitome of a player in great condition. I don't take her out for gigs anymore, considering her and my age. Adam Jones can't be all that wrong with his silverburst, can he?

[@bluzzjazz]

After watching all the way through, Chris's playing never fails to amaze me. You have a signature style that leaves no doubt as to who is playing. You can quickly recognize Beck, Page, Stevie, BB and Albert King and now Chris

[@stephanguisseppi]

Jeez man, that last clip was friggin' immense! I had my '62 335 valued at ATB a couple of weeks ago and he apologised for being a bit upside down due to filming...

[@jshphysicistatyahoo]

your last song came out so well!

[@Momentum88]

A much more held together sound on the intro. Great rendition ❤

[@Journey-of-1000-Miles]

I have a 1972 SG Standard, with a pencilneck. It’s still the most amazing guitar I’ve ever personally had my hands on.

[@judih.8754]

Just received my copy of the new disc yesterday from the UK. I love it. Great music! Keep it up guys!

[@BudgetRC_Channel]

Got the live CD a couple days ago and I absolutely love it. Great, great album.

[@user-ro9sl8ef8w]

Great content Chris. I have a 72 Les Paul Deluxe and yes, it has all of the derided features of a 70's Gibson. Volute, 3 piece maple neck, 3 piece maple cap, pancake body and mini humbuckers. I guess I got lucky as mine plays really well and I really enjoy playing it. I have other post Norlin era Gibsons and it stands up very well against them for me.

[@davepatterson4774]

The outro solo on the Deluxe is sheer brilliance, sir. Playing, sound and feel.

[@BillFlann9]

No Joke - I was just playing my favorite guitar, a 1981 Les Paul Custom identical to the Les Paul in the opening jam. My first good guitar was a 1972 SG Special with harmonica bridge and mini humbuckers. They are both exceptional guitars in sound and feel (SG has no neck dive) even when compared to my neck through body Yamaha SG 2000 "Les Paul Killer". The Les Paul is >12 lbs, yet it screams. In the Guitar Player magazine interview, Tommy Shaw stated that once in awhile Gibson would mess up and make a good one. He had his techs check out music stores for more than a year to find two good late model Les Pauls, to keep his 1959 out of harms way. He eventually found two good ones a year apart that had consecutive serial numbers. Likely made by the same craftsman. Having read what Tommy Shaw had to go through to get two good LPs, I must have hit the guitar lottery twice. I suspect they impeded quality at the factory level and not in design (the volute was a good idea, even Yamaha SG2ks had them). I'd read that Norlin was a lousy company in many ways. A few exec actually went to jail. If the pay stinks you don't attract many good workers, and often won't stay long. It's a bad deal for customers and long term health of the company.

[@MrAxholio]

I guess - if'n you guys say so. I have an 81 and an 83 .I've have had them for a couple decades. Both customs. Both heavy. Les Paul himself said he preferred the heavy ones for more sustain and tone. Both of mine have Tim Shaw pups and are stock internally. I replaced the bridge assembly with Tone Pros locking stuff on the 83. Personally I think they sound and play excellent. And thats all that counts. YMMV

[@tommccarthy3052]

I have a '79 Strat that is about 9.5 lbs. I asked the guy who works on it for me what the deal was & he said that Fender was "reacting" to what they thought were the "more popular" heavier Gibson's. You can take or leave his comment but that Strat does not soumd/feel like my other Strats.

[@Bob-of-Zoid]

The graphic comparing the weight of a Les Paul to celestial objects, outweighing the black hole is hilarious!

[@danapink2503]

Love that warm love solo at the start

[@leonborden9883]

Own a 73 SG Deluxe, bought new. An odd one. They moved the neck into the body by about an inch or so, but they continued to use the same body, same pickup cutouts, and same scale length. The bridge pickup is about an inch farther away from the bridge compared to earlier and later SG's. The neck pickup is where an LP would have it, unlike earlier and later SG's. Bridge pickup sounds less shrill, and the neck pickup sounds like an LP. I can get Tele tones out of that bridge pickup. The vibrato is unusable, but this is my favorite guitar. Sounds great, is versatile, and the neck is perfect after all these years. Still playing it live.

[@James-ec4eb]

Chris Buck is the bomb he is going to be BIG time one day!

[@user-xi9ri2pg8v]

Blistering opening solo Chris!

[@VesaGuardian]

The way you play is out of this world. Thank you for blowing my mind once again!

[@davidwilkins5932]

Chris, I really, really, really wish you would release exclusively guitar music. Few things bring as much musical satisfaction as listening to your playing. I like Cardinal Black okay, but as with most every other band, vocals get in the way unless they are over-the-top exceptional. It’s YOUR playing I want to hear, and I’m left grasping for incomplete examples in your videos.

[@ChrisBuckGuitar]

Honestly, instrumental guitar music doesn't interest me in the slightest, either as a listener or as a writer. That's not to denigrate it as a genre; it's just not for me...as music with vocals isn't for you. Part of enjoying what I do and being able to stay motivated is writing and playing music that I love and enjoy listening to. Maybe in the future, who knows but for the time being, unfortunately not.

[@russellrdr]

The vocals in your band are fantastic!

[@riffcodgerpetermcaleer8638]

Fair enough Buckmaster. Have a great America trip.🎉

[@user-wx7wg5cn1m]

You are one heck of a player- must be nice to be able to play so well! Les Pauls are great guitars, mine had horrible pick- ups but after replacing them with cheap ones that actually sound way better it sounds as well as it plays- great neck and fingerboard- oh, also replacing the bridge with an aftermarket one saved me from continuous broken strings, love it now (77) great guitar! 🍄👍

[@danstringer7610]

I bought the twin to the guitar in the video in ‘81. I loved it!

[@stephanskogen3817]

@ChrisBuckGuitar your phrasing is just sooooo great! And your videos always informative and entertaining. Huge props!

[@elwrongo]

Blonde Bassman and Cabinet just casually in the background. My Dads LP Custom is very heavy but sounds awesome, Gibson engraved pickups, needs a refret. My 74 Wine Red Deluxe is a standout guitar and I'm so lucky to have it, pancake or not. The other thing to think about is a guitar that old has probably been worked on, if that work is good, you're in. You're playing on the goldtop is the best (to me and my taste) I've heard you do. Great video thanks.

[@garrysimmons111]

I had a boat anchor late 70s LP Custom back in the day. Kinda wish I still had it around for sentimental sake (my first "real" guitar). Your playing just slays me.

[@PIPA1302]

Didn't know about your "viejo" Chris, my condolences, greetings from Spain

[@chefbarona3052]

I worked in a guitar shop in the mid-late 70's & owned few, 60's & 70's models(my 1st good electric was a White LP. Sold it w/in 8 months). I can assure you MANY of the Norlin Gibson pickups were replaced soon after purchase. I still have a labeled bridge humbucker I replaced for a player. The early market was lead by DiMarzio. I got better response from Bill Lawrence (& still have a few of those).

[@juanjoseescanellas3798]

I don't know anything, only that Ii like the way you play the guitar.

[@timcwalker]

I had a '79 Standard that was so sweet. I had an early '70s Standard that was pretty nice also. 1979 to around 1986 had some great Les Pauls.

[@paulwatson5736]

These are consistently interesting videos with some dazzling playing thrown in. Thank you

[@dalehamon4295]

I own a first year Gibson 1971 Cherry Sunburst Custom. I love my guitar ❤

[@teye-master]

Being in 'that' age group, I had a 74 SG with the Harmonica bridge. That was a Schaller bridge and I've personally always liked that bridge. The much more flimsy and sagging narrower ones were never my cup of tea: made of Zamac and with a rusting guitar string to keep the saddles in place? I had one on a 57 Gold Top, on a V and a 'Bird, on a 92 LP... I've never understood the 'hate' on the Schaller (harmonica) bridge

[@RawGuitarRiffs]

Warm Love, my fav solo! Just awesome! I would love you to do a breakdown, even if it was just a lesson in how you do those beautiful runs! 👍🏻👊🏻🖤

[@davidcarson7936]

Sorry to hear about your loss . Didn't know. My Father passed away 21st June 18 years ago. Certainly was the longest day for me.

[@thisdyingsoul76]

I have a 1973 Gibson SG and I love it. So did whoever had it before me, because the frets are so worn I am soon being faced with the decision to retire it or get a refret.

[@Orange-wy1sw]

Great episode!

[@6stringcodger450]

Always loved the Deluxe as a kid. My friend had one in the band and it sounded great w/mini hum buckers. Still have not owned anything with the mini hb on it...someday...

[@MrFunkyDutch]

My primary guitar is a 1978 ES335 with a 3 piece neck, I love it. I've played a few 70's Les Pauls, and I tend to like most of them, especially Deluxes.

[@edwinstovall3334]

Actually, Chris, Austin of the Trogly's Guitar Show showed us that that 70s pancake body construction involved a second, thin slice of maple beneath the cap of the guitar and hidden by binding. The only way to see this layer is to lift the pickups and examine the cavities. I doubt this has solved any mysteries, but here it is for what it's worth.

[@florisbackx1744]

I have a '74 deluxe goldtop and I love it to bits. The mini humbuckers have a great sound especially the neck pick-up is lovely. It's full and warm, yet with more bite than the Les pauls

[@patriottothecore6215]

I have a 72 SG with factory Bigsby and it plays like a dream and sounds great. I have removed the harmonica bridge though and fitted a roller one.

[@gregputman]

I have a 1978 Les Paul Standard and a '79 RD Artist. Both are excellent guitars

[@baystreetblues]

The guitar that i have owned for 60 years and played pretty much exclusively for 30 plus years is a 1974 Les Paul Standard with full-size humbuckers from the factory. I have worn grooves in the rosewood and around the bridge pickup. The screws on the bottom bridge pick up cover have rusted out. The bridge saddles were practically flat. All from my sweat and friction with my hand. It is heavier and less resonant than my 2005 R9. The 74 has a much tighter tone than the R9, but at the time it sounded better, fuller and hotter than anything available at the time. All this video proves is that it is the player not the guitar that makes the best tone.

[@Peterbrendanalbert]

Hang on. You have owned a 50yr old guitar for 60yrs. Go figure.!

[@robzagar4275]

Always enjoy your thoughts and stellar playing man! Thank you

[@jjc75019]

My RD77 was a great guitar, loved the thin, slightly wider neck, and the Moog pre-amp in it. Was my goto guitar for 20 years. My buddy's 1974 goldtop (law-suit) Ibanez, was just amazing.

[@craigwillms61]

Wow that 73 Deluxe was almost an exact copy of my 74 Deluxe. It was my first real guitar bought new in '74 with paper route money (paper route? yeah I'm old). I don't remember thinking it was anything less than GREAT. It was sold, traded, whatever, but now I want it back. I understand they are collector's items today.

[@cellogary]

Good Lord man! These might be my favorite opening and closing solos from you yet! Great video. Definitely going to check out that live album!

[@buzzbabyjesus]

My 1976 Deluxe, stamped "SECOND", with those chimingly musical mini humbuckers is a favorite at my house.

[@GuitarBrew]

I have a ‘73 Custom. By far away the best guitar I’ve ever played. All of my Guitar friends agree.

[@willrayment9544]

I was asked to check over a gibson for a friend, he believed it may have been a fake as it was so badly made. Turns out it was the faults verified it was indeed an original 74 les paul.

[@paulketchupwitheverything767]

I bought a 1970s Deluxe in the early 80s. It wasn't very expensive and, at the time, I wasn't really clear on all the differences between a Deluxe, Standard and Custom. It just happened that someone I knew was selling one and it was a chance to have a real Gibson. It served me well for most of the time I was playing live regularly. Once I had a bit of spare money (much later) it received a re-fret. The originals were on the low side of comfortable.

[@anthonymichael3029]

The new live album is fantastic. Gave it several plays today. Tone and playing are tops.

[@Kevin-the-Just]

The 70s were my formative years as a guitar player. All I knew then were the infamous Norlin guitars. I lusted after a Les Paul Custom, inspired by people like John McLaughlin, Robert Fripp and a guy I knew in a local band who had, what I thought at the time, the coolest looking LP Custom in that dark wine red finish. I never did get a Custom, but I did have a '73 Deluxe that had been routed for full size humbuckers before receiving its usual mini-buckers and some nasty looking cover plates. These features would now be considered cool and collectible, I suppose. People are weird.

[@mikeblow3781]

My 70 deluxe has those. Goof rings or goof hiders I think they are called. Funny thing is, I had the guitar since around 98, and no idea they were anything unusual until someone said to me last year 'oh, I've never seen a deluxe like that before...' :D Anyway I don't think they add any desirability, probably the opposite, but the guitar is wonderful.

[@guithawk-ij8is]

I always enjoy your videos and your playling. I have a 1976 Deluxe that I love. One of the best feeling guitars I've ever played and the mini humbuckers sound fantastic. Beautiful cherry sunburst with a lot of wear, mostly from me ( got it in 1980). The one thing I will complain about is the weight - close to 12 lbs! I used to gig with it a lot, but I'm in my 60s now so it stays home. Still love to play it on the couch.

[@hashachache]

Wasn't it 1972 they made those red Gibsons that are amongst the most expensive of all Gibsons today? They only made 200. Very beautiful visually.

[@RobbieF]

Mike Ness love's his 70s LP Deluxes, once he replaces the mini Humbuckers with P90s! Not to mention, Norlin era LPs are going up in price.

[@dkelban]

Really sweet melodic playing

[@paulcormack9238]

Fantastic again Chris, incredible playing. The new live album is so good, been listening to it in Turkey. Congrats. X

[@tallpaul1020]

Thx Chris, your history lessons and above all , your playing is extraordinary. Keep up the great work. Please come to NE Ohio with Cardinal Black. It'll be awesome

[@zofo666]

I've had about 10 70's LP'S,as I was working in a guitar store early 80,s so a lot came through for P/X against pointy headstock strats! None did I keep apart from their 1980 heritage Burst re issues which were/are brilliant guitars!I often think they extra mass/moisture in the woods sucked out any resonance or character? I was lucky enough to take in orders for the mid 80's LP'S and sold them all the same week as they were VASTLY superior and I still look out for them, definetly Gibson got their act together! I also have 70's strats and again saw a lot come through my store,would suggest from 76 onwards quality dropped significantly and weight increased! Strange time the 70's and don't let the "o it's a vintage guitar now" vibe make you pay over the top,try and find an 80'S LP instead!

[@staticf1ux]

Great video Chris! Not all 70's Gibsons were bad... You have to play an instrument to get a FEEL for it. Traditionals, Standards, and even Studios will speak to you when it's the RIGHT ONE. Feel, tone, and vibe... Evaluate each with a positive motive... Best wishes to all...

[@davidpepper442]

Hey Chris, the first one you played looks EXACTLY like my '79 Custom. I've owned it for over 20 years. I finally refretted it and put in a set of Lollars a few years ago. Sure it's heavy, but it feels and sounds fantastic now. Cheers

[@anthonybowers7571]

I had a 70'a ( in the 70's ) gold top like the one you play at the end ..it was a great guitar ! I took off the gold and made it a chestnut ( conker ) colour ..even better :)

[@andrewendrey9029]

Sorry to hear of your father's passing, Chris. Sincere condloences.

[@rubenpapa100]

I'm pretty sure this guy could make an 80's Encore sound great

[@dogtownbrogers2796]

I own a 75 Deluxe Natural finish that is exceptional. Someone routed the bridge pickup for a T Top and left the mini in the neck. It’s a great combo. Somehow I got lucky buying online on a firearms forum of all things. I also have a 74 Stratocaster that is fantastic. They are out there but the big thing is to play before you buy. The mini hum neck tone is better to me than even a PAF. You get much more chime and treble than a traditional himbucker.

[@user-pu5sk1zc8s]

A well set up Norlin is a fine guitar. The only thing I would change is making sure it has 500K volume pots. The Stooges 3rd album is a Norlin Les Paul Custom. One of the best guitar tones ever recorded.

[@ZO5150]

I’m holding out for an Epiphone LP Custom in this exact color scheme. Saw Mike Sullivan of Russian Circles playing one. Now I need it.

[@darkestfugue]

i have a 1980 les paul deluxe that has some of the 70s traits, the 3 piece maple neck and the large headstock with the volute, it doesnt have a pancake body although its heavy, but to be honest that neck has never moved since its original setup in 1988 when i got it, and its been in the bellies of planes, its a tank, nothing phases it nothing has ever gone wrong, and despite it having mini humbuckers it just sounds like a really good les paul, i was going to buy a 2015 flametop standard a few years ago but it didnt even compare to my old deluxe, so i passed,

[@user-in7th5uo1m]

Chris,please please think about a Canadian tour. Lots of love here for Cardinal Black. The west coast is the best place in Canada to visit. Like the Chilli’s said “ the sun may rise in the east at least it settles in a finer location. “ Love to see you here in British Columbia.