Rick
Axe-Master
I just purchased a 1972 Les Paul Custom, one of the last of the original factory "Fretless Wonder" guitars. It sounds awesome through the Axe Fx II, and is shockingly 100% original right down to those frets (you can tell by the neck binding work of the day). I started playing professionally on a 72 SG so I have always had a soft spot for that script Gibson embossed on the pickup covers. Beautiful guitar, good memories.
This is the first LP Custom I have had (though far from the first Les Paul), and I know they started using more "normal" frets shortly after this one was made. Honestly, it is a little hard to get along with after decades of more standard Gibson, Fender, and PRS frets. I liked the guitar so much I knew I could refret it if I wanted, but have found this fret(less) setup makes me play cleaner and won't tolerate sloppy fretting so it has become my "workout" guitar at the moment. I really have to pay attention to play it cleanly.
I wondered if anyone was a fan of the "Fretless Wonder" setup, or if the oddness of it's feel is why you don't see it any more. As a Norlin era guitar, the 70's models don't hold the value of the 50's and 60's models so a refret wouldn't be like spray painting a Monet, so I knew going in I could always change it later. Like I said, it's and awesome guitar in great shape. The fretting just seems bizarre to me!
For those who have played the real (prior to about 74 or so) Fretless Wonders: love them, hate them, tips on technique or fave settings with the Axe Fx II?
View attachment 20946
This is the first LP Custom I have had (though far from the first Les Paul), and I know they started using more "normal" frets shortly after this one was made. Honestly, it is a little hard to get along with after decades of more standard Gibson, Fender, and PRS frets. I liked the guitar so much I knew I could refret it if I wanted, but have found this fret(less) setup makes me play cleaner and won't tolerate sloppy fretting so it has become my "workout" guitar at the moment. I really have to pay attention to play it cleanly.
I wondered if anyone was a fan of the "Fretless Wonder" setup, or if the oddness of it's feel is why you don't see it any more. As a Norlin era guitar, the 70's models don't hold the value of the 50's and 60's models so a refret wouldn't be like spray painting a Monet, so I knew going in I could always change it later. Like I said, it's and awesome guitar in great shape. The fretting just seems bizarre to me!
For those who have played the real (prior to about 74 or so) Fretless Wonders: love them, hate them, tips on technique or fave settings with the Axe Fx II?
View attachment 20946
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