Let’s see your les pauls

CSL stands for Charles Summerfield Limited, they were a family owned business based in Gateshead in the North East of England. They imported guitars made in the FujiGen factory in Japan, alongside Ibanez etc.

That particular guitar was left to me by a very dear friend who passed away in 2017, it was the actual guitar that got me hooked back in the mid 70's. I was about 10 years old and into AC/DC, Judas Priest, Rush etc. I was goofing around with some friends one night, and there was this wonderful sound coming from an open bedroom window. It was Frank playing Jimi Hendrix on that guitar. He was 3 years older than me and invited us in to take a look and have a listen. I just fell in love with it.

We became good friends and grew up together, he married my sister, had kids etc. It tore me up when he passed away and it meant so much that he wanted me to have that guitar.
 

GLiDE BPM​

I am looking to replace my 1950's Gold Top LP that I sold decades ago. What is your opinion of the Greeny vs. the 1950's Standard Faded? Clearly I prefer the satin finish of the Greeny, but since this will be my only LP, I can't decide if it is worth the extra $700 for the Greeny.
 
I have just found some pics of a relic LP I had started on. I hang my head in shame. lol
I have learned a massive amount about guitar refinishing since I attacked this guitar thanks to a relic refinisher who has shared some top class hints and tips with me. I am tempted to strip it and start again. It will look cool mounted on a wall in a garage or a shed.
 

Attachments

  • 61412759_1313859305440227_5612209417513598976_n (1).jpg
    61412759_1313859305440227_5612209417513598976_n (1).jpg
    80.5 KB · Views: 22
  • 61634864_1313859528773538_6582004636289335296_n (1).jpg
    61634864_1313859528773538_6582004636289335296_n (1).jpg
    58.3 KB · Views: 22
So, I got to play a 1960 Junior at the same place where I played a '52 goldtop a while ago.

Compared to those, I'm kind of shocked at how "wrong" the satin and faded modern guitars look. Vintage guitars don't look like that. I'm also surprised how well my totally normal 2019 Standard 50s compares to them. Yes, it has really nice aftermarket pickups and wiring that's more to my liking, but it really does compare well apart from the top coat not feeling right.
 
So, the Guitar arrived and sadly I have to return it right after unboxing it.

Not to blame Gibson here, I think that Guitar has returned from another customer before.
The setup was meh, Neck Pickup height makes me laugh:
IMG_9462.jpeg
string highs on the 12th fretIMG_9461.jpeg

These are things I can easily fix but…
sent in the binding and fretwork…:
IMG_9464.jpeg
and scratches:
IMG_9454.jpeg

and again, I‘m not blame or bash Gibson here, these are things that could have been easily detected by the dealer.
But these issues on a 3000$ Guitar 2749,-€, sorry.

But I will give Gibson another try, playing a Les Paul really got me.
 
I think you'll likely have to expect that a new LP is going to need a crown / level / polish and possibly a new new nut for it to actually perform competitively to any other brand of guitar in that price range. Where I live that would easily be a few hundred dollars of extra cost. Find one with a neck you like, reasonable weight, and minimal QC issues and then get it to a good luthier to finish it off properly.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom