This is a 1978 Les Paul Standard. Is it all original? Well, if your familiar with the tops that Norlin were using during this era, you will immediately notice that this has a two piece top.
Click on the photos to enlarge!
That's right, this is actually a retop. Word is that this was originally a TS that somebody had routed out for a Kahler. The second owner decided to completely replace the top in order to get it back to the traditional Les Paul lay-out.
So.....this is really kind of a Gibson hybrid, in a way.
The guitar is in immaculate condition as the guy who made the changes to this guitar ended up with cancer right afterwards, and as a result, the guitar sat under a bed for 20+ years.
Some custom shop in Ohio did the retop and refinish in nitro. They did a pristine job! If you didn't know any better, you would think it is factory. The guitar plays AMAZINGLY good. Super low action and zero fret buzz. One of the best playing guitars I own, bar none. The T-tops sound great, and this thing has balls! Sustains for days!
It does sport the typical 3-piece maple neck with volute that Norlin were using in the day. Personally, I prefer the maple necks and volute. I know traditionalist would be appalled. Norlin also took about 5 degrees off the headstock angle. This also sports a ONE PIECE mahogany body/back. Seeing how the top is not the same heavy wood Norlin was using at the time, this guitar is lighter than most Norlin's of the era, weighing in at around 9-9.5 LBS.
I realize that this guitar likely has no collectors value at all, but that does not mean it is not a good guitar. It is actually an AMAZING guitar with amazing tone.
Question........Before anyone mentions it....Yes, I am planning on taking the Fender knobs off. It appears that Norlin used two different kind of knobs on the Les Pauls in 1978.. They randomly used speed knobs on some, and tophats with reflector labels on others. I could either put amber speed knobs on, or gold top hats with reflector on. Just curious, which do you think would look better?
