Featured LSLP #11

Early 1969 Les Paul Standard - Jeremy from the UK.

1)   What kind of LSLP do you have (Std, Dlx, Cust)? What are the first 3 digits of the serial #?

    1969 Les Paul Standard Goldtop serial number 539xxx. 1 piece neck and body and long neck tenon. Chunky neck profile.

2)   How did you find your LSLP, and how long have you owned it?

    I heard about the guitar from a friend who saw it in his local music shop. Unfortunately the price was too high. It then turned up at a nearby pawnbrokers and I made an offer and it was accepted. The guitar was being sold by the family of a guitarist that was in the 1970s prog rock band "Catapilla". It was used on both their albums. The band was made up of English and German musicians and the guitar was bought new from a German music shop in Bremerhaven. I am the second owner.

3)   Is it original or modified? How is it modified?

    Once had Grovers but I have re-installed the original Klusons.

4)   What kind of amp do you usually play it through?

    1968 Park Plexi 50w and a 4x12 cab.

5)   Why did you buy an LSLP?

    I think the 69 Standard has the ultimate specification e.g P90s and a tune o matic and a stop tailpiece.

6)   How did you find out about latesixtieslespauls.com?

    Internet search.

7)   Tell me about yourself. What is your first name? How long have you been playing guitar? What state/country are you from? What are your favorite kinds of music? Favorite bands? What was your first guitar?

    Jeremy. UK. 39 years. I like all types of music. My first guitar was a Japanese "Audition" bought from "Woolworths" in 1975. I wanted a solid body but my parents were advised to buy the semi acoustic model. I was a little disappointed as it didn't have the cool factor!

8)   Anything you would like to add?

    I have several LSLPS but this is my favourite. Thank you for an excellent informative site. [EDIT: Thanks for sharing your two examples with the world, Jeremy!!!]

Featured LSLP #12

Middle 1969 Les Paul Custom - Harry from London,UK.

1)   What kind of LSLP do you have (Std, Dlx, Cust)? What are the first 3 digits of the serial #?

    Custom 852. [EDIT: a Middle Reissue 1969 Les Paul Custom]

2)   How did you find your LSLP, and how long have you owned it?

    E Bay trade, three years.

3)   Is it original or modified? How is it modified?

    Original except the pots. I do change the pickups and knobs sometimes.

4)   What kind of amp do you usually play it through?

    73 Hiwatt DR112 mostly. I also use a Brunetti MC2 and sometimes a Marshall DL401.

5)   Why did you buy an LSLP?

    To replace a routed 71 Les Paul Deluxe I traded and missed.

6)   How did you find out about latesixtieslespauls.com?

    Sunburst Pub forum. [EDIT: That's the LPF for the uninitiated out there.]

7)   Tell me about yourself. What is your first name? How long have you been playing guitar? What state/country are you from? What are your favorite kinds of music? Favorite bands? What was your first guitar?

    Harry, London UK, 11 Years, All types of music, there's good music in all genres. Changes all the time. A Rose Morris Les Paul Custom copy.

8)   Anything you would like to add?

    Great site .Thanks for all the info. [EDIT: You're welcome, Harry!]

Featured LSLP #13

Early 1969 Les Paul Custom - Formerly owned by Pete from Oklahoma,USA. His history with the guitar is shown below.

Currently owned by Marc from California,USA. See #39 to learn more about Marc.

1)   What kind of LSLP do you have (Std, Dlx, Cust)? What are the first 3 digits of the serial #?

    542xxx Custom. [EDIT: This is a late guitar to have a dotted i in Gibson. Also, it has the earliest variant of the Faultless Hardshell case as well.]

2)   How did you find your LSLP, and how long have you owned it?

    Mom and Pop Music Store in Ohio.

3)   Is it original or modified? How is it modified?

    no,100% original.

4)   What kind of amp do you usually play it through?

    Marshall Plexi JTM Black Flag (1967) 100 watt.

5)   Why did you buy an LSLP?

    It is one of the coolest guitars ever created. [EDIT: I agree!]

6)   How did you find out about latesixtieslespauls.com?

    Google.

7)   Tell me about yourself. What is your first name? How long have you been playing guitar? What state/country are you from? What are your favorite kinds of music? Favorite bands? What was your first guitar?

    Pete. Oklahoma USA. Since 8 years old. Rock Jazz Holdsworth, Hendrix, Lifeson, Chet, Lester William Polsfuss. Eminee.

8)   Anything you would like to add?

    Larry Briggs (Strings West) had a 68 hanging for $1300 in 1983, which I thought was way too much. But I loved the way it looked, the top was more pronounced and it had that "look". It was never taken down to play so I never knew how it sounded. But I wanted one ever since. I actually found this guitar listed on eBay by a small music store.I set up a payment agreement with the owner and the store and paid it in 3 months.This is the best guitar I have ever owned as far as playability, tone and just sheer satisfaction. It screams.... but is super clear and bell like.One piece neck,long tenon,dotted i, 2 piece top and one piece body. I have not taken it apart except to remove back plate to read the pots. It is 100% original with original case. I also have the matching Gibson EM250 Mandolin.

Featured LSLP #14

1967/1969? Les Paul Deluxe w/50's Neck - Rich from Manchester,UK.

1)   What kind of LSLP do you have (Std, Dlx, Cust)? What are the first 3 digits of the serial #?

    1969 Les Paul Deluxe converted to Standard 897XXX. [EDIT: This is VERY unique guitar. The serial number stamp appears factory and is a 1967 number (which was repeated 1969). But, it has a tran tenon routed body, a 69 style cavity (with goof by a worker), and a 1pc body! The electronics are changed, so we cannot use pot codes to help. There are screw holes showing Mini-HB's, but when were they installed? Rich has reached out to Gibson, and I will update this post with his findings. Thanks for sharing, Rich!]

2)   How did you find your LSLP, and how long have you owned it?

    It was purchased via a reputable London dealer and came from a previous owner who bought in in the states in 1989 as an original 1968 Standard.

3)   Is it original or modified? How is it modified?

    It was originally a 1969 Deluxe with mini humbuckers that were changed to 50's P90s. The pots were also changed. After much research an analysis the guitar is believed to have been made in the factory with a leftover neck from the late 50's with a 17 degree headstock angle and a partly routed early 68 body with an unusual early 68 control cavity. It has it's original factory finish and apart from the pickups and pots all 1969 parts.

4)   What kind of amp do you usually play it through?

    I use a 58 Tweed Deluxe clone made by Gartone Amps in the U.K. or a 1970's HH VS 212 Valvesound combo.

5)   Why did you buy an LSLP?

    I loved the look and feel of the guitar, especially with it having the 59 neck profile and steep headstock pitch it has the vibe of a 1956 P90 guitar.

6)   How did you find out about latesixtieslespauls.com?

    From MyLesPaul and the Les Paul Forum.

7)   Tell me about yourself. What is your first name? How long have you been playing guitar? What state/country are you from? What are your favorite kinds of music? Favorite bands? What was your first guitar?

    My name is Richard and I am from Manchester in the UK. I've been playing guitar for 31 years. Grew up listening to 60's British pop music like The Beatles, The Stones, The Who then got into punk, new wave and classic rock but nowadays I like gospel, blues and any good guitar music.

8)   Anything you would like to add?

    I've been buying and selling new, used & vintage guitars since 1990 and have spent 17 years on the road as a professional guitar technician, backline roadie, stage manager and tour manager... [EDIT: You must have some great stories, Rich. Thanks again for sharing.]

Featured LSLP #15

Early 1969 Les Paul Standard - Billy originally from Florida, USA.

1)   What kind of LSLP do you have (Std, Dlx, Cust)? What are the first 3 digits of the serial #?

    Standard 541XXX.

2)   How did you find your LSLP, and how long have you owned it?

    Loooong time.

3)   Is it original or modified? How is it modified?

    Modified/ routed for humbuckers. Duncan custom wound antiq. G.I. inspired.

4)   What kind of amp do you usually play it through?

    JVM-210C. really depends on club/bar.

5)   Why did you buy an LSLP?

    Owning a les paul.

6)   How did you find out about latesixtieslespauls.com?

    LPF

7)   Tell me about yourself. What is your first name? How long have you been playing guitar? What state/country are you from? What are your favorite kinds of music? Favorite bands? What was your first guitar?

    All kinds of good music.

8)   Anything you would like to add?

    Grovers added. Replaced saddles. Heavy tailpiece/not orig. Original frets. A great guitar.

Featured LSLP #16

Most Likely a Middle 1969 Les Paul Custom - Tim originally Canadian and now in the UK

1)   What kind of LSLP do you have (Std, Dlx, Cust)? What are the first 3 digits of the serial #?

    Les Paul Custom, Serial number 500xxx. The serial number appears to be outside (lower than?) the range you describe for late 60s Les Pauls [EDIT: It is extremely unlikely that a guitar with your features would have a serial pre-fix of 5xx unless it was simply done in error by the serial stamper during the oddball 600xxx period in the middle of '69. There was a short period of time concurrent with the switch from 5xx to 8xx and from the Standard to the Deluxe where a few 600xxx guitars slipped out the door. Perhaps this guitar's serial was misread as a 5, or maybe it was accidentally stamped 5xx instead of 6xx as intended. Tim, get back to me, I tried emailing you, thanks for sharing your guitar!]

2)   How did you find your LSLP, and how long have you owned it?

    Purchased 2nd/ 3rd hand from the lead guitarist of a German/Italian – Euro/prog-rock band(Analogy/Earthbound) in London - summer of 1978 as he was buying a replacement instrument.

3)   Is it original or modified? How is it modified?

    Replacement pick guard and tuners.

4)   What kind of amp do you usually play it through?

    Marshall vs100 valvestate

5)   Why did you buy an LSLP?

    Guitar was available .We needed extra instruments for a band we were forming and I had the cash!

6)   How did you find out about latesixtieslespauls.com?

    Didn’t start investigating the guitar seriously until around 2010.

7)   Tell me about yourself. What is your first name? How long have you been playing guitar? What state/country are you from? What are your favorite kinds of music? Favorite bands? What was your first guitar?

    My name is Tim, ex- pat Canadian living in England since 1966. Been playing guitar ( poorly) since 1964. Play all sorts, bluesey, rocky, folky. I like Stones,, Grateful Dead, Led Zep, The Band (i.e. all the good stuff).

8)   Anything you would like to add?

    [EDIT: Wow, Tim included a really long document with his guitar's story described in detail. I will paste some of it below, but I can't post all of it due to space constraints. Thanks again for sharing, Tim. He wrote the following text, although I edited it slightly for formatting,etc.]

    No neck volute whatsoever, one piece body? and Gibson headstock logo has open top "b" and "o" with no dot over the "i". Ebay had a 1968/69 model stating that a dotless "i" in Gibson indicates a transition model?

    Martin Thurn-Mithoff ----- Purchased 2nd/ 3rd hand from the lead guitarist of a German/Italian – Euro/prog-rock band (Analogy/Earthbound) in London - summer of 1978 as he was buying a replacement instrument. Also a LP Custom WINE RED. The guitar had come to England via Italy and Germany and the owner had purchased it in 1972 or earlier. Attempts to re-contact Martin have proved fruitless to date ( 21 March 2014). See photographs and story here: http://psychedelicbaby.blogspot.com/2011/10/analogy-interview-with-martin-thurn.html     WARNING: NSFW image at this link.

    "Question: In June 1972, you released your LP on the Ventotto label…What gear did you use?"
    "Answer: Gibson Les Paul Custom - Vox AC30 - Binson Echo - fuzz box"

    Gold finish [EDIT: on hardware] largely gone. Refretted in 1978 by Andy’s in Denmark street as had been gigged heavily over the 6 – 8 years prior and the frets were buzzing. Appears to have replacement, chrome machine head/tuning pegs. I possibly had them replaced when it was re-fretted. I have a vague recollection of some damage to the originals but in all honesty, can’t really remember. I put a replacement a pick guard (original was missing) , lead plug plate (still have the original) and pick-up switch knob on it. Played very little since early 1980’s but has been well looked after. With a hard case but not the original Gibson case.

    Guitar was used by Patrick Bergin (singer/rhythm guitar) in our little London pub rock band as I chose to play bass during late 1970’s.

    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Patrick_Bergin

    Tim R.
    21 March 2014

Featured LSLP #17

Later 1969 Les Paul Deluxe - Dan from Ohio,USA.

1)   What kind of LSLP do you have (Std, Dlx, Cust)? What are the first 3 digits of the serial #?

    1969 Deluxe 889XXX

2)   How did you find your LSLP, and how long have you owned it?

    Found it in my backyard about four years ago. Seriously. My neighbor called me to the fence while I was working in the yard to say that he didn't know that I played guitar until he saw my band playing at a local festival. He saw that I played Les Pauls and he wanted my opinion of a "1958 Les Paul Standard" that his brother gave to him in the 1970's. I about crapped my pants waiting while he went to the house to get it. As soon as he opened the case I knew it wasn't a '58, but nevertheless a nice vintage Lester. After doing a little research to pinpoint the year, I made a fair offer which he happily accepted. [EDIT: Unbelievable story, Dan!]

3)   Is it original or modified? How is it modified?

    It had been routed for humbuckers and had the top stripped and painted with an amber clearcoat back in the 1970's. The back and neck have the original finish. I sent it to Roy at RS Guitarworks and he did a beautiful job of applying an aged gold finish to the top. It is currently loaded with a pair of Throbak SLE-101 pickups and it sounds as good as it looks.

4)   What kind of amp do you usually play it through?

    I never expected that this would happen, but gave up my dedicated pedal board and have been using a Boss GT-100 multi-effects board exclusively for a couple of years ago. Excellent tones can be pulled from this unit if you invest the time in setting it up. Amps vary, but most recently I've been feeding the GT into the return of an Egnater Rebel 20 connected to a 112X with a Celestion G12H30.

5)   Why did you buy an LSLP?

    A '59 burst didn't quite fit the budget.

6)   How did you find out about latesixtieslespauls.com?

    From My Les Paul Forum.

7)   Tell me about yourself. What is your first name? How long have you been playing guitar? What state/country are you from? What are your favorite kinds of music? Favorite bands? What was your first guitar?

    Dan B in Ohio. Been playing since the mid-1970's. 60's, 70's, & 80's classic rock would be my favorite when it comes to playing guitar. As far as listening goes, I can enjoy just about anything except disco and rap.

8)   Anything you would like to add?

    The Les Paul is the perfect guitar for me. I've been through plenty of Strats and other electrics, but nothing feels or sounds as right as a Les Paul. [EDIT: Thanks for sharing Dan! - To my readers, if you own a wraptail Les Paul, make sure to check out Mojoaxe compensated bridges.]

Featured LSLP #18

Extreme Late 1969 (Possibly Early 1970) Les Paul Custom - Flemming from Denmark.

1)   What kind of LSLP do you have (Std, Dlx, Cust)? What are the first 3 digits of the serial #?

    Custom, 901xxx.

2)   How did you find your LSLP, and how long have you owned it?

    Found it on a web site wher you can sell everything. I have owned it for ca. 10 years.

3)   Is it original or modified? How is it modified?

    It is modified : Refin, tuners changed, pots and knobs changed, abr-1 + stop tail piece could also have been changed, frets and nut. Also a third hole has been made for the extra middle pu, which also is a T-top but messures around 25 kOhms and I have removed.

4)   What kind of amp do you usually play it through?

    I usually play through a Fender Blues Junior 1X12. [EDIT: Always liked these amps!]

5)   Why did you buy an LSLP?

    Well, I already have an original black 1979 LPC, and when I saw this 69 it was affordable and sounded well, so I bought it.

6)   How did you find out about latesixtieslespauls.com?

    While searching info on Les Pauls

7)   Tell me about yourself. What is your first name? How long have you been playing guitar? What state/country are you from? What are your favorite kinds of music? Favorite bands? What was your first guitar?

    My First name is Flemming, I live in Denmark, I've been playing for 21 years and my favorite music may be some ac/dc and Gary Moore/ Eric Clapton, allthough I listen to lots of other styles as well. My first guitar was an electric Gretsch'ish Traveling Wilburys model. [EDIT: Cool first guitar!]

8)   Anything you would like to add?

    Despite the high Serial number, i've dated it 12/1969 because it has almost no volute on back of the neck, but it still have the open o & b in Gibson logo and it is a pancake body.

Featured LSLP #19

Very Early, First Series 1968 Les Paul Standard - Albert from Argentina.

1)   What kind of LSLP do you have (Std, Dlx, Cust)? What are the first 3 digits of the serial #?

    I have a very early 1968 Standard Goldtop serial #975XXX.

2)   How did you find your LSLP, and how long have you owned it?

    I only recently acquired this beautiful guitar. I have been a collector of Les Pauls for some years, but this is my first ’68. I searched high and low for this one, and finally was at the right place at the right time with a private collector who was willing to sell.

3)   Is it original or modified? How is it modified?

    100% original. At one point many years ago, someone put Grover tuners on it, but the original Kluson double ring have been back on it for many years now.

4)   What kind of amp do you usually play it through?

    My preference is a Marshall JCM 800 or 900 series

5)   Why did you buy an LSLP?

    I am a fanatic of all things Gibson Les Paul. I collect Les Pauls. As I learned more about the LSLPs (this site helped so much), I really got intrigued. I really like the very early ones with their raw, simple (one piece body and neck), small headstock and P90s. The closest I’ll get to a 1956 LP for a while.

6)   How did you find out about latesixtieslespauls.com?

    LPF.

7)   Tell me about yourself. What is your first name? How long have you been playing guitar? What state/country are you from? What are your favorite kinds of music? Favorite bands? What was your first guitar?

    My name is Albert. I am 50 years old and have been playing guitar since I was eleven. I was born and raised in the United States, but have lived many years now in Buenos Aires, Argentina. I love it here. I love many different types of music, but it all comes back to great rock and roll, hard rock, progressive rock and metal for me. From Jimmy Page to Tony Iomi, from Randy Rhoads to John Petrucci, from Richie Blackmore to Slash, from Alex Lifeson to Joe Satriani, and on and on.

8)   Anything you would like to add?

    My sincere gratitude for this site. Thank you so much for your time, dedication and sharing of knowledge.

Featured LSLP #20

Very Early, First Series 1968 Les Paul Standard - Nysse from Sweden.

1)   What kind of LSLP do you have (Std, Dlx, Cust)? What are the first 3 digits of the serial #?

    Nysse's guitar has the lowest serial number I have seen yet. 970xxx. It is part of the super rare, very early First Series guitars.

2)   How did you find your LSLP, and how long have you owned it?

    Nysse has owned his since 1977. See the link below to read an entire article about it.

3)   Is it original or modified? How is it modified?

    Very modified, shaved neck, refin except for back and sides of body and the front and back of the headstock. Changed truss rod cover. Routed, Grovered, Bigsby'ed and autographed by Joe Walsh!

4)   What kind of amp do you usually play it through?

    Nysse did not say in our correspondence.

5)   Why did you buy an LSLP?

    Nysse did not say in our correspondence.

6)   How did you find out about latesixtieslespauls.com?

    Unknown.

7)   Tell me about yourself. What is your first name? How long have you been playing guitar? What state/country are you from? What are your favorite kinds of music? Favorite bands? What was your first guitar?

    See the link below to read an entire article about Nysse and his guitar..