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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):

Check back, as this area will be updated somewhat frequently.

Where are the pictures on this site?

Although I have a pretty extensive image collection, I do not have permissions from all of the owners of the images. I didn't know I was going to write a website when I was getting them. :) Images, and good ones, will be added over time and as soon as possible.

How much is a 68/69/70 Les Paul Standard/Deluxe/Custom worth?

I wish I could help you with this. The market changes every day, and there are MANY factors that determine value. The best way to answer this is to watch online auction sites, gbase.com, online retailers, trade shows, and anything else you can find. Remember, condition and originality mean everything. Breaks, refins, missing parts all affect value.

Is a First/Early Reissue better than a Deluxe/Historic? (aka, is a 68 better than a 69 or 70 or modern historic?)

Only you can decide this. A lot of people claim that the earlier more 50's-like guitars are vastly superior to the later ones. Then again, there are a LOT of happy late 69 and 1970 owners out there. It is YOUR opinion that matters, not mine or anyone elses. My opinion? I couldnt give a d$%m whether a guitar has a volute or not. How does it play? How does it sound? "Its not how long your tenon is, it's how you use it."

How did you come to your conclusions?

I only accept excellent data. What does that mean? I am very skeptical about any information that I cant verify with images or with reputation. Im just doing my best to make some sort of order of Gibson's late sixties mess. Its not easy. :) Also, I dont have any ego about this. I dont mind being PROVED wrong. The only stubborness I have is to the truth. Im always looking for that. I have done my best to only present truth, but I am at the same time certain some inaccuracies have squeezed though.

Do you have a LSLP?

Yes. I have one of the last Early Reissue Customs. It was a garage sale find. (!!!!!)

What does LSLP stand for?

"Late Sixties Les Pauls". You wouldnt believe how annoying it is to type that over and over.

How did you come up with your approximate shipping dates for the different periods of LSLP?

My 559xxx instrument shipped April 3rd, 1969. [Verfied by Gibson itself.] I have good data on the first instrument of 1969 and a very early 68 Custom (Aug. 68). Using the fact that my guitar has 6852 pots, I can extrapolate a four month delay in pot manufacture and guitar shipment. This is no Rosetta Stone since production was increasing across the span of this site, but it does help with the critical approximate date of the shift from 1pc to 3pc necks.

What assumptions have you made?

So far, my biggest assumption involves the order of the different series in 1969. The two major series I have the most data on are the 5xx,xxx and 8xx,xxx series. Using pot codes and construction methods as a basis, I believe that the 5 series came first with 6852 pots continuing into the first of the 8 series. To be honest, I started this guessing that the 5 and 8 series were concurrent, but I was quickly proven wrong with the data.

"You are completely wrong about ________."

First, thanks for pointing whatever it is out. Criticism based on FACT is a great thing. Ive based this site on actual serial and photographic evidence. Please do not contact me about something unless you are REALLY sure about it. For instance, make sure you've have observed your issue in more than one guitar. I have done my best to base this site on a broad base of information. I may not be able respond to your email, but I will most likely get it.

Are there series of LSLPs outside of 5xx,xxx - 8xx,xxx - 9xx,xxx?

Im not sure. I have early data on a potential 6xx,xxx series that I wont go public with until I have more collaborating evidence. Also, dont forget that there appear to be some First Reissues with 8xx,xxx serials.

Do LSLP Standards/Deluxes have Brazilian Rosewood fingerboards?

Nope. No matter what anyone tells you. :)

Can you tell me about the average weights of LSLPs?

Sure, I have heard, repeat I have HEARD that the earlier guitars are lighter on average. I have no PROOF of this. I would say the majority are in the 9-9.75 lb range. That would be a guess though. LP's are definitely heavier in the 70s though there are a few exceptions.

Does weight affect tone? Are lighter guitars better?

Totally personal opinion. The one thing that is really not up for debate is the fact that lighter guitars are more comfortable. That may explain their higher values to some degree. Also note, some original bursts were mid-to-high 9's as well.

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