Gibson Les Paul Recording Model Solid Body Electric Guitar (1971)
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Item # 12656
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Gibson Les Paul Recording Model Model Solid Body Electric Guitar (1971), made in Kalamazoo, Michigan, serial # 623024, natural mahogany finish, laminated mahogany body, laminated mahogany neck with rosewood fingerboard, original black tolex hard shell case.
The 1970's Les Paul Recording Model is the direct descendant of the 1969 Les Paul "Personal", the instrument Paul himself designed for Gibson following his re-engagement with the company in 1968. While Kalamazoo was most concerned with re-issuing the original 1950's models, an agreement was struck to more accurately re-create Les Paul's highly personalized and idiosyncratic guitars for sale to guitarists everywhere. The first model offered was the "Personal" which was a close copy of Paul's own Custom guitar-this "Recording" model replaced it in 1971; this one has pots dated to the 30th week of that year so is a fairly early example. This "Recording" guitar offered the same advanced electronics package as the "Personal" on a more versatile instrument.
The two large low-impedance pickups are Les' own personal design. These are mated to a specialized electronics rig including a "Decade" switch offering 10 subtly different preset tone modifications, a 3-way tone circuit selector and an in/out of phase switch. This Recording model offered the switchable option of low or high-impedance output, making it more convenient to the average player than the original "Personal" which required a special low-impedance amplifier, or an outboard transformer to function with a standard amp.
While a somewhat obscure model even today this is a cool, unique Les Paul variation. The natural laminated mahogany body is 4-ply bound on the carved top with a dark outer layer. The three-piece mahogany neck has a double bound rosewood fingerboard with small block inlay; the headstock is multi-bound with a Super 400 style split diamond inlay, the way Les liked it! The old-style Tune-O-Matic bridge is only seen on the earlier models, coupled with the standard stop tailpiece.
The unusual electronics offer a wide range of clean sounds and makes this model a superb recording instrument specifically designed to be plugged directly into the mixing board. The elaborate controls are noticeable more effective in the low impedance mode. The bass and treble knobs are wide range and work independently from each other. The "Decade" knob is Les' own specialty, a multi-position switch which alters the treble harmonics supposedly producing "biting" or "silky" highs. The Phase switch reverses the relationship when both pickups are selected. The "Hi-Low" switch selects the output impedance.
The "Tone Selector" does not actually change the guitar's tone but inactivates certain controls allowing quick changes between settings. In position 2 nothing is bypassed; in position 1 the pickup selector, treble and bass controls are inactive with pickups selected. Position 3 bypasses the treble and bass controls are bypassed. In the high impedance mode this guitar will push an amp when cranked, but not to the same level as the standard humbucker equipped models. While a little outside the "Classic" Les Paul mainstream this is a fun guitar to play with a different vibe from the stereotype "rocker's" Les Paul.
Overall length is 39 13/16 in. (101.1 cm.), 13 1/2 in. (34.3 cm.) wide at lower bout, and 1 3/4 in. (4.4 cm.) in depth, measured at side of rim. Scale length is 24 3/4 in. (629 mm.). Width of nut is 1 11/16 in. (43 mm.).
This is a fairly clean example overall, showing some general wear but no major repair or alteration. The finish has some small dings, dents and scrapes and one larger bash mark on the bottom back edge of the body. The complex electronics have had one tone cap replaced and some solder joints re-done with extra copper shielding installed in the control cavity. The top-mounted plastic control plate has the tip cracked off by the jack and a larger screw added which is almost inevitable with these. This Recording Model has the original large frets intact crowned down slightly and plays perfectly. While sonically a very different animal from the regular Les Paul this is a very versatile and interesting sounding guitar in its own right. It resides in the original yellow-lined HSC. Overall Excellent - Condition.
The 1970's Les Paul Recording Model is the direct descendant of the 1969 Les Paul "Personal", the instrument Paul himself designed for Gibson following his re-engagement with the company in 1968. While Kalamazoo was most concerned with re-issuing the original 1950's models, an agreement was struck to more accurately re-create Les Paul's highly personalized and idiosyncratic guitars for sale to guitarists everywhere. The first model offered was the "Personal" which was a close copy of Paul's own Custom guitar-this "Recording" model replaced it in 1971; this one has pots dated to the 30th week of that year so is a fairly early example. This "Recording" guitar offered the same advanced electronics package as the "Personal" on a more versatile instrument.
The two large low-impedance pickups are Les' own personal design. These are mated to a specialized electronics rig including a "Decade" switch offering 10 subtly different preset tone modifications, a 3-way tone circuit selector and an in/out of phase switch. This Recording model offered the switchable option of low or high-impedance output, making it more convenient to the average player than the original "Personal" which required a special low-impedance amplifier, or an outboard transformer to function with a standard amp.
While a somewhat obscure model even today this is a cool, unique Les Paul variation. The natural laminated mahogany body is 4-ply bound on the carved top with a dark outer layer. The three-piece mahogany neck has a double bound rosewood fingerboard with small block inlay; the headstock is multi-bound with a Super 400 style split diamond inlay, the way Les liked it! The old-style Tune-O-Matic bridge is only seen on the earlier models, coupled with the standard stop tailpiece.
The unusual electronics offer a wide range of clean sounds and makes this model a superb recording instrument specifically designed to be plugged directly into the mixing board. The elaborate controls are noticeable more effective in the low impedance mode. The bass and treble knobs are wide range and work independently from each other. The "Decade" knob is Les' own specialty, a multi-position switch which alters the treble harmonics supposedly producing "biting" or "silky" highs. The Phase switch reverses the relationship when both pickups are selected. The "Hi-Low" switch selects the output impedance.
The "Tone Selector" does not actually change the guitar's tone but inactivates certain controls allowing quick changes between settings. In position 2 nothing is bypassed; in position 1 the pickup selector, treble and bass controls are inactive with pickups selected. Position 3 bypasses the treble and bass controls are bypassed. In the high impedance mode this guitar will push an amp when cranked, but not to the same level as the standard humbucker equipped models. While a little outside the "Classic" Les Paul mainstream this is a fun guitar to play with a different vibe from the stereotype "rocker's" Les Paul.
Overall length is 39 13/16 in. (101.1 cm.), 13 1/2 in. (34.3 cm.) wide at lower bout, and 1 3/4 in. (4.4 cm.) in depth, measured at side of rim. Scale length is 24 3/4 in. (629 mm.). Width of nut is 1 11/16 in. (43 mm.).
This is a fairly clean example overall, showing some general wear but no major repair or alteration. The finish has some small dings, dents and scrapes and one larger bash mark on the bottom back edge of the body. The complex electronics have had one tone cap replaced and some solder joints re-done with extra copper shielding installed in the control cavity. The top-mounted plastic control plate has the tip cracked off by the jack and a larger screw added which is almost inevitable with these. This Recording Model has the original large frets intact crowned down slightly and plays perfectly. While sonically a very different animal from the regular Les Paul this is a very versatile and interesting sounding guitar in its own right. It resides in the original yellow-lined HSC. Overall Excellent - Condition.