Les Paul Traditional Gold Top

[Heppe]

Hi,

When surfing around different dealer sites I come across a lot of different LP Gold Tops? From the cheaper Traditional to the more exspensive VOS replicas of 50´s models.

What are the differnece between the cheaper Traditional and the VOS versions?

[Dave1968]

I have just recently bought a '50s Tribute GT which I have had to make good of the fretboard and I have glossed the satin finish, I also added some new knobs and a tip for the '56 look:

[IMG][/IMG]

I have a 2008 VOS R8:

[IMG][/IMG]

Though the same difference relatively in price between the '50s Studio and VOS is x3 the playability and materials in relative terms are easy x 100. They're miles apart on those aspects but I have adjusted both guitars to suit my needs. They both inspire me for different reasons and tonally they both have their own personalities.

I would love a R6 or a original '56, but for the love of P90s the cheaper option was more credible for that need inparticular.

Hope this helps

[pcorajr]

By VOS im guessing you talking about the Reissues. Main diferenace is that the traditional is a USA "Normal production" guitar the RI's are made by Gibsons Custom Shop.

RI's are made to match the Spec of the Year they represent. R7 is made to 1957 specs. VOS means that the guitar has been aged to make it look like it sat in a closet for 40 years. It does not mean that it has a heavy relic job. So you will see that VOS guitars have tarnished hardware, Yellow aged plastic etc etc.

Traditionals are more in specs with the late 80's early 90s manufacturing method (Not sure about the time frame). Traditionals have the weight relived body but they do not have the chambered body most guitars have now, instead they have the old swiss cheese holes. Traditional also come with Classic 57's Pup's.

And of course there is the price difference. a Traditional will cost anywhere from1700to 2200. RI's usually Start in the 1900 and go all the way up to 5k.

This is what I have personally experienced and see I'm not a pro so im sure you will get a more in depth look once others post.Hope this helps.

[Heppe]

Ok, i take it the R8 is the superior intstrument then

Found this on a swedish gutiar store site: Gibson Les Paul Goldtop 1957 V.O.S
For 27,995 SEK

[mcsdan]

Worth looking for 2nd hand 56 or 57 reissue. They are usually very close to the price of a new Traditional or 2008 Standard.

[Dave1968]

Originally Posted by Heppe

Ok, i take it the R8 is the superior intstrument then

Found this on a swedish gutiar store site: Gibson Les Paul Goldtop 1957 V.O.S
For 27,995 SEK

The R8 is a Gibson Les Paul 1958 VOS (Vintage Original Spec) and costs nearly 3 x more than the '50s Tribute Studio LP. It is a 'Custom Shop' guitar as Pcorajr has stated, the top end Gibbys. .

I was myself going to buy a '50s neck 'Traditional' two years ago but decided that I wanted the guitar i've always wanted according to spec.

These are good for a haggling starting point for other shops to compare. They're usually the cheapest too Thomman.

GIBSON LES PAUL `57 V.O.S. GOLD TOP - Thomann Cyberstore Sverige

[Heppe]

Thanks for the info

[Heppe]

BTW are the 57 VOS is not weight relieved is it?

[neju02]

Hi,

non weght reliefed, solid as it should

Greetings
Frank

[Dave1968]

Originally Posted by Heppe

BTW are the 57 VOS is not weight relieved is it?

No!!

Gibson.com: Gibson Custom 1957 Les Paul Goldtop VOS

[planks]

They also make a chambered '57 GT VOS Buy Gibson 1957 Chambered Les Paul Goldtop VOS Electric Guitar | Solid Body Electric Guitars | Musician's Friend