The 2011 LP Traditional (Standard?) Faded Mega-Thread

[Catthan]

Originally Posted by colchar

Doesn't Ernie Ball make some hybrid sets?

I came across the Betts strings while researching his equipment. Luckily, the store I deal with had two sets in their warehouse so I ordered one of them. Gibson might also have some other signature sets that are hybrids so you should check their website.




Hate to break it to you, but leaving grad school is no guarantee of a real job these days as I found out myself. What are you taking in grad school and where do you attend?

The hybrid sets I've seen were like high 10s to bottom 11s but I want to experiment with the opposite.

With regards to grad school I'm entering the 3rd year of my PhD in mechanical engineering, stirling engines particularly.
I started in Durham Uni but recently transferred to Northumbria Uni in Newcastle 'cause my supervisor accepted a professorship there.
I don't have high expectations, specially for back home, but after spending so many years in the Uni I should be thinking of finding a job rather than rewarding myself with a historic but I got this bug with lesters now and I m always looking for ways to justify a new one.

What did you do?

[colchar]

Originally Posted by Catthan

What did you do?

I was doing my PhD in History but left the program in August right before entering my fifth year as I just didn't see the point any more as teaching jobs just are not out there the way they used to be. I'm still in grad school but am doing something much more marketable than History.

[Catthan]

Originally Posted by colchar

I was doing my PhD in History but left the program in August right before entering my fifth year as I just didn't see the point any more as teaching jobs just are not out there the way they used to be. I'm still in grad school but am doing something much more marketable than History.

Tough decision, hope every thing works out for the best.

Saw the nut thread, let us know what your tech suggests.
And maybe you could get him to post pics of his LP collection???

Now, for those that think of messing with their fadeds a bit, take a look at this if you haven't already

std faded clearcoating and neck shave. Warning:contains pics of very slim neck

This guy had some guts but did a good job eventually.
I thought of reshaping the neck myself but I realized that the thinnest LP neck wouldn't be the same as the 60s strat neck.
And as long as it's comfortable it's ok.

But what about shooting some nitro on the top ?
Now, don't get me wrong but I wanted a faded 'cause it's cheap and equally good as any glossy standard with the benefit of thin finish and/ or lack of pore fillers which, according to some, gives a similar vibe to the bursts of the old.
(although after some reading I now think that pore fillers go to the body rather than the maple cap but I stick to the belief that anything that prevents the wood from breathing naturally sucks tone)

So I don't see how a few coats of thin nitro would harm..
The results I've seen were like transforming a faded to a Slash AFD type of color which is one of the best tops other than the VOS reissues.
And if I don't like it I can always sand it off with some soft material.
I've been explained that this is the "hand-rubbed satin finish" anyway.


Anyway, I might be talking BS but wanted to share some thoughts.

All the best,

[colchar]

I have such ridiculously bad GAS for a Gold Top that I kind of want to have mine refinished as a GT. Then again, with the amount of grain that shows on mine it would almost be a crime to cover that up. Decisions, decisions...

[emmiwil]

I am new member to this forum (just registered today) and have to comment on this boggling 2011 LP traditional faded conundrum. Over the weekend I recently purchased my 7th LP and had to have it. It was hanging on the wall of my local Sam Ash (in the states Chicagoland area). There she was a beautiful honeyburst traditional standard. When they took her down from the wall it was quite the surprise that it was a 2011 Gibson LP traditional "satin" honeyburst finish. It has gold speed knobs, 1960 pickguard and burstbucker pro pups. What is also quite the surprise is that it is a 60's neck and the real kicker a 1 piece back! Yes a 1 piece back! I asked my sales guy what was the deal with this guitar and he replied that Sam Ash custom ordered a handful of these with the specs listed above. The model number on my prepack card begins with LPTDS (this indicates a les paul traditional standard) and I must say this guitar is amazing! It is weight relieved not chambered, one piece back, 60's neck, and a satin/faded finish with BB pups. I am curious how many were made now because I cannot find this on Sam Ash's website nor anywhere online for more info.

Just a little wrench to throw in the mix here. I will post pics later today once I take them and find out how to do it on this forum.

[colchar]

Originally Posted by emmiwil

I am new member to this forum (just registered today) and have to comment on this boggling 2011 LP traditional faded conundrum. Over the weekend I recently purchased my 7th LP and had to have it. It was hanging on the wall of my local Sam Ash (in the states Chicagoland area). There she was a beautiful honeyburst traditional standard. When they took her down from the wall it was quite the surprise that it was a 2011 Gibson LP traditional "satin" honeyburst finish. It has gold speed knobs, 1960 pickguard and burstbucker pro pups. What is also quite the surprise is that it is a 60's neck and the real kicker a 1 piece back! Yes a 1 piece back! I asked my sales guy what was the deal with this guitar and he replied that Sam Ash custom ordered a handful of these with the specs listed above. The model number on my prepack card begins with LPTDS (this indicates a les paul traditional standard) and I must say this guitar is amazing! It is weight relieved not chambered, one piece back, 60's neck, and a satin/faded finish with BB pups. I am curious how many were made now because I cannot find this on Sam Ash's website nor anywhere online for more info.

Just a little wrench to throw in the mix here. I will post pics later today once I take them and find out how to do it on this forum.

Welcome!

And that must be their version of this guitar because ours have '50s necks. Also, does yours say '1960' on the pick guard? Ours don't say anything on the pick guard.

[Catthan]

Welcome emmiwil and happy NGD (New Guitar Day).

It seems like some dealers truly know what to order for their custom sales projects.

After all, many people liked the '05-'09 std faded and there's been quite a demand for used ones.

You got the best features possible, well done!

Would be nice to share your impressions of your new axe compared to your other LPs.

Welcome to the family

All the best,

[Jacko]

I know ... pics or it didn't happen but I picked up a faded Traditional at Long and McQuade (Moncton, New Brunswick, Canada) today! $1,599. I'll take pics tonight and pull out the pups to see if it has some Burstbuckers (keeping my fingers crossed). I played a traditional Honeyburst ($2,299) but it felt sticky and too glossy for me. I felt right at home with the faded.

- to be continued -

[Catthan]

Happy NGD day Jacko!!!

All the best,

[Jacko]

Hey guys,

It took a few minutes to snap a few shots of my new Traditional faded:

I popped it open to see if it had Burstbuckers vs. Classic 57's as advertised at Long & McQuade. Sure enough, they're Burstbuckers (my preference for sure):



Here's the wiring cavity (note the slightly sloppy route job ... no biggy for me) :



Here's the best I could come up with for the top ... had to use flash; maybe I'll try something tomorrow in natural light:



And the age old question. Pickguard or not ? I'm probably going without the pickguard.



This axe plays like a dream.

[Catthan]

Nice score Jacko, well done!

A nice honeyburst, not too yellow.

Is there some light subtle flame as well?

Interesting rig as well

All the best,

[LesPauI+SG=Win]

These Les Pauls are the best looking ones out there to me! I love them.

[Catthan]

Originally Posted by LesPauI+SG=Win

These Les Pauls are the best looking ones out there to me! I love them.

Indeed, some of them are exceptionally beautiful!

By the way, "Snowblind" is one of my favourite if not the best

All the best,

[Jacko]

Originally Posted by Catthan

Nice score Jacko, well done!

A nice honeyburst, not too yellow.

Is there some light subtle flame as well?

Interesting rig as well

All the best,

Thanks Catthan, and thanks for all the information on this unique release by Gibson. Yes, it has a tiny bit of burst around it ... very subtle.

My rig is:

On top : Peavey Vypyr Tube 60. It comes in a combo, but I built a head for it and covered it with white crocodile print leather (raw hide, not real crocodile lol). Don't knock the Vypyr Tube 60 til you try it. I'm madly in love with it. Previous amps: Mesa Boogie Mark V, Mesa Boogie Dual Rectifier, Orange Thunderverb 200.

Eleven Rack, BBE Sonic Maximizer, Art Pro SLA 2 power amp. I built the cab obviously. Still room for an EQ

I built the 2x12 vertical cab. Loaded with Eminence Texas Heat and The Wizard.

[Catthan]

Originally Posted by Jacko

Thanks Catthan, and thanks for all the information on this unique release by Gibson. Yes, it has a tiny bit of burst around it ... very subtle.

My rig is:

On top : Peavey Vypyr Tube 60. It comes in a combo, but I built a head for it and covered it with white crocodile print leather (raw hide, not real crocodile lol). Don't knock the Vypyr Tube 60 til you try it. I'm madly in love with it. Previous amps: Mesa Boogie Mark V, Mesa Boogie Dual Rectifier, Orange Thunderverb 200.

Eleven Rack, BBE Sonic Maximizer, Art Pro SLA 2 power amp. I built the cab obviously. Still room for an EQ

I built the 2x12 vertical cab. Loaded with Eminence Texas Heat and The Wizard.

I 'd never knock any amp, specially a Peavey although I'm completely unfamiliar with those. The 11rack caught my eye first, I'm flirting with some gear by Avid myself.
And it seems that you know your gear and you have some skill making it "yours".


All the best,

[Duque]

1

[shwantz34]

Wow!!

ThoseTraditional Faded are absolutely wonderful. I've seen one last Friday at my music shop. I have never seen or heard of this model before.
BUt as soon as i've played it, i was done. I have done some search and find some information on this forum ( thank's to you).So i have sold some gear,and today i bought mine.The one i pick was pretty beautiful ( Tobaco Burst) the acoustic tone was awsome and the neck was perfect for me.
I can tell you that this guitar is the best guitar i ever had. I had 7 Different LP Standard before, and never find one that make me vibe like this one. My best LP style before was my Heritage 157 ( like a Gibson LP custom ) but now i think that i will sell my Heritage and Buy another Trad Faded.

[Jacko]

Congrats! Oh, and pics or it didn't happen

[shwantz34]

This is it .

[Jacko]

Woohoo! So it did happen. It's beautiful !!!

Originally Posted by shwantz34

This is it .

[Catthan]

Beautiful!
It has a nice, properly applied burst, well done!!!

And nice amps

I'm glad you like it, i'm always interested in opinions of people who've owned also other LPs and I'm very happy to hear that those fadeds are equal if not better than other standards.

Enjoy your amazing guitar in good health.

All the best,

[shwantz34]

Originally Posted by Jacko

Woohoo! So it did happen. It's beautiful !!!

Thank you !

[shwantz34]

Originally Posted by Catthan

Beautiful!
It has a nice, properly applied burst, well done!!!

And nice amps

I'm glad you like it, i'm always interested in opinions of people who've owned also other LPs and I'm very happy to hear that those fadeds are equal if not better than other standards.

Enjoy your amazing guitar in good health.

All the best,

Big Thank's to you to have start this thread.The information for this model
wasn't easy to find.IF i'm able to sold some gear fast enought, i'll buy an other one. I realy love it.

[myhorse]

Originally Posted by shwantz34

Big Thank's to you to have start this thread.The information for this model
wasn't easy to find.IF i'm able to sold some gear fast enought, i'll buy an other one. I realy love it.

i've got three of them and they are great

[shwantz34]

Originally Posted by myhorse

i've got three of them and they are great

You are a happy man for sure
I would like to find one with a flame top, but the that are at my store
are all plain top with more or less burst. I took the one that have the most
burst on it.I put my Heritage H-157 and my Epi Slash AFD on Kijiji 2 min ago.
If i can sold one of them asap i'll buy an other one

[Catthan]

Mine has a flame top but the burst was so poorly applied that tomorrow I'm gonna buy some tools and start rebursting.
If i fail I'll just spray some amber nitro and leave it unburst. It's not the worst you may find but i think the guy was forced to paint mine on his day off...

I would say that the pain topped fadeds of this run have the nicest bursts.

Keep an eye for a refinishing thread in the luthier's section soon


I'm very happy that the family is growing

Keep'em coming guys

All the best,

[colchar]

I've decided to get colour added to mine once I have some money to spare. There is a forum member here who lives about an hour from me and who has done restoration work on at least one of Alex Lifeson's guitars so I've had preliminary discussions about this with him. He is very well respected and I have no problem trusting him with my guitar as i expect he will do a superb job.

Mine is very very yellow (basically a Lemon Burst) and I want to change that. I am not usually a fan of Sunburst Les Pauls but I noticed the Don Felder LP on Gibson's website and, although I am not a massive Eagles fan (I do like them though), I have decided to have mine done like that because the grain pattern is similar to the grain pattern on mine.

I plan to swap my pickups for Burstbucker 1 & 2s and, when I do, I will have ones with covers installed. When I get it coloured I will put top hat knobs and pointers on as well.



Here is what mine looks like:






And here is what I hope it will end up looking like:

[colchar]

Edited because spam post to which I was referring was removed.

[Catthan]

Hi Colch, you said you 'd do it so I'm glad the time has come.

The colour you chose is very nice and subtle, well done!

Is it Freddy who's gonna take care of your guitar?
If yes, he's amazing.
I'm following his R9 refinishing tutorial 'cause I've started refinishing mine.
I'am going for an amber-dark lemon burst (smth like the Greeny-Moore LP)

Haven't had the time to create a thread in the luthiers' section but will before my paints arrive

Here's how's mine at the moment


A terrifying experience as I almost sanded it down to a tele 'cause the stain had gone deep in the wood but I wouldn't give the local techs what they were asking..

I also found a guy in the UK who sells 50s wiring harnesses etc and I think i'll get a kit 'cause the way i butchered the stock while taking it off, it will be cheaper to buy a new clean kit and put it in myself than pay a tech reassemble the old..

Anyway,
good luck with your restoration, I believe you're in great hands and you'll enjoy your beautiful guitar even more.

Keep us posted

All the best

[Catthan]

Ok guys,
it has begun

Refinishing a 2011 traditional faded

I hope I am still accepted in the trad faded family after I turn this into a glossy (not too much) guitar.

The back and the neck (the most part) will still be faded

I also need to clarify that I'm not unhappy with the guitar for any reason;
I just think mine was finished poorly.
I hope refinishing will also suppress my GAS for a properly finished (compared to mine) VOS historic
'cause I understand it would be controversial for all the people who read this thread to feel the love for the fadeds to see others "lovers" "un-fading" them.

All the best,