Possible to get a blue Trad Pro?

[Maccadude33]

Hey all,

I've been seeing a bunch of posts about the new Pelham Blue Studios and then one of you guys mentioned there is a new Pelham Blue Traditional Pro coming out, so naturally, it got me thinking about blue LPs again. I've always had a soft spot for certain blue finishes. I'd have to say my favorite finish of all time is the Manhattan Midnight finish that Gibson used to use on those limited run Standards a few years ago. You know, that nice and light blue coat with just a little flame here and there, nothing like the odd bursts that they have been painting on the new Classics and some of the less popular Studios. Anyhow, I decided a couple years ago I'd get something like those limited Standards one day, and I still feel that way.

As the title of the post suggests, I am wondering how good my chances are of getting a Traditional Pro with that kind of finish from the factory. They don't make one, so far as I know, so it would have to be a one-off of sorts. I'm not interesting in getting a completely customized guitar from the Custom Shop; I do know that has been asked about to death, and I have no intention to spend the requisite amount of money to do so. Rather, I would simply like to have a fully stock, Gibson USA Traditional Pro in a different finish. I believe Gibson makes a few Traditionals in Chicago Blue, which I kinda like, but I much prefer having a satin neck to play on. They feel smoother, cleaner, and faster to my hands. I love the finish on my Faded Studio, and I couldn't be happier with the neck on my new Taylor 414. So when the time comes, I feel the Trad Pro would be the best LP to add to my stable, especially since I'd like to have another LP but with a nicer top and 57 Classics. That said, it would be an even better fit for me if I could get it in that blue color. Is there any chance that Guitar Center would be able to order something like that for me without incurring additional costs? I'm sure this has been asked before but I felt like I really needed to ask. Thanks for any information guys.

[Les Paul Newb]

Yes... I just saw one at GC. It was such a beautiful guitar and looked FAR better than the P blue studio for 2 reasons..... It POPPED like nothing else with the binding and zebra pickups. So nice.

[bwillard]

You mean like this?

[Maccadude33]

Originally Posted by bwillard

You mean like this?

Yup, that's what I was talking about. Brilliant looking isn't it?

[awdxtc]

I didn't think the trad pros had flame tops?

[sibyrpunk]

Yes GC has Pelham blue Trad Pro's, none flame top, the pic above is not a Trad Pro. Saw one the other day if I had any spare cash I'da snagged it in a minute.

[Maccadude33]

I know, that's a Standard. What I'm asking about is whether or not it is possible to go through Guitar Center (since the Traditional Pro line is one of their exclusive models, right?) and order a Traditional Pro in a Chicago Blue/Manhattan Midnight finish. I know they don't usually have any flame to them, and that's fine with me; I prefer natural wood grains anyhow. Thanks for the replies so far guys.

[jeffy]

Pelham Blue is a painted finish not a stain or dye so you won't see the wood grain at all.

Looks like GC has a listing but no pic yet Gibson Les Paul Traditional Pro with 50's neck Electric Guitar | GuitarCenter

[Maccadude33]

But is there a way to get one in a non-painted blue finish? I like Pelham Blue guitars to an extent, but I would much prefer the other finishes given the choice.

[sibyrpunk]

Yeah man a Trad Pro in Manhattan blue would be killer!

[Maccadude33]

I would love to have one! I'm planning to ask the folks at Gibson when I visit the Memphis factory next month what they can do about it, but in the mean time, seriously, if anyone knows how someone could go about ordering something like that, I'd be really grateful.

[jeffy]

Originally Posted by Maccadude33

But is there a way to get one in a non-painted blue finish? I like Pelham Blue guitars to an extent, but I would much prefer the other finishes given the choice.

If you move up from a Pro to a Plus, there is a Chicago Blue but no Pro in blue.

[Maccadude33]

Right, but I like the satin neck and back of the Pro and the fact that they have the Grover tuners already installed. The satin finish is easier to play on for my hands.

[jeffy]

Originally Posted by Maccadude33

Right, but I like the satin neck and back of the Pro and the fact that they have the Grover tuners already installed. The satin finish is easier to play on for my hands.

Well, I doubt GC is going to custom order you a guitar, if that's what you're asking.

[Maccadude33]

I guess it's a custom guitar, but it wouldn't be that customized. I would just be asking for a regular Trad Pro with a different colored top. Surely it would be possible right?

[Les Paul Newb]

Originally Posted by Maccadude33

I know, that's a Standard. What I'm asking about is whether or not it is possible to go through Guitar Center (since the Traditional Pro line is one of their exclusive models, right?) and order a Traditional Pro in a Chicago Blue/Manhattan Midnight finish. I know they don't usually have any flame to them, and that's fine with me; I prefer natural wood grains anyhow. Thanks for the replies so far guys.

What's a standard? That blue guitar? Some standards have headstock binding? Customs, not usa right?

[Les Paul Newb]

Originally Posted by Maccadude33

I guess it's a custom guitar, but it wouldn't be that customized. I would just be asking for a regular Trad Pro with a different colored top. Surely it would be possible right?

What's possible? Getting a "one-off" for the price of a production model?

[Maccadude33]

Originally Posted by Les Paul Newb

What's possible? Getting a "one-off" for the price of a production model?

Yes. I know it isn't very likely, but I figured it was worth asking about.

Also, that blue guitar above was a limited run Standard of some kind from a few years ago. I've seen pictures of them all over here and other parts of the web; they're absolutely stunning imo.

[Maccadude33]

Does anyone else have thoughts on this?

[Who]

Yes. Stop asking us, and start calling authorized dealers.

We know nothing about actually buying new Les Pauls.

When you get it, we'll be here to advise you on what knob color will be best.

[gnvair]

Originally Posted by Maccadude33

I would love to have one! I'm planning to ask the folks at Gibson when I visit the Memphis factory next month what they can do about it, but in the mean time, seriously, if anyone knows how someone could go about ordering something like that, I'd be really grateful.

Gibson doesnt do custom finishes on Gibson USA models. I just tried several month back because I wanted a Trad Pro with a flame top. It was explained to me that anything that deviates from regular production specs (colors, features, etc) is only possible via a special order through their Custom shop.
Then you are talking $$

[Maccadude33]

Originally Posted by gnvair

Gibson doesnt do custom finishes on Gibson USA models. I just tried several month back because I wanted a Trad Pro with a flame top. It was explained to me that anything that deviates from regular production specs (colors, features, etc) is only possible via a special order through their Custom shop.
Then you are talking $$

Ah ok, thanks for the information!

@Who: I figured that someone else here would have experienced this before at one point or another, so I hoped to learn from that. I would much prefer to trust a fellow LP player than some guy at a Guitar Center. That said, I'll be sure to ask some questions the next time I go by. And isn't it obvious? It's gotta have the black top hat knobs!

[Thunder Dump]

My latest GC catalog shows the Pelham Blue Traditional Pro. And all of them are $1799 after a $200 instant rebate. But by the model designation (LPCG5PBCH3) the Pelham Blue is going to be a 50s neck only.

[Thunder Dump]

Some pics from MF:

[Shawn Lutz]

chicagp blue is a trans finish on Traditionals

[soundxplorer]

Yeah, I like the Chicago Blue. Guitar Center's platinum website has a lot of eye candy to look at.

[nauc]

^ that thing is cool! that would look sweet next to my Red Devil!

[drew365]

Originally Posted by nauc

^ that thing is cool! that would look sweet next to my Red Devil!

My local GC, (Northidge, CA) has one of these hanging on the wall. So, they must be available now and probably as close to what the OP was asking for as he's going to get. It's a real nice looking guitar.

[Maccadude33]

Thanks for the pictures, I didn't know they were up! The Pelham Blue does look pretty cool, and it's not helping me in my search at all. >.< I'll try to keep an eye out for a darker one (if that's remotely possible) or something like that aged PB color that I saw on another member's Custom.

[GERRYGTR62]

ARGGHHHH ,you guys are making me GAS for both of those, dammit!!!