Which Are The Best/Favorite Customs?

tung · 11-17-2007, 05:45 PM

I've used different Customs over the years, but my main guitar is actually an LP Pro. Just curious, what do y'all consider a great Custom model? I actually played one of the newer ones recently and it blew away a 1979 as far as PUP goes, a lot more breath and definiton, midrange growl.
Also, which are the best for as far as tone and playability?

T.

Axeman16 · 11-17-2007, 05:49 PM

my favourite is the 1958 custom with 2 pickups. but i also like page's old 60 custm black beauty (3 pickup) with bigsby. too bad it got stolen on the 70 tour in canada.

coldsteal2 · 11-18-2007, 06:25 AM

I had a great 71 Les Paul Custom Black Beauty
dont know what to compare it with, its the only one ive played.
But my guitarists had different models, but i never got to try them out.
The thing i remember the most is how "Woody" it sounded, lots of sustain
and punch. My Studio sounds just as good, so the pickups must be close to the
same.

Big Red · 11-18-2007, 06:38 AM

Just my 2 cents, but you can't beat a BLACK Custom. Whatever the year, whether 2 p/ups or 3, a black Custom epitomises rock & roll for me. My ideal Custom would be a black beauty fitted with a Bigsby!

Customs can look pretty mean in white, wine or sunburst (and I've seen come cool stripped ones) but there's just something about the black finish. Any black beauty owners out there with pics?

scozz · 11-18-2007, 09:38 AM

82 Custom

terence_tez · 11-18-2007, 10:32 AM

fer me,its gotta be the 68' custom (custom authentic)...

lp59aholicDon · 11-18-2007, 12:40 PM

My Preference would be Mostly Black Beautys pre and post Norlin era

TizzLizzy · 11-18-2007, 02:26 PM

Whats the story with this custom?? I've never seen one like it before!! All the ebony customs I've seen have had black plastic and gold hardware.. Never seen one with creme plastic and silver hardware.. Can you buy them like this??

I think this is the nicest custom around, and It'd be the only custom It'd be interested in!! haha

LoKi · 11-18-2007, 02:26 PM

I've got a blonde, and I love it. They reissued it this year as well.

Black Beauty's and Alpine White are the classic colors though.

decoy205 · 11-18-2007, 03:34 PM

I love my 07 custom and Loki's natural and some others. Check out the custom thread...

Les Paul Custom registry

Big Red · 11-18-2007, 07:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by scozz

82 Custom

Suweeet! Can that baby swim as well as it screams?

HEY!YOU! · 11-18-2007, 07:46 PM

My '86
modded:
new plastic
knobs
rs pots, caps
WCR pups
lightweight tailpiece

tung · 11-18-2007, 11:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Big Red

Just my 2 cents, but you can't beat a BLACK Custom. Whatever the year, whether 2 p/ups or 3, a black Custom epitomises rock & roll for me. My ideal Custom would be a black beauty fitted with a Bigsby!

+1, The Black Beauty is the classic Custom color.

TizzLizzy · 11-19-2007, 07:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HEY!YOU!

My '86
modded:
new plastic
knobs
rs pots, caps
WCR pups
lightweight tailpiece

Thats wat I'm talking about!!! *drools*

Such a sexy guitar.. I take it you have to mod them then?? You can't buy them with that plastic etc. ??

HEY!YOU! · 11-19-2007, 11:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TizzLizzy

Thats wat I'm talking about!!! *drools*

Such a sexy guitar.. I take it you have to mod them then?? You can't buy them with that plastic etc. ??

As far as I know you can't get a Custom like that, Studio yes.

TizzLizzy · 11-19-2007, 02:39 PM

I know what I'm saving up for now!! haha.. it's beautiful!

AndyC · 11-19-2007, 10:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HEY!YOU!

My '86
modded:
new plastic
knobs
rs pots, caps
WCR pups
lightweight tailpiece

Very cool! I've got an '86 Custom also! I bought it new back then. In 2006 I met Henry J. at the Gibson SummerJam and told him I had an '86 Custom (he took over Gibson in late '85). He looked surprised and said "There weren't that many Customs in 1986. We just couldn't make them". I took that to mean that he was trying to get the quality issues fixed and they were so picky about what went out the door when they took over that they only let the good ones out.

I've got quite a few guitars now, and handful of Les Pauls, but that Custom is special. I'll never part with it.

Silverburst · 11-19-2007, 11:07 PM

hmmm...

tung · 11-20-2007, 02:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Silverburst

hmmm...

This is a sweet guitar. A friend of mine uses an original 1980 Norlin-era Silverburst Custom. I've tried to get him to sell it to me with no avail

lp59aholicDon · 11-20-2007, 03:43 AM

I was living on what is now the US Territory of Saipan in the late 70s, the best local guitarist there, a cop by the name of Norbert, had a really nice Pre Norlin Black Beauty , thing was heavy as hell, but oh man, what a tone , Guy could play and his sexy as hell sister could sing pretty damn good too !
He wouldnt part with it, unless he got or found a better Les Paul, None to be had in Saipan then, and nothing available in nearby Guam that was up for sale that wasnt Norlin era

dwagar · 11-20-2007, 11:06 AM

why, a blonde '74 of course (coincidentally which I have)

HEY!YOU! · 11-20-2007, 11:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AndyC

Very cool! I've got an '86 Custom also! I bought it new back then. In 2006 I met Henry J. at the Gibson SummerJam and told him I had an '86 Custom (he took over Gibson in late '85). He looked surprised and said "There weren't that many Customs in 1986. We just couldn't make them". I took that to mean that he was trying to get the quality issues fixed and they were so picky about what went out the door when they took over that they only let the good ones out.

I've got quite a few guitars now, and handful of Les Pauls, but that Custom is special. I'll never part with it.

I didn't know that, thanks.
It is a great sounding guitar. I wonder how many Customs were produced in '86.

mmcquain · 11-20-2007, 01:26 PM

For playability I really loved the 20th Anniversary (creamy white with 12th fret inlay). I know, I know... 1974 Norlin's aren't usually considered some of the best but it has super low action (truly a "fretless wonder") and my finger just seemed to glide across the neck.

While the "classic" Custom looks: black, white and wine red are all very nice, I actually prefer the look of my 2000 Premium Plus Custom (still made at the Gibson USA factory and not a Custom Shop model like nowadays). It's honeyburst flametop gave me the look of a Standard but with the features of a Custom... very nice IMO:

Harpozep · 11-20-2007, 02:44 PM

Black Beautys all the way!

Had a wonderful '68 and now have a great R4. Here's a pic of the R4 and my daughter, Katy

Look, dust ( Oh well ) Love that Custom headstock! The binding makes the guitar. I've been a Custom snob for years, I never understood the allure of a Standard when a Custom could be had. Then I got an R9 and, well, I like standards now too! All is good.

Here's an infared shot, it makes the VOS haze go away since it does not photograph visible light, but IR.

I've always wanted a White Custom too, ever since the Lindsey Buckingham Fleetwood Mac days.
The new Guitar of the week # 39 looks sooo tempting:

The only problem I know of is that it only has binding on the top not the rear of the body. Other than that, real cool looking, and I'm betting sounding.

loneguitar · 11-20-2007, 04:18 PM

I've always had a hunger for a Black Beauty, they are soooooo purty

thinkvisual · 03-08-2008, 06:04 PM

Here's my 2007 R7 (blurry photo, I know):

11-17-2007, 05:45 PM	#1 (permalink)
tung Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: toronto Posts: 108 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Which Are The Best/Favorite Customs? I've used different Customs over the years, but my main guitar is actually an LP Pro. Just curious, what do y'all consider a great Custom model? I actually played one of the newer ones recently and it blew away a 1979 as far as PUP goes, a lot more breath and definiton, midrange growl. Also, which are the best for as far as tone and playability? T. __________________ www.myspace.com/tungle

11-17-2007, 05:49 PM	#2 (permalink)
Axeman16 V.I.P. Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Toronto, Canada Posts: 1,996 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Re: Which Are The Best/Favorite Customs? my favourite is the 1958 custom with 2 pickups. but i also like page's old 60 custm black beauty (3 pickup) with bigsby. too bad it got stolen on the 70 tour in canada.

11-18-2007, 06:25 AM	#3 (permalink)
coldsteal2 V.I.P. Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Chico, CA Posts: 8,568 Thanks: 21 Thanked 4 Times in 2 Posts	Re: Which Are The Best/Favorite Customs? I had a great 71 Les Paul Custom Black Beauty dont know what to compare it with, its the only one ive played. But my guitarists had different models, but i never got to try them out. The thing i remember the most is how "Woody" it sounded, lots of sustain and punch. My Studio sounds just as good, so the pickups must be close to the same. __________________ http://www.myspace.com/coldstealii YouTubage Videos

11-18-2007, 06:38 AM	#4 (permalink)
Big Red Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Scotland Posts: 72 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Re: Which Are The Best/Favorite Customs? Just my 2 cents, but you can't beat a BLACK Custom. Whatever the year, whether 2 p/ups or 3, a black Custom epitomises rock & roll for me. My ideal Custom would be a black beauty fitted with a Bigsby! Customs can look pretty mean in white, wine or sunburst (and I've seen come cool stripped ones) but there's just something about the black finish. Any black beauty owners out there with pics? __________________ yesterday starts tomorrow, tomorrow starts today

11-18-2007, 09:38 AM	#5 (permalink)
scozz Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Posts: 385 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Re: Which Are The Best/Favorite Customs? 82 Custom

Today
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11-18-2007, 10:32 AM	#6 (permalink)
terence_tez V.I.P. Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: singapore Posts: 1,358 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Re: Which Are The Best/Favorite Customs? fer me,its gotta be the 68' custom (custom authentic)... __________________ they have firm bodies n exotic curves.they cry n scream bt we love them all the same--who need women anyway?

11-18-2007, 12:40 PM	#7 (permalink)
lp59aholicDon Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: North Carolina in the Mountains Posts: 5,223 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Re: Which Are The Best/Favorite Customs? My Preference would be Mostly Black Beautys pre and post Norlin era

11-18-2007, 02:26 PM	#8 (permalink)
TizzLizzy Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Belfast Posts: 54 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Re: Which Are The Best/Favorite Customs? Whats the story with this custom?? I've never seen one like it before!! All the ebony customs I've seen have had black plastic and gold hardware.. Never seen one with creme plastic and silver hardware.. Can you buy them like this?? I think this is the nicest custom around, and It'd be the only custom It'd be interested in!! haha

11-18-2007, 02:26 PM	#9 (permalink)
LoKi V.I.P. Member Join Date: May 2007 Location: Calgary, Alberta Posts: 4,268 Thanks: 18 Thanked 1 Time in 1 Post	Re: Which Are The Best/Favorite Customs? I've got a blonde, and I love it. They reissued it this year as well. Black Beauty's and Alpine White are the classic colors though.

11-18-2007, 03:34 PM	#10 (permalink)
decoy205 Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Brooklyn NY Posts: 1,576 Thanks: 17 Thanked 15 Times in 3 Posts	Re: Which Are The Best/Favorite Customs? I love my 07 custom and Loki's natural and some others. Check out the custom thread... Les Paul Custom registry __________________ click below to for details: http://www.mylespaul.com/forums/back...ntry-info.html http://www.myspace.com/meteorsound http://www.bcrmusic.com/index.htm http://www.soundclick.com/bands/defa...?bandID=872850

11-18-2007, 07:46 PM	#12 (permalink)
HEY!YOU! Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2007 Posts: 112 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Re: Which Are The Best/Favorite Customs? My '86 modded: new plastic knobs rs pots, caps WCR pups lightweight tailpiece

11-19-2007, 02:39 PM	#16 (permalink)
TizzLizzy Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Belfast Posts: 54 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Re: Which Are The Best/Favorite Customs? I know what I'm saving up for now!! haha.. it's beautiful!

11-19-2007, 11:07 PM	#18 (permalink)
Silverburst Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Posts: 66 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Re: Which Are The Best/Favorite Customs? hmmm... __________________

11-20-2007, 03:43 AM	#20 (permalink)
lp59aholicDon Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: North Carolina in the Mountains Posts: 5,223 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Re: Which Are The Best/Favorite Customs? I was living on what is now the US Territory of Saipan in the late 70s, the best local guitarist there, a cop by the name of Norbert, had a really nice Pre Norlin Black Beauty , thing was heavy as hell, but oh man, what a tone , Guy could play and his sexy as hell sister could sing pretty damn good too ! He wouldnt part with it, unless he got or found a better Les Paul, None to be had in Saipan then, and nothing available in nearby Guam that was up for sale that wasnt Norlin era

11-20-2007, 11:06 AM	#21 (permalink)
dwagar V.I.P. Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Calgary, Canada Posts: 2,588 Thanks: 1 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Re: Which Are The Best/Favorite Customs? why, a blonde '74 of course (coincidentally which I have)

11-20-2007, 01:26 PM	#23 (permalink)
mmcquain Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Tarpon Springs, FL Posts: 1,461 Thanks: 0 Thanked 4 Times in 1 Post	Re: Which Are The Best/Favorite Customs? For playability I really loved the 20th Anniversary (creamy white with 12th fret inlay). I know, I know... 1974 Norlin's aren't usually considered some of the best but it has super low action (truly a "fretless wonder") and my finger just seemed to glide across the neck. While the "classic" Custom looks: black, white and wine red are all very nice, I actually prefer the look of my 2000 Premium Plus Custom (still made at the Gibson USA factory and not a Custom Shop model like nowadays). It's honeyburst flametop gave me the look of a Standard but with the features of a Custom... very nice IMO: __________________ Rock, Blues, Christian player - mmcquain@mcquain.com http://www.mcquain.com/lespaul - http://www.myspace.com/mmcquain Gibson Les Paul Classic Antique & CS-356, Fender Stratocaster, Hamer Flying V, BreedLove AD25/SR Peavey Marshall Behringer POD Tech21 Boss MXR Dunlop Danelectro Digitech Dean Markley D'Addario

11-20-2007, 02:44 PM	#24 (permalink)
Harpozep V.I.P. Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Near the Casinos...... Posts: 4,438 Thanks: 22 Thanked 11 Times in 6 Posts	Re: Which Are The Best/Favorite Customs? Black Beautys all the way! Had a wonderful '68 and now have a great R4. Here's a pic of the R4 and my daughter, Katy Look, dust ( Oh well ) Love that Custom headstock! The binding makes the guitar. I've been a Custom snob for years, I never understood the allure of a Standard when a Custom could be had. Then I got an R9 and, well, I like standards now too! All is good. Here's an infared shot, it makes the VOS haze go away since it does not photograph visible light, but IR. I've always wanted a White Custom too, ever since the Lindsey Buckingham Fleetwood Mac days. The new Guitar of the week # 39 looks sooo tempting: The only problem I know of is that it only has binding on the top not the rear of the body. Other than that, real cool looking, and I'm betting sounding. __________________ Behave all, Harpozep I'b' Use'bd' WB'bd' Pick'ups'b' "Lyrics: Time wasted between solos"

11-20-2007, 04:18 PM	#25 (permalink)
loneguitar Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Memphis Posts: 1,135 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Re: Which Are The Best/Favorite Customs? I've always had a hunger for a Black Beauty, they are soooooo purty __________________ " Without a song The road would never bend, Without a song, A man ain't got a friend, Without a song, The day would never end Without a song So I keep singing a song "