Which Black Beauty would you get?

jeanjeudi · 02-21-2012, 05:07 PM

Which VOS reissue would you get and why: '54 or 3 pickup '57?

LouieTM · 02-21-2012, 05:11 PM

'54.

Why? The pick-ups.

chrisuk · 02-21-2012, 05:11 PM

3 pickup - washed in jet fuel and stored in a jungle for a few years.

schaapie · 02-21-2012, 05:12 PM

If i could... both!

Tim Plains · 02-21-2012, 05:26 PM

Do you prefer humbuckers or single coils?

jeanjeudi · 02-21-2012, 05:55 PM

I have two humbucker customs: '80 silverburst and 83 ebony. I started out thinking that it might be nice to get a '54 because of the pickups, but then I started to consider the 3 pickup with bigsby or possibly the Jimmy Page LPC. So many customs, so little money...

jeanjeudi · 02-21-2012, 06:00 PM

Might help if I gave a list of my guitars to see which LPC you all think might be a good addition.

'80 silverburst LPC
'83 ebony LPC
'90 LP Special (TV Yellow)
'79 Strat
2010 Gretsch White Falcon

Danelectro · 02-21-2012, 10:38 PM

57 two pup. I hate those middle pups. They get in the way and the middle position sounds better with two pups IMO.

trmckn · 02-22-2012, 12:09 AM

I'd go with a '55 reissue. If I had to pick just one, I'd go with the P90/Alnico version. If I didn't have to pick, I'd also get the humbucker one...and to mix it up, I'd get the humbucker one in a wraptail. Necks on these 55s(for my tastes) are nicest of all of the historics. The fact that you can mix pickup types and tail pieces makes it great (in my opinion...) They're not VOS though....which again is a plus in my opinion.

RocknRollGypsy · 02-22-2012, 12:22 AM

'54. I have a 3 pickup 57 and HATE the bigsby. If I rest my hand on it it goes out of tune.... Just don't get the bigsby if you get a '57. I don't mind the middle pickup, but it does take some getting used to.

zhivago · 02-22-2012, 04:00 AM

'54 every single time

joesatch · 02-22-2012, 04:07 AM

Get a '68 vos.

ctkarslake · 02-22-2012, 08:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chrisuk

3 pickup - washed in jet fuel and stored in a jungle for a few years.

Remember, though, that the guitar referenced here was a '54 not a '57.

ctkarslake · 02-22-2012, 08:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chrisuk

3 pickup - washed in jet fuel and stored in a jungle for a few years.

Remember, though, that the guitar referenced here was a '54 that was later routed for 3 pups, not a '57.

HOT-BRIT · 02-22-2012, 08:20 AM

a 54 no question!
it is one of the best reissues Gibson has done

NeoConMan · 02-22-2012, 11:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Danelectro

57 two pup. I hate those middle pups. They get in the way...

I have this...

... and the middle pickup does indeed get in the way - even lowered down to the top of the ring.
It's worth it to me though - see below;

Quote:

Originally Posted by Danelectro

and the middle position sounds better with two pups IMO.

Better?
I'll just say that the middle position sounds different.
With multiple guitars, you're able to compare and contrast.
Find what works for you, just like we did, and report back what you find.

Quote:

Originally Posted by MattMac

'54. I have a 3 pickup 57 and HATE the bigsby.

It does take some getting used to.
For you prospective Bigsby owners - don't hate it right off the bat.
Play a few, and talk to people who actually use them and LIKE them.

Quote:

Originally Posted by MattMac

If I rest my hand on it it goes out of tune....

Fix yer guitar...

Seriously, I've owned many Bigsbys. They are pretty stable.
Better than the Maestro - and damned sure better than anything Fender ever used.

Quote:

Originally Posted by MattMac

Just don't get the bigsby if you get a '57.

Valid advice - some people simply don't like 'em.
Personally, I fxcking hate a Floyd Rose.

Nothing wrong with a TOM and killer tuning stability.

Quote:

Originally Posted by MattMac

I don't mind the middle pickup, but it does take some getting used to.

Agreed.

My advice - based on what the OP posted - get the 54.
P-90 = the pickup of the Gods.

.

harrie 0492 · 02-22-2012, 11:31 AM

3 Pickupper and Bigsby.

Ob Com · 02-22-2012, 12:08 PM

May I also suggest the 54?

Its pretty unique - they are quite hard to find, where as the 57 3pup is more easily found, so if you've got a line on a 54 snap it up if its a good one.

Mine is super light- in the lower 7lb region, the bridge snarls and the alnico neck pup is utterly wonderful- thick (not muddy), creamy.

I dont know if its because they make so few of these 54's but the workmanship is a cut above.

Just an outstanding guitar in everyway. Darker sounding because its all mahogany without a maple cap.

It a one piece body too- ie not a hog cap on a hog body.

Just really really special guitars.

NeoConMan · 02-22-2012, 01:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ob Com

It a one piece body too- ie not a hog cap on a hog body.

How do they install the holes/channels to run wires from the selector to the pickups to the controls?

.

NeoConMan · 02-22-2012, 01:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jeanjeudi

Which VOS reissue would you get and why...?

Does it have to be VOS?

I'd rather install my own wear and mojo.

.

1959burst · 02-22-2012, 01:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MattMac

'54. I have a 3 pickup 57 and HATE the bigsby. If I rest my hand on it it goes out of tune.... Just don't get the bigsby if you get a '57. I don't mind the middle pickup, but it does take some getting used to.

exactly what i would pick is the 3 pu and bigsby!

1959burst · 02-22-2012, 01:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by harrie 0492

3 Pickupper and Bigsby.

yup that is it!!!!!!

Danelectro · 02-22-2012, 01:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NeoConMan

How do they install the holes/channels to run wires from the selector to the pickups to the controls?

.

They use a long-ass drill bit that enters through the jack hole and intersects the switch cavity.

This is a 1960, but I think the Historics are done the same way.

NeoConMan · 02-22-2012, 01:58 PM

Got it - thanks!

.

deepblue · 02-22-2012, 02:20 PM

I love the Black beauties until I see the Bigsby models.
To me, they are like a zit on a supermodels nose.....just nasty!

NeoConMan · 02-22-2012, 03:15 PM

Hey, hey, hey!!!!!!!!!!!

renin71 · 02-22-2012, 03:21 PM

hey I know that BB LP Neoconman, same one I wanted to buy before you picked it up at Bizarre Guitar!! at least I know it has a good home

NeoConMan · 02-22-2012, 03:29 PM

Indeed it does - microphonic bridge pickup and all!

Yeah, I drooled on that guitar forever - until Bob and I could agree on the price.
Coupla other guitars he has that I would like to snap up - just a matter of time, eh?

I don't know how many cars I've bought for that guy...

What have you bought from him lately - anything?
Is he still trying to get you to buy him out?

Mila · 02-22-2012, 05:26 PM

54' is great

3pupLPC · 02-22-2012, 07:46 PM

need I answer???

02-21-2012, 05:07 PM	#1 (permalink)
jeanjeudi Member Join Date: Jan 2012 Posts: 45 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Which Black Beauty would you get? Which VOS reissue would you get and why: '54 or 3 pickup '57?

02-21-2012, 05:11 PM	#2 (permalink)
LouieTM Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Holland Posts: 3,922 Thanks: 118 Thanked 65 Times in 23 Posts	Re: Which Black Beauty would you get? '54. Why? The pick-ups. __________________ Books: they make you unstupid!

02-21-2012, 05:11 PM	#3 (permalink)
chrisuk Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: West Sussex Posts: 1,709 Thanks: 27 Thanked 11 Times in 6 Posts	Re: Which Black Beauty would you get? 3 pickup - washed in jet fuel and stored in a jungle for a few years. NeoConMan, ghost driver, ctkarslake and 5 others like this. __________________ Some say as a child he was adopted by old growth trees and that all of his tendons are actually topwrapped. All we know is he's called chrisuk.

02-21-2012, 05:12 PM	#4 (permalink)
schaapie Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: The Haque, Holland Posts: 560 Thanks: 100 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Re: Which Black Beauty would you get? If i could... both!

02-21-2012, 05:26 PM	#5 (permalink)
Tim Plains Bartlett Retrospec Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Posts: 9,383 Thanks: 638 Thanked 676 Times in 76 Posts	Re: Which Black Beauty would you get? Do you prefer humbuckers or single coils? __________________ Tim. Future Bartlett Retrospec winner!!

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02-21-2012, 05:55 PM	#6 (permalink)
jeanjeudi Member Join Date: Jan 2012 Posts: 45 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Re: Which Black Beauty would you get? I have two humbucker customs: '80 silverburst and 83 ebony. I started out thinking that it might be nice to get a '54 because of the pickups, but then I started to consider the 3 pickup with bigsby or possibly the Jimmy Page LPC. So many customs, so little money...

02-21-2012, 06:00 PM	#7 (permalink)
jeanjeudi Member Join Date: Jan 2012 Posts: 45 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Re: Which Black Beauty would you get? Might help if I gave a list of my guitars to see which LPC you all think might be a good addition. '80 silverburst LPC '83 ebony LPC '90 LP Special (TV Yellow) '79 Strat 2010 Gretsch White Falcon

02-21-2012, 10:38 PM	#8 (permalink)
Danelectro V.I.P. Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Posts: 2,649 Thanks: 0 Thanked 59 Times in 17 Posts	Re: Which Black Beauty would you get? 57 two pup. I hate those middle pups. They get in the way and the middle position sounds better with two pups IMO. jcsk8 likes this.

02-22-2012, 12:09 AM	#9 (permalink)
trmckn Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: Mid Atlantic Posts: 294 Thanks: 3 Thanked 60 Times in 14 Posts	Re: Which Black Beauty would you get? I'd go with a '55 reissue. If I had to pick just one, I'd go with the P90/Alnico version. If I didn't have to pick, I'd also get the humbucker one...and to mix it up, I'd get the humbucker one in a wraptail. Necks on these 55s(for my tastes) are nicest of all of the historics. The fact that you can mix pickup types and tail pieces makes it great (in my opinion...) They're not VOS though....which again is a plus in my opinion.

02-22-2012, 12:22 AM	#10 (permalink)
RocknRollGypsy Gypsy Pirate Rocker Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Where it's Always Sunny. Posts: 955 Thanks: 26 Thanked 9 Times in 4 Posts	Re: Which Black Beauty would you get? '54. I have a 3 pickup 57 and HATE the bigsby. If I rest my hand on it it goes out of tune.... Just don't get the bigsby if you get a '57. I don't mind the middle pickup, but it does take some getting used to. NeoConMan likes this.

02-22-2012, 04:00 AM	#11 (permalink)
zhivago Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: London UK Posts: 119 Thanks: 1 Thanked 13 Times in 3 Posts	Re: Which Black Beauty would you get? '54 every single time csplayer089, Midnight Blues and ed1996 like this.

02-22-2012, 04:07 AM	#12 (permalink)
joesatch Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Miami, FL USA Posts: 2,046 Thanks: 0 Thanked 29 Times in 12 Posts	Re: Which Black Beauty would you get? Get a '68 vos. deepblue, guitarbob123 and Midnight Blues like this.

02-22-2012, 08:20 AM	#15 (permalink)
HOT-BRIT V.I.P. Member Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: Miami Beach Posts: 19,346 Thanks: 87 Thanked 281 Times in 52 Posts	Re: Which Black Beauty would you get? a 54 no question! it is one of the best reissues Gibson has done NeoConMan likes this.

02-22-2012, 11:31 AM	#17 (permalink)
harrie 0492 Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Posts: 407 Thanks: 0 Thanked 3 Times in 1 Post	Re: Which Black Beauty would you get? 3 Pickupper and Bigsby. NeoConMan and Midnight Blues like this.

02-22-2012, 12:08 PM	#18 (permalink)
Ob Com Senior Member Join Date: May 2011 Location: somewhere around Barstow on the edge of the desert Posts: 666 Thanks: 4 Thanked 2 Times in 2 Posts	Re: Which Black Beauty would you get? May I also suggest the 54? Its pretty unique - they are quite hard to find, where as the 57 3pup is more easily found, so if you've got a line on a 54 snap it up if its a good one. Mine is super light- in the lower 7lb region, the bridge snarls and the alnico neck pup is utterly wonderful- thick (not muddy), creamy. I dont know if its because they make so few of these 54's but the workmanship is a cut above. Just an outstanding guitar in everyway. Darker sounding because its all mahogany without a maple cap. It a one piece body too- ie not a hog cap on a hog body. Just really really special guitars. planks, csplayer089 and Midnight Blues like this.

02-22-2012, 01:58 PM	#24 (permalink)
NeoConMan Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Deserts of Arizona - in a post-American world Posts: 11,982 Thanks: 571 Thanked 465 Times in 173 Posts	Re: Which Black Beauty would you get? Got it - thanks! . __________________ . "Let the American youth never forget, that they possess a noble inheritance, bought by the toils, and sufferings, and blood of their ancestors; and capacity, if wisely improved, and faithfully guarded, of transmitting to their latest posterity all the substantial blessings of life, the peaceful enjoyment of liberty, property, religion, and independence." --Joseph Story GEAR pics - click here .

02-22-2012, 02:20 PM	#25 (permalink)
deepblue Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Ontario, Canada Posts: 4,688 Thanks: 195 Thanked 134 Times in 47 Posts	Re: Which Black Beauty would you get? I love the Black beauties until I see the Bigsby models. To me, they are like a zit on a supermodels nose.....just nasty! __________________ __________________________________________________ _______________________________________

02-22-2012, 03:15 PM	#26 (permalink)
NeoConMan Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Deserts of Arizona - in a post-American world Posts: 11,982 Thanks: 571 Thanked 465 Times in 173 Posts	Re: Which Black Beauty would you get? *Hey, hey, hey!!!!!!!!!!!* __________________ . "Let the American youth never forget, that they possess a noble inheritance, bought by the toils, and sufferings, and blood of their ancestors; and capacity, if wisely improved, and faithfully guarded, of transmitting to their latest posterity all the substantial blessings of life, the peaceful enjoyment of liberty, property, religion, and independence." --Joseph Story GEAR pics - click here .

02-22-2012, 03:21 PM	#27 (permalink)
renin71 Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: scottsdale arizona Posts: 242 Thanks: 0 Thanked 8 Times in 4 Posts	Re: Which Black Beauty would you get? hey I know that BB LP Neoconman, same one I wanted to buy before you picked it up at Bizarre Guitar!! at least I know it has a good home

02-22-2012, 03:29 PM	#28 (permalink)
NeoConMan Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Deserts of Arizona - in a post-American world Posts: 11,982 Thanks: 571 Thanked 465 Times in 173 Posts	Re: Which Black Beauty would you get? Indeed it does - microphonic bridge pickup and all! Yeah, I drooled on that guitar forever - until Bob and I could agree on the price. Coupla other guitars he has that I would like to snap up - just a matter of time, eh? I don't know how many cars I've bought for that guy... What have you bought from him lately - anything? Is he still trying to get you to buy him out? __________________ . "Let the American youth never forget, that they possess a noble inheritance, bought by the toils, and sufferings, and blood of their ancestors; and capacity, if wisely improved, and faithfully guarded, of transmitting to their latest posterity all the substantial blessings of life, the peaceful enjoyment of liberty, property, religion, and independence." --Joseph Story GEAR pics - click here .

02-22-2012, 05:26 PM	#29 (permalink)
Mila Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: France Posts: 155 Thanks: 23 Thanked 11 Times in 3 Posts	Re: Which Black Beauty would you get? 54' is great deepblue and Midnight Blues like this.

02-22-2012, 07:46 PM	#30 (permalink)
3pupLPC Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: NJ USA Posts: 1,578 Thanks: 1 Thanked 17 Times in 13 Posts	Re: Which Black Beauty would you get? need I answer??? NeoConMan and jcsk8 like this. __________________ In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight. Proverbs 3:6

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