NGD!! '78 3 PUP Black Beauty!

Jeffguy · 07-30-2012, 04:59 PM

Hey all. I decided that since I haven't been playing my USA appetite for destruction LP lately that I'd put it up for sale and see what bites I got. I've been jonesing for a ebony custom with ebony. So 2 days ago (12 hours after I Posted the ad) a guy from right near me said that he had a 1978 Les paul custom black beauty 3 pup that he'd consider trading straight across. This guitar has had a re-fret but other then that looks perfect! Seller told me it was all original with exception of the frets. No breaks/repairs/cracks/nothing! Just LOTS of mojo! So after checking it out I took the deal!

Here she is:

The only thing is that I'm not sure what pickups are in here.. He told me they were shaws, but I'm pretty sure that they should be T-tops because of the year.

*The insight of any experts would be much appreciated!*

Regardless they sound fantastic!

Jeffguy · 07-30-2012, 05:06 PM

Oh and I installed strap locks when I got it back to my place for a string change/set-up. Oh and this pig weighs in at 10.2lbs!

Ginger Beer · 07-30-2012, 05:45 PM

That guitar is my les paul wet dream. Nice score..how does it compare?

Jeffguy · 07-30-2012, 05:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ginger Beer

That guitar is my les paul wet dream. Nice score..how does it compare?

How does it compare to the USA slash sig? I think I deff got the better side of the bargain. The slash's resale is really good - but I play my guitars. Every time I make a ding the resale goes down. The slash sig ROCKS bigtime thats for sure, but It was time to get something that can take my beatings! This Norlin is deffinately that!

I will however get some upgraded pots/caps for this thing - the taper isn't very good - easy fix.

Guitardad47 · 07-30-2012, 05:54 PM

Those should be T-Tops in there. The one picture shows the mfg. date which is consistent for the T-Tops of that era.

LesAdrian · 07-30-2012, 05:55 PM

Holy shit dude.Nice score men.Do you mind post pics of the back?They are t tops btw

marantz1300 · 07-30-2012, 05:58 PM

Thats a monster Custom.Looks like you can beat it up and it will beat you right back.They are T-Tops.

Jeffguy · 07-30-2012, 05:58 PM

Cool guys thanks for the verification!

Jeffguy · 07-30-2012, 06:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LesAdrian

Holy shit dude.Nice score men.Do you mind post pics of the back?They are t tops btw

Here ya go!

Didn't take out the Pots to see what the Date was underneath the sheilding. When I get my new pots/caps i'll take a look.

Kezman · 07-30-2012, 06:44 PM

Looks Great welcome to the club

T tops rock

LesAdrian · 07-30-2012, 06:53 PM

Dude she is complete beauty.Just one question

o you know if the wear of the back of the neck affects the playability?

Jeffguy · 07-30-2012, 06:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LesAdrian

Dude she is complete beauty.Just one question

o you know if the wear of the back of the neck affects the playability?

It feels well broken in - like a baseball glove almost - if that's what you mean!

choppedcadillac · 07-30-2012, 07:00 PM

I have super nice custom wound WB three pickup set that I'd immediately replace those PUs..Ive been hanging on to them a few years waiting for the right guitar...pm me if interested

siggy14 · 07-30-2012, 10:21 PM

Looks great, of course it is missing the electronic shields in the pickup selector switch and the pots cavity and i am sure the jack has been replaced. See that half the pots are not sitting on the metal plate either.

roodyrocker · 07-31-2012, 12:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jeffguy

Oh and I installed strap locks when I got it back to my place for a string change/set-up. Oh and this pig weighs in at 10.2lbs!

To me 10.2 lbs is not a pig. Oh, and I probably would have traded a Slash for a Norlin triple pickup LPC too

Congrats on a cool LP.

Rudy

Gemm · 07-31-2012, 02:33 AM

Very , very wise move! Beautiful guitar!

Jessenoah · 07-31-2012, 02:36 AM

now you need a talk box and a best selling live double LP!

Rogie · 07-31-2012, 04:35 AM

I like it!

Having a 3pu 77 Custom, I`m a little biased though.

HOT-BRIT · 07-31-2012, 04:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jeffguy

Hey all. I decided that since I haven't been playing my USA appetite for destruction LP lately that I'd put it up for sale and see what bites I got. I've been jonesing for a ebony custom with ebony. So 2 days ago (12 hours after I Posted the ad) a guy from right near me said that he had a 1978 Les paul custom black beauty 3 pup that he'd consider trading straight across. This guitar has had a re-fret but other then that looks perfect! Seller told me it was all original with exception of the frets. No breaks/repairs/cracks/nothing! Just LOTS of mojo! So after checking it out I took the deal!

Here she is:

The only thing is that I'm not sure what pickups are in here.. He told me they were shaws, but I'm pretty sure that they should be T-tops because of the year.

*The insight of any experts would be much appreciated!*

Regardless they sound fantastic!

they are T-tops Shaw's started 1980

HOT-BRIT · 07-31-2012, 04:42 AM

she is a beast of a guitar!!!!!!!!

TheJrAce · 07-31-2012, 07:23 AM

Things gorgeous dude. Love my 71 custom. It still has its original neck ttop and it sounds great. Izzy rocked a black beauty for a while, think his was 2 pup though. Congrats.

oli · 07-31-2012, 07:29 AM

Damn, that's a beautiful axe ! That thing was definitely built to rock ! Congrats !

ed1996 · 07-31-2012, 07:34 AM

I love old, beat up black beautys

cmh6122 · 07-31-2012, 07:47 AM

How does one wear out the frets and bare that much of the neck playing a guitar and still have nearly pristine gold plate?
I am impressed. There is an elegance to the Custom that is undeniable.

Jeffguy · 07-31-2012, 08:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cmh6122

How does one wear out the frets and bare that much of the neck playing a guitar and still have nearly pristine gold plate?
I am impressed. There is an elegance to the Custom that is undeniable.

There is actually quite a bit of wear to the gold on the pups and the bridge - the pics just didn't bring it up very well! The guy certainly took good care of this thing that's for sure! Used not Abused

Heppe · 07-31-2012, 09:12 AM

Lookd killer!!

What does the third pup bring to the table soundwise?

Ginger Beer · 07-31-2012, 10:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Heppe

Lookd killer!!

What does the third pup bring to the table soundwise?

I'm gonna guess...Black Juju!

Jeffguy · 07-31-2012, 11:12 AM

The Middle pickup is wired into the bridge Pup - which gives the the treble switch a little more bark/growl/fullness. I also find that I get a lot more overtones/harmonics while playing with overdrive. Quite happy indeed! I have a Vintage upgrade kit coming from RS so we'll see just how delicious this guitar will sound with some better pots n caps!

I still can't get over the sustain that these guitars have!

Heppe · 07-31-2012, 12:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jeffguy

The Middle pickup is wired into the bridge Pup - which gives the the treble switch a little more bark/growl/fullness. I also find that I get a lot more overtones/harmonics while playing with overdrive. Quite happy indeed! I have a Vintage upgrade kit coming from RS so we'll see just how delicious this guitar will sound with some better pots n caps!

I still can't get over the sustain that these guitars have!

That actually sounds really cool!!! Seems like very good trade you made!

Kezman · 07-31-2012, 02:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jeffguy

I still can't get over the sustain that these guitars have!

You and me both brother

07-30-2012, 04:59 PM	#1 (permalink)
Jeffguy Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: Edmonton, AB Posts: 487 Thanks: 3 Thanked 10 Times in 5 Posts	NGD!! '78 3 PUP Black Beauty! Hey all. I decided that since I haven't been playing my USA appetite for destruction LP lately that I'd put it up for sale and see what bites I got. I've been jonesing for a ebony custom with ebony. So 2 days ago (12 hours after I Posted the ad) a guy from right near me said that he had a 1978 Les paul custom black beauty 3 pup that he'd consider trading straight across. This guitar has had a re-fret but other then that looks perfect! Seller told me it was all original with exception of the frets. No breaks/repairs/cracks/nothing! Just LOTS of mojo! So after checking it out I took the deal! Here she is: The only thing is that I'm not sure what pickups are in here.. He told me they were shaws, but I'm pretty sure that they should be T-tops because of the year. The insight of any experts would be much appreciated! Regardless they sound fantastic! Eddie, Nils, Wicked Sensation and 10 others like this. __________________ Gibson '78 Black Beauty Gibson LP Trad Gibson GothII Explorer '63 Fender Jaguar '91 Fender Talon Fender USA Strat Mesa Dual Rec Roadster '83 Marshall JCM800 2204 Peavey 5150ii Halfstack Orange PPC1x12 '67 Traynor Voicemaster Marshall 1936 2x12

07-30-2012, 05:06 PM	#2 (permalink)
Jeffguy Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: Edmonton, AB Posts: 487 Thanks: 3 Thanked 10 Times in 5 Posts	Re: NGD!! '78 3 PUP Black Beauty! Oh and I installed strap locks when I got it back to my place for a string change/set-up. Oh and this pig weighs in at 10.2lbs! QuicksilverSS likes this. __________________ Gibson '78 Black Beauty Gibson LP Trad Gibson GothII Explorer '63 Fender Jaguar '91 Fender Talon Fender USA Strat Mesa Dual Rec Roadster '83 Marshall JCM800 2204 Peavey 5150ii Halfstack Orange PPC1x12 '67 Traynor Voicemaster Marshall 1936 2x12

07-30-2012, 05:45 PM	#3 (permalink)
Ginger Beer Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: Slightly out of phase Posts: 1,356 Thanks: 25 Thanked 14 Times in 6 Posts	Re: NGD!! '78 3 PUP Black Beauty! That guitar is my les paul wet dream. Nice score..how does it compare? Kezman likes this.

07-30-2012, 05:54 PM	#5 (permalink)
Guitardad47 Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: New England Posts: 242 Thanks: 1 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Re: NGD!! '78 3 PUP Black Beauty! Those should be T-Tops in there. The one picture shows the mfg. date which is consistent for the T-Tops of that era.

07-30-2012, 05:55 PM	#6 (permalink)
LesAdrian Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: Where i'm living Posts: 961 Thanks: 7 Thanked 6 Times in 3 Posts	Re: NGD!! '78 3 PUP Black Beauty! Holy shit dude.Nice score men.Do you mind post pics of the back?They are t tops btw

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07-30-2012, 05:58 PM	#7 (permalink)
marantz1300 Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2008 Posts: 1,273 Thanks: 1 Thanked 25 Times in 9 Posts	Re: NGD!! '78 3 PUP Black Beauty! Thats a monster Custom.Looks like you can beat it up and it will beat you right back.They are T-Tops.

07-30-2012, 05:58 PM	#8 (permalink)
Jeffguy Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: Edmonton, AB Posts: 487 Thanks: 3 Thanked 10 Times in 5 Posts	Re: NGD!! '78 3 PUP Black Beauty! Cool guys thanks for the verification! __________________ Gibson '78 Black Beauty Gibson LP Trad Gibson GothII Explorer '63 Fender Jaguar '91 Fender Talon Fender USA Strat Mesa Dual Rec Roadster '83 Marshall JCM800 2204 Peavey 5150ii Halfstack Orange PPC1x12 '67 Traynor Voicemaster Marshall 1936 2x12

07-30-2012, 06:44 PM	#10 (permalink)
Kezman Identity Analyst Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: 43° N, 80° W Posts: 3,906 Thanks: 134 Thanked 54 Times in 20 Posts	Re: NGD!! '78 3 PUP Black Beauty! Looks Great welcome to the club T tops rock Jeffguy likes this.

07-30-2012, 06:53 PM	#11 (permalink)
LesAdrian Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: Where i'm living Posts: 961 Thanks: 7 Thanked 6 Times in 3 Posts	Re: NGD!! '78 3 PUP Black Beauty! Dude she is complete beauty.Just one questiono you know if the wear of the back of the neck affects the playability?

07-30-2012, 07:00 PM	#13 (permalink)
choppedcadillac Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2010 Posts: 374 Thanks: 0 Thanked 6 Times in 4 Posts	Re: NGD!! '78 3 PUP Black Beauty! I have super nice custom wound WB three pickup set that I'd immediately replace those PUs..Ive been hanging on to them a few years waiting for the right guitar...pm me if interested

07-30-2012, 10:21 PM	#14 (permalink)
siggy14 Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Montclair, VA Posts: 917 Thanks: 1 Thanked 15 Times in 6 Posts	Re: NGD!! '78 3 PUP Black Beauty! Looks great, of course it is missing the electronic shields in the pickup selector switch and the pots cavity and i am sure the jack has been replaced. See that half the pots are not sitting on the metal plate either. __________________ 1978 Gibson Les Paul Custom Black Beauty 1979 Gibson Les Paul Custom Silverburst 1991 Gibson SG Special 2005 Flying V Faded Cherry 2006 Les Paul Studio Alpine White.

07-31-2012, 02:33 AM	#16 (permalink)
Gemm Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: UK Posts: 676 Thanks: 0 Thanked 5 Times in 2 Posts	Re: NGD!! '78 3 PUP Black Beauty! Very , very wise move! Beautiful guitar!

07-31-2012, 02:36 AM	#17 (permalink)
Jessenoah Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: stuck in Lodi again Posts: 5,909 Thanks: 364 Thanked 259 Times in 92 Posts	Re: NGD!! '78 3 PUP Black Beauty! now you need a talk box and a best selling live double LP! __________________ My Website http://jessecosta.webs.com/ required reading for any zep fan http://wholelottaled.webs.com/

07-31-2012, 04:35 AM	#18 (permalink)
Rogie Member Join Date: Jan 2012 Posts: 93 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Re: NGD!! '78 3 PUP Black Beauty! I like it! Having a 3pu 77 Custom, I`m a little biased though.

07-31-2012, 04:42 AM	#20 (permalink)
HOT-BRIT V.I.P. Member Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: Miami Beach Posts: 18,779 Thanks: 66 Thanked 280 Times in 52 Posts	Re: NGD!! '78 3 PUP Black Beauty! she is a beast of a guitar!!!!!!!! Jeffguy likes this.

07-31-2012, 07:23 AM	#21 (permalink)
TheJrAce Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: NY Posts: 2,819 Thanks: 1 Thanked 26 Times in 6 Posts	Re: NGD!! '78 3 PUP Black Beauty! Things gorgeous dude. Love my 71 custom. It still has its original neck ttop and it sounds great. Izzy rocked a black beauty for a while, think his was 2 pup though. Congrats. __________________ NYC Tonemojo Agent

07-31-2012, 07:29 AM	#22 (permalink)
oli Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: Somewhere by the Sea... Posts: 675 Thanks: 19 Thanked 16 Times in 5 Posts	Re: NGD!! '78 3 PUP Black Beauty! Damn, that's a beautiful axe ! That thing was definitely built to rock ! Congrats ! __________________

07-31-2012, 07:47 AM	#24 (permalink)
cmh6122 Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Kansas Posts: 1,952 Thanks: 49 Thanked 9 Times in 4 Posts	Re: NGD!! '78 3 PUP Black Beauty! How does one wear out the frets and bare that much of the neck playing a guitar and still have nearly pristine gold plate? I am impressed. There is an elegance to the Custom that is undeniable.

07-31-2012, 09:12 AM	#26 (permalink)
Heppe Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Stockholm Posts: 225 Thanks: 2 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Re: NGD!! '78 3 PUP Black Beauty! Lookd killer!! What does the third pup bring to the table soundwise? __________________ Explorer ´76 Les Paul Standard ´78 Flying V ´95 Fender Strat 50th Anniversary '96 Ibanez RG1570Z '10 Fender Baja Telecaster '12

07-31-2012, 11:12 AM	#28 (permalink)
Jeffguy Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: Edmonton, AB Posts: 487 Thanks: 3 Thanked 10 Times in 5 Posts	Re: NGD!! '78 3 PUP Black Beauty! The Middle pickup is wired into the bridge Pup - which gives the the treble switch a little more bark/growl/fullness. I also find that I get a lot more overtones/harmonics while playing with overdrive. Quite happy indeed! I have a Vintage upgrade kit coming from RS so we'll see just how delicious this guitar will sound with some better pots n caps! I still can't get over the sustain that these guitars have! Kezman likes this. __________________ Gibson '78 Black Beauty Gibson LP Trad Gibson GothII Explorer '63 Fender Jaguar '91 Fender Talon Fender USA Strat Mesa Dual Rec Roadster '83 Marshall JCM800 2204 Peavey 5150ii Halfstack Orange PPC1x12 '67 Traynor Voicemaster Marshall 1936 2x12

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