CSL Les Paul

[ZosoMike]

Surprised not to see any threads relating to this.
CSL Les Paul, sunburst. I think they were made by Ibanez. Very rare to see a sunburst copy in those days. All others were black
I bought mine in 1972 paid £120, about 8 weeks wages, when, if I remember correctly a new Gibson was about £350. Bought it so I would look like Jimmy Page. Guess it's still worth £120. If only I could have afforded a Gibson then, what would that be worth.
Anyway, I reckon its almost as good as new. No cracking in the lacquer
Still in mint condition, very low action. Look less like JP these days and still a million miles away from playing anything like him but a great guitar though.

[UITA]

Hows about some photos? I'll give you £130, there you go you've made a tenner.

[ZosoMike]

mmm, tempted, but I think I'll pass this time
I wouldn't sell it for a £1000 nor swap it for a Gibson

I have an idea. I paid 8 weeks wages for it so why don't I sell it for 8 weeks wages. Fair???

[doublecut]

I know it's easy to say made by Ibanez but Ibanez doesn't make anything, it's just a brand name of Hoshino Gakki and so is the Tama drums brand name.

The CSL's are not Ibanez guitars but were mostly based on Ibanez guitar designs (but some design ideas came from CSL) and were made by the Fujigen guitar factory which Hoshino Gakki also used to make the early Ibanez guitars.

"CSL was a brand name managed by Charles Summerfield Ltd England. Maurice Summerfield of the Charles Summerfield Ltd company contributed some design ideas to Hoshino Gakki and also imported Ibanez and CSL guitars into the UK with Hoshino Gakki cooperation from 1964-1987."

[ZosoMike]

wow thanks I've learned a lot today already thanks again

[leftie steve]

Nice looking guitar ZosoMike.
I have an original from 1975 which is the Les Paul deluxe version with the small "epiphone" humbuckers. Mine is sunburst (I ordered gold but this one turned up instead). Got it direct from the CSL factory as it was close to where I live (and I knew the Summerfileds personally). It's still in original spec except the scratchplate which was "lost" long ago but replaced with a hand made one.
Still sounds as great today as it did new.
If anyone is interested, I have a 1975 Summerfiled catalogue that shows all the guitars imported for that year (Les Pauls, Specials, twin necks etc) so if anyone is after a model number (2345 etc) I might be able to help. The pictures are unfortunately in black and white but some have been annotated with the (then current) retail price.
Hopefully I've attached a photo of my axe for you to look at.
As my member name suggests, I am a left handed player so this could be a rare beastie.
Regards

[keefyj]

Hi all,

I have just discovered this site and will add my little contribution.
I have a CSL Les Paul copy (slightly darker sunburst scheme) and bought it in the 70's. Although you can get a lovely meloow sound, now and agin I wanted a slightly better attack but not a trebly sound. I bought and installed a Gibson 'Velvet Brick' in the treble position and added a small capacitor between the pickup and the amp - thus making it a brighter sound without the treble.I play this through a Cry-Baby wah and a distortion pedal and occasionally a chorus thrown in. The amp has been several smaller 'practice' ones which can pump out some dirt.
I'll up date with a snap soon.
Keefy

[siziemm]

I too have just discovered the site and find it fascinating that there are others out there who like their CSL LPs and still have them. Mine is, I believe a '72 Custom - in black and Left Handed. Bought it in 1976 out of an ad in one of the music mags. Wanted a left handed electric guitar and couldn't afford a Fender or Gibson. It cost me around £120 including a hard case.
It hasn't been used as often as it should have been, of late - mainly because it's so blinking heavy! And I've also got a Strat and a Line 6 Variax - the latter of which I love - (and of course the Variax has several Les Paul sampled settings) - and it weighs a lot less than my CSL.
My CSL is also now due a trip to a guitar workshop as something in the wiring has worked its way loose and can't get anything from the pickups. It's in pretty good nick, considering, and has that definite patina that comes with it being getting on for 40 years old.
Any good ideas for a good place to go in order to get it checked out and up and running again at a reasonable cost? - I live in North London.
Funnily enough, though I bought it in London, I am from the North-East and also know the Summerfield family. Weird old world isn't it....

[ZosoMike]

Hi

Sorry but I don't know anybody in London. I'm sure someone else will be in touch. Maybe there is another are of the forum you could try? I did have problems with the screws on the control rear cover though, they had virtually corroded away
Mike

[Frails]

Nice! More lefty poon....

[johnabraham]

Originally Posted by leftie steve

Nice looking guitar ZosoMike.
I have an original from 1975 which is the Les Paul deluxe version with the small "epiphone" humbuckers. Mine is sunburst (I ordered gold but this one turned up instead). Got it direct from the CSL factory as it was close to where I live (and I knew the Summerfileds personally). It's still in original spec except the scratchplate which was "lost" long ago but replaced with a hand made one.
Still sounds as great today as it did new.
If anyone is interested, I have a 1975 Summerfiled catalogue that shows all the guitars imported for that year (Les Pauls, Specials, twin necks etc) so if anyone is after a model number (2345 etc) I might be able to help. The pictures are unfortunately in black and white but some have been annotated with the (then current) retail price.
Hopefully I've attached a photo of my axe for you to look at.
As my member name suggests, I am a left handed player so this could be a rare beastie.
Regards

Steve- doe's your catalog show a explorer? Thanks...

[UITA]

Steve made 3 posts and the last was over two years ago, good luck with that.