As you point out, you can tell from the play wear that someone really loved that one. Usually a very good sign! Case queens are a gamble, but guitars that saw that much action usually have a very good reason.
A nice amber would really make that flame show up. That will be killer when you can see the flame again..
It’s a monster. The body shape is one he did for his own guitar. I fell in love with his and thought a Tele variant could be cool. I also wanted a gold finish like they used for the early 70s Les Paul Deluxe. I love that color and I love how they turn green where you play them. It turned out a beast out of the box. It barks where I need it to and cleans up really well. Most of my gig is clean rhythm which I’ve done on a Tele. This thing is like a Les Tele. I think the mahogany body / maple cap thing gives it that low end growl. I played it on a gig a day after I got it and it’s been my #1 live guitar from day one.
Gold was not stock in '96, but could be special ordered by a dealer. I also was lucky enough to get a '96 Studio with factory gold hardware. Certain dealers probably did some runs with gold to stand out
Me too. It sounds different than the stop bar. A little fatter/darker sounding maybe..
Nice that color reminds me of the circa 2005 ish era Gibby Les Paul color they called desert sand burst.
Holy CRAP that's a nice top!
Thank you!
Man you should talk to @LtDave32 about a recarve & refinish. The job he’s doing on Vic’s lester is nuts.
