I went down to 8.5 (EXL130+) several years back and really enjoy them.......So does my old fingers. I also think I get a better tone out of the lighter strings, maybe a bit more harmonic undertones.
Gibson sent me a replacement ABR-1 bridge under warranty for my ‘19 Classic and it was a Tone Pros.......Same issues as the factory stamped ABR-1 bridge the came on the guitar. Ended up putting on a Gibson/Ping Nashville bridge and it solved all the rattle/buzzing issues.
I know there are some hardcore ABR-1 fans out there but I replace every ABR-1 bridge, as I did with my ’19 Classic, with a Nashville. I honestly feel the Nashville bridge is superior to the ABR-1. Yes, the ABR had buzzes and rattles on my LP Classic.
I have a ’19 LP Classic that doesn’t have even a hint of that vanilla smell, nor does the case. Not sure if I’m buying the whole buffing compound/scent thing.
I get a kick out of the vanilla smell and people thinking it’s the finish on the guitar. I sprayed 1000’s of gallons of nitro when I worked for Gibson Montana.....It’s definitely the case.
MXR Script Phase 90 ‘74 reissue custom shop......Great sounding phaser. A small notch was filed on the bottom plate for the battery terminal exit. $70 shipped to the lower 48.
Brand new Tonepros AVR-II nickel non-locking pre-notched bridge with Nashville conversion studs. I assume this is a special order item as I haven’t seen one of these without the locking set screws. $65 shipped to the lower 48 only.
Sounds like sour grapes in regards to your tech........I have a '19 Classic, its a great guitar and I really like the '61 pickups. The tech should polish both the nut and saddle slots after refilling if needed. I've been doing this (myself) for over 30 years to all the guitars that pass...
Funny, I’ve owned a lot of different Gibson pups over the past 35yrs and never really liked any besides some old T-tops and some P90’s. However, the OEM 61 zebras in my ‘19 Classic sound great after a little tweaking of the pole price and height