1980 LP Custom, Should I buy?

[eastbaydave]

I have a chance to purchase a 1980 Les Paul Custom 3 pickup for 1,900.00 buc's. First, should I buy it? Two, is it worth the price? I've heard all the pro's & con's on the Norlin years topic on this forum. But I've always wanted a 3 pickup Lp Custom & the price is right for me. Or should I buy a 2011 Lp Classic Custom baked maple neck? I'm torn. I know the later Norlin years improved but how are the 1980 models?

 

[Jimmi]

Have you ever played a 3 pickup les Paul or SG? I found it difficult as the middle pickup gets in the way of the pick.

 

[LesAdrian]

We need pics first.

 

[ARandall]

I'd say the price is about right. 1980 will give you solid body (no pancake) but with a maple neck and volute still. If the condition is good and the pickups are original its even more of a good deal.

 

[HOT-BRIT]

No photos
no help

 

[pmonk]

I have a chance to purchase a 1980 Les Paul Custom 3 pickup for 1,900.00 buc's. First, should I buy it? Two, is it worth the price? I've heard all the pro's & con's on the Norlin years topic on this forum. But I've always wanted a 3 pickup Lp Custom & the price is right for me. Or should I buy a 2011 Lp Classic Custom baked maple neck? I'm torn. I know the later Norlin years improved but how are the 1980 models?

IMO - Gibson got back on track in building good guitars in the late 1970's and really started making great guitars early 1980's!

I have a 1981 LPC and it is a killer guitar with the only draw back being a bit heavy!

 

[BuzzHaze]

I have a 79 3 PU Custom and I LOVE it!!! It's a killer axe. I don't have any issues with the middle pickup being there. The middle PU sounds very Strat-like on mine.

I'd need to see a pic or 2 but if it's in good shape and original, then the price is excellent.

 

[Söulcaster]

I'd take the older LP.....

 

[Progrocker111]

Take older. But remember that early 80s Les Pauls are generally the heaviest from all.

 

[Billyzakk]

Have you ever played a 3 pickup les Paul or SG? I found it difficult as the middle pickup gets in the way of the pick.

never bothered me

 

[oli]

I'd take a Norlin era LP over a current regular production Gibby any day.

 

[drugprowlingwolf]

How about play the damn things and take the better one? They're both Les Pauls. They'll both sound different. I don't mean that in a harsh way but are you buying a poster or a player? C'mon man. BOTH could be absolute pigs for all you know.

Unless you're specifically looking for a Custom. I like ebony boards so I'd probably opt for the Custom. Middle pickups are weird on Gibsons though... I don't like 'em because they obstruct my pick attack. That said they do have a cool sound. I believe Keith's solo to Sympathy for the Devil was played on the middle pickup of a Black LPC.

 

[scottyk]

NORLIN

 

[Fordman65]

IMO - Gibson got back on track in building good guitars in the late 1970's and really started making great guitars early 1980's!

I have a 1981 LPC and it is a killer guitar with the only draw back being a bit heavy!

Got to disagree. I've owned a 77 and 81, but I prefer my 71 over them both. Not necessarily due to quality issues of the former, but more due to wood choice and neck size.

To the OP, I'd go with the norlin.

 

[truckermde]

in short, yes.

 

[Frampton129]

I'd buy the three pickup Custom in a heartbeat. If you don't buy it, let us know where it's at so one of us can pick it up!

 

[HOT-BRIT]

I'd buy the three pickup Custom in a heartbeat. If you don't buy it, let us know where it's at so one of us can pick it up!

that price is well below normal retail price for a 3 pup Norlin Custom

 

[HOT-BRIT]

early 80's Customs are great players

 

[BuzzHaze]

I agree. I love my 79 & 80 more than the 01 & 05. They just feel right and sound EXCELLENT. I will also agree that they are heavier than the newer LPs but that's not an issue for me.

I've spent a lifetime playing a 76 Explorer so the older LP's don't feel much different....maybe that's why I like Norlins so much. They seem so familiar even though I had never owned a Les Paul until 2011.

 

[eastbaydave]

Im going to play it before I buy it thats for sure. I've been playing for 34 years, but I have only been into Lp's for the last 6 years or so. I'm looking for something a little more on the vintage side and there's no way I can afford something from the 50's or 60's. And Lp's do vary. I had a studio and it was terrible.