'56 Goldtop

[rlw]

I bought a Epi '56 Goldtop (a 1999 Unsung factory model fulled rewired and refurbished) a few days ago as it was something I had always wanted, for the looks more than anything. When it arrived I was surprised at how light it was and when I played it I was really disappointed by the sound. It was very thin, kind of hollow sounding and not at all what I had expected. My other guitar is an LP Studio and that has so much bottom end and sustain, whereas the Epi, as I say, was kind of LP-Lite. I played it for about thirty minutes and put it back in the packaging.

I've read on here how much some of you enjoy these guitars and I'm wondering if there was something odd or different about mine. I've sent it back to the dealer now but he was surprised by my comments too.

What do you think? I'd be pleased to hear.

 

[gsmacleod]

Sorry to hear - my 56GT doesn't suffer from being thin. Lots of snarl and great both clean and driving an amp.

Shane

 

[fishered]

also sorry to hear i just put mine down and it is opposite of yours very heavy and lots of growl and sweet when played clean i have the same model as you Unsung 99

 

[Curmudgeon]

I have an '08 MIC and while it's not as heavy as my it's just a shade over 9 lb. As far as the sound goes, it drives my amp into breakup a lot sooner than either my or my Elitist. I'm wondering if the previous owner screwed up the wiring. It definitely shouldn't sound thin. You should see if Clive (Unsung Heroes) has a '56 in stock. He's a vendor here and an all-around great guy who would do right by you.

 

[Unsung Heroes]

Funny you should mention that Brian, rlw actually bought this very guitar from me!

It's a lovely example from 1999, with a quite sublime feeling neck... I didn't personally notice anything 'unusual' from a tonal perspective, but I get so many differing models through here, that it's sometimes tough to maintain a point of comparison

However, with rlw clearly not 100% satisfied, a full refund was immediately given and I'll get it back tomorrow. I'm going to be intrigued to see what gives and whether there is indeed an absence in the low-end which can be rectified

Richard - my unreserved apologies to you once again that it didn't meet your hopes and expectations - we'll get you sorted out one way or another!

 

[Paulie C]

OP, got me curious, what amp or amps did you play it through?

 

[charlie chitlins]

Yer doing something wrong.
Crank that sucker up!

 

[rlw]

Funny you should mention that Brian, rlw actually bought this very guitar from me!

It's a lovely example from 1999, with a quite sublime feeling neck... I didn't personally notice anything 'unusual' from a tonal perspective, but I get so many differing models through here, that it's sometimes tough to maintain a point of comparison

However, with rlw clearly not 100% satisfied, a full refund was immediately given and I'll get it back tomorrow. I'm going to be intrigued to see what gives and whether there is indeed an absence in the low-end which can be rectified

Richard - my unreserved apologies to you once again that it didn't meet your hopes and expectations - we'll get you sorted out one way or another!

No need to aplogize Clive - its a fabulous guitar and I'm sorry that we didn't get on. The photo doesn't do it justice either - in the wood and metal it really is gorgeous.

 

[rlw]

OP, got me curious, what amp or amps did you play it through?

Cornford Harlequin and a Fender Deluxe 90 DSP. On both I was getting a woody resonance at a far higher frequency than my Studio. Obviously very different pickups but strung the same. By way of a comparison, if you think in automobile terms it was the difference between a high revving Ferrari V8 like an F360 or F430 and a hemi engined Dodge Charger.

Maybe I'm expecting to much.

 

[Paulie C]

Could be you just don't care for the P- 90's.

 

[rlw]

Could be you just don't care for the P- 90's.

But I'm having a great time with a loaned LP Special with P90s although it, too, doesn't go so deep.

 

[Stevie 202]

That's the same year and make as mine, but I completely rewired it and put in a set of Parson Street P-90s.
It's one of the best sounding guitars I have.

http://www.mylespaul.com/forums/gibson-les-pauls/330830-p90-owners-club-post6861052.html#post6861052

 

[Unsung Heroes]

I received the guitar back today. Compared it back-to-back with my BurstBucker loaded 2003 Classic and have to say I loved playing it personally!

Different characteristics and outputs of course, but nothing 'wrong' per se - so I can only really conclude that the Epi '56 GT isn't quite going to float Richard's boat. Nothing wrong with that either of course - we all love and look for different things

I have to openly add that throughout the whole preparation, selling and return process, Richard has been nothing but a joy to have as a customer - so thank you!

 

[Paulie C]

This thread sure sends a positive message about dealing with Clive. The fact that he believes in 100% customer satisfaction, and runs his business like a pro, makes him a stand up guy to deal with. Nice!

 

[claven2]

Personally, I love P90's I wonder what is costs for Clive to ship them to Canada?

 

[notjoeaverage]

I have a '99 Unsung 56 GT as well. I've rewired it going with Switchcraft switch and jack, braided 22AWG shielded pushback wire, Russian PIO .033 caps and CTS 500k Vintage Taper pots 7% tolerance. It was good before the changes, now it is very good.

 

[JohnnyN]

This thread sure sends a positive message about dealing with Clive. The fact that he believes in 100% customer satisfaction, and runs his business like a pro, makes him a stand up guy to deal with. Nice!

+1
I bought a guitar from Clive last year - pleasure to deal with, responsive, fast shipping etc. etc.

 

[Unsung Heroes]

This thread sure sends a positive message about dealing with Clive. The fact that he believes in 100% customer satisfaction, and runs his business like a pro, makes him a stand up guy to deal with. Nice!

Thanks Paulie - that's very much appreciated

 

[Unsung Heroes]

Personally, I love P90's I wonder what is costs for Clive to ship them to Canada?

I'd happily pack it all up for you sir, but the insured shipping costs across the pond are heavy at around £75 (C$135)

 

[Dolebludger]

When I got my '09 56 GT new, My amp was a Mesa Nomad, and the tone left something to be desired. I got some FX, like a graphic EQ, compressor, and BBE sonic maximizer. But the tone of anything through that amp left something to be desired, given my playing style and tonal expectations. No such problems with the amps I have now (see my sig.). I really think that the amp makes a world of difference, and certain amps and certain guitars are incompatible.