Differences between Norlin era LPs

[Rhoadie]

So I'm thinking of two projects and one is a RR LP. Getting the white '74 for the right price may be pretty difficult, so I am wondering about how far off of 74 can I go to get the same basic LPC? I'm planning on changing all hardware and 74 T Top-ish pick ups, but besides that, would it be travesty to buy an 80 LPC? I know 83 was when chambering and stuff happened, so before then I know is more ideal, but ya... Any help would be much appreciated

 

[jsadctnfn1]

Why would it be a travesty to buy an '80 LPC?
... and chambering didn't start in '83. Weight relieving started in '82. Is that what you were thinking? There is nothing wrong with weight relieved LPC's.

 

[Rhoadie]

Why would it be a travesty to buy an '80 LPC?
... and chambering didn't start in '83. Weight relieving started in '82. Is that what you were thinking? There is nothing wrong with weight relieved LPC's.

Ya, weight relieved... The one with the drilled holes... I was just wondering is there any real big differences between 74 to 82

 

[F.V.]

In the '81-2 years, the top carve changed (definitely on the Standards, not so sure about the Customs) and the volute went away. I would also imagine that the later years' headstocks shrank. Hope you find what you're looking for. I've also got a set of patent sticker T-Tops sitting around if you need 'em. Ping me if you do, we can talk.

 

[Gemm]

Funny enough, I do have a '74 and '80, so I can tell you the differences. The biggest difference is mahogany ('74) vs maple ('80) neck. Personally I prefer the maple as it feels more solid and smoother. Neck is slimmer on the '74. '74 also has a pancake body. Volute is also slightly smaller on the '74. '74 has a ABR-1 bridge and '80 has a Nashville. Original waffle-back tuners on '74. I think these are the main differences. I'll add if I can think of any more.

 

[Rhoadie]

Funny enough, I do have a '74 and '80, so I can tell you the differences. The biggest difference is mahogany ('74) vs maple ('80) neck. Personally I prefer the maple as it feels more solid and smoother. Neck is slimmer on the '74. '74 also has a pancake body. Volute is also slightly smaller on the '74. '74 has a ABR-1 bridge and '80 has a Nashville. Original waffle-back tuners on '74. I think these are the main differences. I'll add if I can think of any more.

Thanks, that's more of what I was looking for... I felt 80 was the farthest I could stray from the 74 and still be the same... So a 75 or 77 wouldn't be much different? No drastic changes really happened until the 80s, right?

 

[Gemm]

Thanks, that's more of what I was looking for... I felt 80 was the farthest I could stray from the 74 and still be the same... So a 75 or 77 wouldn't be much different? No drastic changes really happened until the 80s, right?

Maple neck was introduced in '75, so I would say that is a significant change. I think the pancake body was stopped in '77, so this is also a significant change. Although my 2 guitars are a bit different in terms of parts/construction, I feel plenty of 'Norlinness' in both, i.e. full of characters.

 

[Rhoadie]

Maple neck was introduced in '75, so I would say that is a significant change. I think the pancake body was stopped in '77, so this is also a significant change. Although my 2 guitars are a bit different in terms of parts/construction, I feel plenty of 'Norlinness' in both, i.e. full of characters.

Thanks a lot Gemm, that helped a bunch... And in a not dickish way too

 

[Progrocker111]

From my fairly big experience with Norlins, the early 70s pieces sound a bit different than the later with maple neck. The earlier are generally from lighter mahogany too and are often more resonant and kinda more dynamic and woody sounding. I would stay in years 70-74.

 

[Csharp]

Hey, Gemm. Are the top carves any different between yours?

 

[Progrocker111]

Hey, Gemm. Are the top carves any different between yours?

The very early Norlins had more carved tops (until approx. late 1971). Then they went regularly flatter and the most flat tops were about 76-78.

 

[HOT-BRIT]

As you guys know i have a few Norlin Les Paul's my favorite are the 70's maple neck ones

 

[BuzzHaze]

....and 1980 saw the TTops replaced with Shaws. That's a big difference from what I have read.

I'm *hours* away from landing a pristine 1980 LP Standard in natural wood, I'm just sitting here waiting for the guy to call so he can bring it over. I am very excited!!!! Love NGD's

Still, I wish I was in the US so I could have bid on this jewel.
eBay - New & used electronics, cars, apparel, collectibles, sporting goods & more at low prices

Although it looks like it may go over the $2500 I paid for my 1980

 

[HOT-BRIT]

....and 1980 saw the TTops replaced with Shaws. That's a big difference from what I have read.

I'm *hours* away from landing a pristine 1980 LP Standard in natural wood, I'm just sitting here waiting for the guy to call so he can bring it over. I am very excited!!!! Love NGD's

Still, I wish I was in the US so I could have bid on this jewel.
eBay - New & used electronics, cars, apparel, collectibles, sporting goods & more at low prices

Although it looks like it may go over the $2500 I paid for my 1980

congrats on your new guitar!!!!!!!!!!
1980 was the transitional year so they can have Shaw's or T-tops, they are both great sounding pickups.

 

[Gemm]

Hey, Gemm. Are the top carves any different between yours?

It's very difficult to tell but I don't think (feel) there's any difference. I'll try to take some pics later to see IF I can see any difference.

 

[HOT-BRIT]

It's very difficult to tell but I don't think (feel) there's any difference. I'll try to take some pics later to see IF I can see any difference.

there is always some difference even within the same year

 

[Gemm]

I just checked and '74 is flatter than '80, especially near the toggle-switch to neck PU area.

 

[pmonk]

Some guy in NYC has been trying to unload a 74 BB, but due to a headstock repair, no one is biting at the price he is trying to get.

 

[TKOjams]

http://www.mylespaul.com/forums/gibson-les-pauls/50210-gibson-les-paul-101-a.html

 

[siggy14]

Actually from my understanding the ones with the pancake bodies were usually heavier, I have a 78BB that is under 10LBS and a 79 silverburst that is just a little over ten pounds and both resonate like crazy.

From my fairly big experience with Norlins, the early 70s pieces sound a bit different than the later with maple neck. The earlier are generally from lighter mahogany too and are often more resonant and kinda more dynamic and woody sounding. I would stay in years 70-74.