Just Curious: A Question for the Norlin Folks

[hbucker]

I find it really ironic that the era most associated with the prolific use of Les Pauls (Classic Rock of the 70's) is also associated (by many) as the worst time period for LP design and production. For the record, I don't share this opinion. I simply see it as a different LP with it's own place in history. I wouldn't mind seeing a Norlin style reissue.

The question is: do you Norlin folks who visit this forum ignore the rest of this forum for all of its "cork sniffing"? By the accounts of others in other parts of this forum, there is no way a Norlin LP could possibly be a good guitar. A 3-piece neck???? Are you serious??????? A sandwiched body??? Right...

If you're a real Norlin supporter, surely you know what I'm saying. It's like you're on your own island that others here don't respect. Not unlike the Epiphone people who own Epi LP's and are told they aren't real LP's.

Just curious. From someone who doesn't own a Norlin, it almost seems like you're accepted, but you're not. Of course, I accept you. But my opinions often don't count here...

 

[acstorfer]

Hell no, I love the LP section. Sure, there is some dissing about Norlin era guitars, but it's cool. When that does happen, and it does but not too often, I for one just laugh or ignore it. I think this little section has a pretty tight bond, and that is because it all comes from a mutual respect of eachother. We are the misfits, but we really don't rely on anyone else's opinion of our guitars. We all love our guitars, so we have inner peace from that. Personally, I do love showing off my Norlin. I am like a proud dad showing baby pictures. At least that's how I feel about it. I can't speak for everyone, but that is the common belief that appears evident.

Also, for every hater, there is a good 100 members who are kind and while our choices may differ, we respect one another and are happy just knowing we all have a guitar we love.

Thanks for braving the LP leppers. Ha!

 

[acstorfer]

I could have possibly understood the hating 30-40 years ago, but the pancake solid body sounds fantastic. I wouldn't give it up for anything newer and I like newer. I have two newer LP's and have been through many many others. As far as the neck, my guitar is 38 years old, and the neck is straight, solid and my most comfortable. Don't think we have to prove anything our guitars didn't already prove. That's why we just laugh and say, yaaaaa! More Norlins for us!!!!!

 

[cmh6122]

I bought my Les Paul Artisan 33 years ago this summer. It was new and I paid like 850 bucks for it. I was 22 and making minimum wage, but whatever it took I had to have that guitar. I still have it.
The cork-sniffers can write their opinions about Norlin era Gibsons (they are Gibsons) on a sheet of 8.5 x 11 paper, roll it to a nice suppository size, and shove it where the sun don't shine. I only had to read one thread of those tools going on about what was necessary to make a 5k R9 worthy to be convinced that they are mostly money managers who think they know about mojo cause they had somebody make their reissue look like an instrument that belonged to someone who had some.

 

[1970custom]

For me, brand and year is a non-issue. I bought my '70 LPC because it was the best fit for me, in tone and feel. If I had found a $300 Samick that played and sounded just like it, I would've bought that. In all these threads, I find that is the prevailing opinion of Norlin owners; we went for playability and tone rather than a staus symbol. I don't mean to speak for everyone.

I couldn't care less if my Norlin is 'accepted' as a classic or colletable or even desireable. It's mine, I love it and it ain't going anywhere! Like acstorfer said, more for us!

I also think that the number of Norlin haters here is relatively small. Any true player here can appreciate another guy's love of his guitar, even if it's not to his liking or tastes. Hell, I read all the Kramer/Ibanez shredder threads, but I'll never own one. I just love looking at guitar pron and seeing another player's enthusiasm for the instrument.

 

[Square]

Funny thing is, in another 20 years Norlin era guitars will be bringing in huge money... My kids will be glad I liked them.

 

[zontar]

I don't confine myself to one section.

When I come here I hit the New Posts and check out new posts from all over the site.

 

[Nils]

I love to read this forum section! Almost all Norlins I've played so far sounded and played great. I just don't like the weight. Those multi-piece bodies, multi-piece necks - feck I like it in some way. They look great!

And what I like about this section: Not much hate, more sympathy.
Just like the Epiphone section: usually very friendly.
I do not like the ego testing in the Historic/Vintage sections, however those guitars are proper beauties.

One day, I'll probably own a Norlin! I've got to make some big money first.

 

[b-squared]

My '76 LPC was the first Les Paul I ever bought...got it in the early 80's...

It was my main guitar for almost 20 years. I finally had to get it refretted, as I'd worn some of the frets down to the fretboard.

Here's a pic from 'Back in the day"...and I still have the guitar, unbelievably!

BB

 

[gtr-tek]

I have several Norlin era Gibson Lesters and several newer ones. Each one I have is a solid, wonderful instrument. I understand the some of the Norlin era experiments were not very appealing and some were downright FUGLY, but many fine guitars came out of this era. The Les Pauls are certainly no exception.

A couple of the much maligned construction methods actually made for a superior instrument in terms of durability, i.e. the 3 piece neck with a volute. These were the most stable necks of ANY era. The pancake body and three piece top had more to do with getting more from less as far as the wood available was concerned. I have yet to really HEAR a difference between any of my Les Pauls due to either of those "features". Does a three piece top sound any different than a two or single piece? I doubt it. I've never heard of anyone listening to a recording and saying, "That Les Paul has a volute and a three piece top! I can hear it!" If the wood pieces are good and well joined, it probably sounds good too.

My belief is that the difference in tone between them is attributed to the wood itself and the electronics, not the construction methods employed. Each one sounds great and sustains well and resonates. I love them all and I'm keeping them!

 

[kjwolfer]

I have both a 72 Norlin and a 2010 R8. I love both guitars and frequent both sides. But truth be told I actually have bonded more with the 72 but still love my R8.