My '81 LP Custom

[SteveC]

Hi Everyone,

I'm new here, but I did spend some time reading the Sticky threads and FAQ's. Thanks to all who contributed to the content and follow-on posts. I learned a lot about my "Norlin".

I'd like to learn more, if anyone feels inclined to add some comments here.

Here are some pix of the guitar that I bought brand new, back in Jan of '82. I paid $650, all in. Other than the occasional set up and adding the tune-o-matic bridge, it is 100% original. The factory bridge and pup covers are in a cloth bag, in the original case.

I am considering a refret, with jumbo frets and I am also considering changing all the metal over to chrome. The gold has become quite pitted, over the years. and, the machine heads are getting quirky. I am not able to find exact replacements, for what appear to be Shaller M6's - yet with a "Gibson" back cover.

So, I would welcome any comments, information and thoughts that anyone would care to share with me.

Thanks - steve

 

[themightyjaymoe]

Very nice.

 

[Oranjeaap]

Lovely

 

[Zack]

great condition

 

[1981 LPC]

Schweet!

Check out Faber for your new bridge and tailpiece, excellent products for a good price.

 

[SteveC]

After further review and consideration...

I have decided to refret with larger wire. I need a level/finish anyway.

That said... suggestions for a good luthier in the Phila metro area would be most appreciated. A forum search led me to several dead ends and Google was not my friend.

Thanks in advance!!!

 

[HOT-BRIT]

I have one just like it Steve
I love the Shaw PAF's they have from this period

 

[formula73]

Schweet!

Check out Faber for your new bridge and tailpiece, excellent products for a good price.

I can't say enough about Faber. Great stuff.

Your avatar is also top notch. I hope she's not your wife because I'm in love with her.

 

[add4gibson]

Hi Steve,

If you have a chance, can you post a pic of the back of the guitar. Reason I ask, I notice your headstock appears to be a natural color...well darker than the top. I recently traded for an '81 custom...routed for the middle pickup. It's a tobacco burst on top, but the rest is plain unlike a lot of other tobacco bursts I've seen.

BTW, I have an original '76 Custom 3 pickup model(original) just like yours...love it to death. The frets need work, but I'd hate to lose the binding on the sides for a refret.

Cheers,

Todd

 

[gem12]

$650 B-New ?

NICE

 

[Gear.Pig]

I have the same guitar, although mine does not have a TP-6 tail piece.

I like the aged gold, but nickel would be cool as well. And I second the Faber hardware, good stuff at a fair price.

I also had a refret done with stainless steel jumbos. It was done by Michael Tuttle of Best Frets, but I understand he no longer does refrets and is more into making his own line of guitars now.

The original Shaws are long gone, and I've used a few different pickups in it. Here's a few pics of each pickup set to give you an idea what they look like, should you consider changing yours around. I did at one time consider making it look like a Mark Bolan with chrome and cream, but the zebras are what it looks like currently.

 

[NashvilleCat]

Very nice!! Welcome to the "81" club. Wish mine still had the Shaw's but ahh well.

 

[Oranjeaap]

How do you like the jumbo's carrot?

And nothing beats worn gold hardware in my opinion

 

[Gear.Pig]

I really like the jumbo stainless steels, they plays smoooootoh. Low fast and slinky. This is the best player guitar ever. Sounds mean too, full thick, non-weight relieved boat anchor with a maple neck is fat and clear at the same time. I don't know why people knock Norlins because this thing slays.

 

[Kezman]

Man! I wish you Custom guys would stop teasing me

I'll be there soon

 

[tazzboy]

Very cool looking LP

 

[BuzzHaze]

Looks great and those Shaw pickups are fantastic sounding. I have an 80 Standard in the same natural finish...same pickups. I really like the black plastics. Mine is all white/cream color.

 

[SteveC]

Hi Steve,

If you have a chance, can you post a pic of the back of the guitar. Reason I ask, I notice your headstock appears to be a natural color...well darker than the top. I recently traded for an '81 custom...routed for the middle pickup. It's a tobacco burst on top, but the rest is plain unlike a lot of other tobacco bursts I've seen.

BTW, I have an original '76 Custom 3 pickup model(original) just like yours...love it to death. The frets need work, but I'd hate to lose the binding on the sides for a refret.

Cheers,

Todd

Sorry Todd... I've been away for a while and missed this.

I'll be glad to post a pix of the back. I just don't have one showing that, so I will need to take a shot.

It'll be a while though, since it's still up at Greg's getting refretted. I expect it back, sometime late next month.

Shoot me a PM and remind me.

I am not at all concerned about losing the nibs. We're not talking about ruining a '59 here. I love my LP, but playability is more important to me than cosmetic integrity. And, spending over $1K for a refret to keep the nibs is silly (IMHO). And, if your '81 was modded (middle pup) - then, it's already non-factory.

If you need frets - go for it and don't look back!!!

Greg's work is impeccable. I spent the better part of a day with him and his "family" a few weeks ago, up at the store. You should see some of the stuff that comes in there and the insanely amazing things that Greg does with them. I have every expectation that when finished, it will look (and more importantly - PLAY) spectacular.

-steve

 

[SteveC]

$650 B-New ?

NICE

Yea - pretty cool, eh?

Every time that I go into GC and see the junk they pass off for new LP's these days... and the silly prices Gibson charges for that junk - I just laugh!

 

[pmonk]

Yea - pretty cool, eh?

Every time that I go into GC and see the junk they pass off for new LP's these days... and the silly prices Gibson charges for that junk - I just laugh!

I'm pretty sure people said the same thing back in 1982?