Mystery Gibson Copy

[EVH9442]

Removed the bridge pup cover by the way, just so you guys know

Also, the headstock looks a bit off-proportioned in the photos, I can assure you it is the correct size

 

[cvrle1]

Here ya go you nutjobs! Work your magic! Doesn't appear to be an armadillo though...

Thanks guys!

It's Gibson Les Paul Custom.

My work here is done....

 

[reborn old]

We would need a lot of pics, front + back + Headstock shape and especially of the entire control cavity, with cover removed of course, and pickup cavity pics if you have them handy, because there are hundreds of MIJ badge names from the 70's.

We might seem like vicious nut jobs, but you're definitely guilty of wasting a lot of people's time.
If you were able to take off a pickup cover, why wouldn't you snap a pic of the neck pickup cavity while strings were off ?
... and post a pic of the control cavity ?

The good news in all of this is that those '82 embossed Gibson pickup covers are worth money and the larger headstock size is consistent with refinished Norlins from that era. A reneck might explain the lack of a serial #, FEB or neck volute.
It could very well still be MIJ copy, which is why we still need what is highlighted in bold at the top of my post.
(the control cavity shot at a bare minimum)
The headstock overlay has 1957-60 style G!bson script, but the LPC split diamond sits higher on the headstock than a legit
1957-60 model or most, if not all, re-issues would.

 

[Robbks]

Regardless of what it might turn out to be.
For the outlay, and as long as it plays well and sounds good
you've probably got a great axe with plenty of mojo.

it's got all the wear that people like to fake, and a black custom never goes out of fashion.

 

[EVH9442]

We might seem like vicious nut jobs, but you're definitely guilty of wasting a lot of people's time.
If you were able to take off a pickup cover, why wouldn't you snap a pic of the neck pickup cavity while strings were off ?
... and post a pic of the control cavity ?

The good news in all of this is that those '82 embossed Gibson pickup covers are worth money and the larger headstock size is consistent with refinished Norlins from that era. A reneck might explain the lack of a serial #, FEB or neck volute.
It could very well still be MIJ copy, which is why we still need what is highlighted in bold at the top of my post.
(the control cavity shot at a bare minimum)
The headstock overlay has 1957-60 style G!bson script, but the LPC split diamond sits higher on the headstock than a legit
1957-60 model or most, if not all, re-issues would.

I'll put a control cavity picture up ASAP

 

[EVH9442]

Here it is folks, the shot we've all been waiting for! I don't know too much about wiring, but I believe that braided wires and caps are usually characteristics of Gibsons and older guitars. Also the smell of the cavity sort of spoke for itself...


Thank you, hopefully this should do it!

 

[reborn old]

It's definitely not G!bson made or Korean made.
It's not made by any of the major MIJ manufacturers mentioned in the MIJ - FAQ above,
other than perhaps a Chushin Gakki manufactured Burny RLC or Fresher model from the late 70's
or other more obscure MIJ late 1970's manufacturer.

The cable routing in the control cavity and shape of the control cavity route most closely resemble
Chushin Gakki examples, although I haven't seen other LPC examples from this manufacturer.

The headstock overlay is most likely an aftermarket variety.

 

[EVH9442]

My initial thoughts were burny, however keep in mind that since the pickups are unoriginal, the guts may very well be unoriginal also. For right around $350 do you think I did alright? Love the guitar, but I'm just curious.

Thanks reborn!

 

[reborn old]

You're welcome ! ... sorry I couldn't be more definitive.
Post a neck pickup cavity pic if strings come off again some day
and remove the headstock pic before mods remove it for you.

$350 is a good price for anything MIJ with a set neck from that era in good playing condition
outside of the headstock overlay, which makes it illegal to buy or sell until the badge is removed.

Check eBay for valuations on those Gib embossed pup covers.
You'll be pleasantly surprised.

 

[o0mobius0o]

Different switch tips in those photos.

 

[Robbks]

.. Good eye!

 

[EVH9442]

Yes the switch tips are different, it came with the neon orange one, but was a bit too orange to look like a traditional amber switch tip, so I just swapped it with a black one I had lying around. Also, I had no idea the covers were valuable, looks like I may stick the cover back on the bridge pup! Not too shabby for a 16 year old clown if I do say so myself!

Thanks for everything!

Also, how do you thank another forum member?

 

[reborn old]

You can "like" any post as you already know, but can only thank the original poster of a thread using the
"thumbs up" button located at the bottom right of any original thread post window.

 

[Olds442]

any chance it's an aria?

kinda has that aria upper bout look to it, could be the pic angle etc.

 

[BGD]

I think my theory has already been shot down, but I thought for sure it was a Korean (Cort-made) Greco.

 

[o0mobius0o]

While you're putting that cover back on perhaps you would be so kind as to snap a photo of the neck pickup route and tenon. It may contain more clues.

 

[EVH9442]

I'm debating whether or not to put the cover back, if I do I'll be sure to post photos!

 

[warmachine]

I'm debating whether or not to put the cover back, if I do I'll be sure to post photos!

Knock your fist against the body just below the tailpiece. You getting a hollow sound or solid sound when you do that?

Atleast you'll know if its a solid top or a ply veneer hollow top.

 

[EVH9442]

She's solid as a rock...the top that is

 

[EVH9442]

Here's some pickup cavity/control cavity shots from this guitar! Seems to be a late 70's Les Paul Custom copy.

See what you cats can do!