1974 '55 RI Les Paul Special

[stilwel]

I took a chance on this from the GC used website. From the description it's missing the switch tip and the bridge goof ring, but it has the OHSC. Has a couple of small holes in the top from what appears to be a since removed vibrato installation. Maestro maybe? I'm hoping it doesn't have a bunch of extra holes around the rear strap pin as well.


I'm having it shipped to my local GC. If it's a player it will be going home with me. The price was right, but if it's not in good player shape GC can hold onto it. Been watching for one of these for some time. I hope it's a keeper. If so, it will be getting an aged Mojoaxe CWT and I'll see about having a new goof ring made for it. I wonder if Dan makes those too?


These are all the pics they had on the listing.

 

[Bob Womack]

Back in the day Joe Walsh used one of these for slide. I always wanted to get my hands on one to see how they sounded.

Bob

 

[stilwel]

Setup with a fresh set of 11-49's, a quick truss rid adjustment, dropped the bridge down for better action, a bit of scrubbing and this little lady looks and plays really nice now. It even stays in tune and, surprisingly, isn't intonated half bad given the bridge.


The finish has lots of checking which wasn't obvious from the original photos, nor this one. The OHSC is pretty rough, and smelly, but does the job. Smells like it was in a damp basement. Musty/ mildewy. Ick.

It even came with case candy, though I'd rather that they previous owner had kept the bridge goof ring instead.

Control cavity looks all original.

Looks like it was dropped at some point and the jack plate isn't original.

Original Gibson Deluxe tuners

Abandoned mounting holes for a Roland synth pickup (shameful) and the long-gone goof hider holes.

Lots of checking like this all over the face.

 

[stilwel]

Smelly OG case

My Norlins (with '75 LPC)

 

[stilwel]

The Three Amigos.

 

[deytookerjaabs]

Hot damn your '74 Special is smokin'


I don't get jealous too often but that sucker is right up my alley, congrats.

 

[stilwel]

Hot damn your '74 Special is smokin'


I don't get jealous too often but that sucker is right up my alley, congrats.

Thanks man! I'm really loving it!

 

[Bob Womack]

So, does it sound basically like an SG with P-90s?

Bob

 

[stilwel]

So, does it sound basically like an SG with P-90s?

Bob

I haven't laid hands on an SG for a long time...not my thing, but I suspect it has to sound different due to the body thickness.
This isn't nearly as thin as an SG. This Special is nearly 1.75" thick.

 

[Xpensive Wino]

So, does it sound basically like an SG with P-90s?

Bob

My first Les Paul was a '55 Special. It was, dare I say it, a 'burst killer'...literally.

Wish I hadn't exchanged it years later.

 

[stilwel]

I'm in negotiations with Dan at Mojoaxe for an aged CWT and some aged bridge studs.

Does anyone know if these guitars have 1" vintage spec stud threads or modern 7/8" length?

 

[stilwel]

I pulled the bridge last night. The studs are 7/8" in case anyone is curious.

 

[guitplayer]

Would 1 inch studs still work?

 

[Kris Ford]

Would 1 inch studs still work?

I have used them on TPs..BUT, didn't deck them..:hmm

 

[stilwel]

I had to run the bridge pretty low to get the action right. So I don't want to take a chance of the 1" studs bottoming out and not being able to get it setup right.

If it has 7/8" now, I know 7/8" will work, so that's what I ordered.

 

[Tubes 'n Wood]

stilwel, what are the pickups in the Custom?

 

[stilwel]

stilwel, what are the pickups in the Custom?

Those are the original T-Tops. I removed the gold covers (keep them in the guitar case) and replaced them with gold Schaller pickup surrounds.

I was in a U2 Tribute band for many years...

 

[Big Al]

I bought back in 75 just like that one. As a P90 fan I was thrilled. What a great guitar it was and I know just how you feel.:salude:hank:hank

 

[stilwel]

I bought back in 75 just like that one. As a P90 fan I was thrilled. What a great guitar it was and I know just how you feel.:salude:hank:hank

Thanks man! This guitar is killer. Really loving it.

i removed the old bridge yesterday and gave the fretboard a good drink with some Howard Feed-N-Wax. Looks great now. It really darkened the Rosewood.

I installed the new Mojoaxe CWT. Unfortunately they sent me the 1" studs, which as I suspected, are too long. So I'm using the originals for now.

 

[stilwel]

Duplicate post