Trading vintage for vintage

[Subliminal lanimilbuS]

Do you have specs for weight on the 54? What is the weight of your 52?

 

[rays44]

Best advise was to get the compensating bridge for your '52. Once you fix that, they're magic. My '68/69 Custom is the favorite of all my Lesters. When you add the '56 Special it's a collection I personally wouldn't give up for the "54. I have a '57 Special and a 'late '53 goldtop as well, so I am familiar with these wonderful guitars. Think it through carefully and good luck with your decision.

 

[aladdinsane]

Do you have specs for weight on the 54? What is the weight of your 52?

8 lbs. 15 oz on the 54, 8 lbs. 7 oz on the 52.

 

[Subliminal lanimilbuS]

Tough choice you have and I see why you asked in the forum. 52 weights are often nice like yours. 54 is a half pound heavier, but still nice too. A lot of people really like 52's with a shaved or different bridge and no neck reset. Only problem is that requires some modification. I have never played a 52 with its original bridge so I don't know what that is like. 54's don't come around every day. Specials are nice, but if you have the 54 do you really need it anymore. If you wait to long and miss the 54 are you going to end up regretting it. Quite the dilemma. I know someone that might be interested in the 52 if you want to sell it. Maybe some cash in the deal could be in your favor more than trade.

 

[Drayve85]

It’s situations like these that make me appreciate being poor! Y’all have rich people problems!jk. If I were in your position, and with my life experience, I would be hesitant to trade 2 or 3 guitars for one, unless you REALLY know what you’re giving away and what you’re getting in return. Do you know the three guitars that are up on the chopping block to know that you won’t lay awake in bed a year from now saying to yourself “self; why did you get rid of that AMAZING guitar?!” Same goes for the 54. Have you played it and it’s just an amazing piece of lumber? These are times when you want to think of your future self, as best as you can. Good luck!

 

[aladdinsane]

Well, it is done! My new 54 goldtop! Never thought I would have one. I couldn't bear to part with the 68 custom or the Special, so I added two 80s customs (80 silverburst and an 83) with the 52 and some cash to get it. The 83 Custom was my first good guitar and tough to part with, but this is a dream guitar for me.

Thank you all for your help/input!

 

[bern1]

I think you made the right move on this guitar.

 

[S. Weiger]

Congrats, looks very nice!

 

[rockabilly69]

I think you made the right move on this guitar.

I'm with Bern, trading in the Special wouldn't have sat right with me. I think slab Mahogany 50's LPS sound different the their hog/maple counterparts. Sometimes I prefer the slab body models.

 

[Subliminal lanimilbuS]

Sweet. 70 years old and still ticking.

 

[aladdinsane]

I'm with Bern, trading in the Special wouldn't have sat right with me. I think slab Mahogany 50's LPS sound different the their hog/maple counterparts. Sometimes I prefer the slab body models.

I played the Special again when I was trying to make a decision and it's just magical. Couldn't do it. Mine has a very hot bridge pickup and the thickest neck of any of my guitars. Definitely a different beast from the goldtop.