Would this be a mid-69 Goldtop?

[3mar67]

I wouldn't say an issue per se, at least for most.
For those specifically worried about originality and value, possibly. For those looking at playability and sound, not as much, as long as it;s priced accordingly. And a crack like that wouldn't affect the value as much as a full decapitation, as long as each were repaired competantly.

Thanks for your input. I agree paying an appropriate price is key.

 

[3mar67]

I would say zero. I wouldn't bother me in the least. Ten years ago yes- but now these LSLP's are in the lower rarified air.
Now a snap is expensive and I don't care if ol' Les hissef repaired it- that is 50%.

Thanks for your thoughts. When I held the guitar in my hands, the repair was a non-issue.

 

[3mar67]

It looks like a great guitar. Yes, there should be an adjustment in value. It is a stable repair, but it is nonetheless a repair, and thus, it is an "issue." Remember the old adage: "The longer the tale, the harder the sale." You are pondering it, and have done additional "homework" on the issue, and likely so will the next person you decide to sell it to IMHO. Some buyers will stay away, especially at today's prices.

Thank you for adding your input.
I agree that even if the small crack is not a playability issue, it will be an issue when the time comes to sell.
Just like its an issue for the seller now.
You can't even see the crack when holding the guitar in playing position (lol).
The way I look at it is -- buy something you love, and if the value decreases, you'll still love it and be happy.

 

[CK6]

Thank you for adding your input.
I agree that even if the small crack is not a playability issue, it will be an issue when the time comes to sell.
Just like its an issue for the seller now.
You can't even see the crack when holding the guitar in playing position (lol).
The way I look at it is -- buy something you love, and if the value decreases, you'll still love it and be happy.

So? Are you buying it?! Looks like a nice guitar!

 

[3mar67]

So? Are you buying it?! Looks like a nice guitar!

I'm trying to figure out whether I 'd be happy with the repaired neck, although that would be dependent on paying the right price.
And that's the thing, what is an appropriate price?
Prices are up -- and there aren't many to choose from.
Some say pay no more than 8,000 -- and some say 12,000 is in line with today's market.
Confusing to me, since I'm searching for what would be my first semi-vintage guitar, so I don't have experience in this market.

 

[CK6]

I'm trying to figure out whether I 'd be happy with the repaired neck, although that would be dependent on paying the right price.
And that's the thing, what is an appropriate price?
Prices are up -- and there aren't many to choose from.
Some say pay no more than 8,000 -- and some say 12,000 is in line with today's market.
Confusing to me, since I'm searching for what would be my first semi-vintage guitar, so I don't have experience in this market.

I hear ya..$12K US for that guitar is a lot of money. I’ve seen a ‘71 at about $4-$6k US here (Canada) and If I still find it rather high.

 

[lhric]

I hear ya..$12K US for that guitar is a lot of money. I’ve seen a ‘71 at about $4-$6k US here (Canada) and If I still find it rather high.

That guitar is close to 15k US $ now if comparing to Canadian $. The crack repair is pretty mild as to a full headstock or even partial crack break repair. Right now these guitars are selling for between lower to mid teens as far as prices go. I’m seeing late 69 early 70 Les Paul Customs selling for 13/14k US$ or more . Those have the sandwich bodies and three piece necks and short tenon. The guitar you’re referring to is actually the last incarnation of the Goldtop Les Paul standard with P90s after the earlier examples were shipped out in 1968. These still had the one piece body, Gibson pearl inlay as done in the 50s , and transitional tenon. Prior to the Deluxe model with mini humbuckers coming into play later summer.

 

[guitplayer]

OMG!!! time to let go.

 

[corpse]

It looks like a great guitar. Yes, there should be an adjustment in value. It is a stable repair, but it is nonetheless a repair, and thus, it is an "issue." Remember the old adage: "The longer the tale, the harder the sale." You are pondering it, and have done additional "homework" on the issue, and likely so will the next person you decide to sell it to IMHO. Some buyers will stay away, especially at today's prices.

The first time I came on this site I read and am paraphrasing a quote from Tom W. mentioning "a three legged dog story, was to be avoided" when purchasing a guitar. I just don't think those neck scratches qualify as a 3LDS. It's something- you say tomato, i say tomato- worthy of a discount, but providing it ticks the playability and sound boxes you require- would not dissuade my $$$.
Now MY 69GT- that poor SOB has a story and a half. Just got it back from a fret dressing.

 

[3mar67]

OMG!!! time to let go.

Yeah, yeah, I know...either buy it or move on...lol.
If the guitar was issue-free, I would have bought it already
And one thing that hasn't been discussed is the fact the luthier who did the repair also "touched up minor damage" to the first three digits of the serial number.
This guitar would fall in the early June date range, and at that time, some say it should have mini humbuckers.
It makes me wonder if the serial number was damaged accidently, or altered for a reason.
To me it looked in person like the original number was just retouched.
Maybe I'm being overly paranoid, but to me it's a lot of money (not burst money) and I have to be careful about what I'm buying.

 

[3mar67]

From the LSLP site...according to this, all three piece necks had humbuckers?
You'd think there must have been exceptions, since it was right near the cutoff.

 

[guitplayer]

The rare ones, like the one you posted, all had P-90`s.
Always exceptions. IDK. I don`t think its worth that much.
There should be one out there that has the long tenon neck.
Without any "issue". For the same or near $.

 

[lhric]

Here are two pics I just received from the seller.
Is that what the neck cavity should look like??
View attachment 17222
View attachment 17223

This one also has the late 50s bumblebee caps which I’ve seen in several of these models( the middle series goldtop standard models with one piece body and three piece neck with P90s) . It would be interesting to know where these came from and if these caps were left over? Some of these had a dark back walnut stain too and also with the “goof-hiders/ surrounds with the P90s.

 

[3mar67]

Yeah, looks like there aren't many out there -- and the few that are, are up there in price.
Here's a 69 with a repaired heel break fo $12,900.

Gibson Guitars - Olivia's Vintage Guitars - Vintage and Fine guitars

oliviasvintageguitars.com

Looks like the one with the heel-break repair, at Olivia's Vintage Guitars, sold.

 

[guitplayer]

If you are looking for one...message me

 

[guitplayer]

So I had to check the one I had. Pictured in GT believers,
558337 has a long tenon.

 

[rays44]

I always looked for "issue" guitars that were priced accordingly. Issues that I found acceptable were re-fins and changed parts. Playability and tone were my primary goals. The enjoyment I have gotten from them over the last 30 years has been well worth it. That said, they will be worth more than I paid given the passage of time.

 

[marshall1987]

So did you buy the guitar after seeing it in person....and noting the minor neck crack/repair? From what I can tell from your photos, it's a very nice '69 goldtop. If I were in the market for a similar guitar from a U.S. seller - I'd offer of perhaps....$10,000 U.S. with free shipping and 48-hour approval period.

 

[3mar67]

So did you buy the guitar after seeing it in person....and noting the minor neck crack/repair? From what I can tell from your photos, it's a very nice '69 goldtop. If I were in the market for a similar guitar from a U.S. seller - I'd offer of perhaps....$10,000 U.S. with free shipping and 48-hour approval period.

I did not buy the guitar.
I got spooked when I saw the pre-repaired photos.
I'm patient -- still waiting for the right one.
I think the guitar in this thread has since sold.