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Three Goldtops: 1952, 1977 & 2000

MythvsCraft

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Mar 15, 2016
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(Also posted this on the Sunburst/Gibson USA Pub since two of the three guitars don't qualify for the Vintage 1952–1960 Pub.)

Some time ago I noticed that Austin-based guitarist, singer & songwriter Phil Hurley had three goldtops: a '52, a '77 and a 2000.


He graciously agreed to share the stories behind each guitar and played them all through a '65 Vibrolux to showcase how they sound.

Check it out:

 

rockabilly69

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(Also posted this on the Sunburst/Gibson USA Pub since two of the three guitars don't qualify for the Vintage 1952–1960 Pub.)

Some time ago I noticed that Austin-based guitarist, singer & songwriter Phil Hurley had three goldtops: a '52, a '77 and a 2000.


He graciously agreed to share the stories behind each guitar and played them all through a '65 Vibrolux to showcase how they sound.

Check it out:


I like how much he enjoys his 1977 GT, and really, there were good ones from all the years.... https://www.lespaulforum.com/forum/...ison-of-15-different-Les-Pauls-(-52-up-to-08)
 

thin sissy

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Cool video! I didn't know about Phil but enjoyed it anyway.

I wonder what was up with the bridge pickup on the '52. It did seem a little weak, I wonder if it just needs a shim? On the other hand, the OOP middle sound on that guitar was quite good and seemed strong, maybe because the bridge pickup signal didn't cancel as much as it would if it was more level?

That '77 sounded really good in his hands.
 

MythvsCraft

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Cool video! I didn't know about Phil but enjoyed it anyway.

I wonder what was up with the bridge pickup on the '52. It did seem a little weak, I wonder if it just needs a shim? On the other hand, the OOP middle sound on that guitar was quite good and seemed strong, maybe because the bridge pickup signal didn't cancel as much as it would if it was more level?

That '77 sounded really good in his hands.

Phil has played with the height of that bridge pickup and it's currently set pretty high. I'll mention the idea of using a shim to him, though I think that could place it too close to the strings. Thank you!
 

MapleFlame

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Phil has played with the height of that bridge pickup and it's currently set pretty high. I'll mention the idea of using a shim to him, though I think that could place it too close to the strings. Thank you!

A balance of adjusting the pole pieces and shim will help a lot. Also he could try getting some different magnets from Throbak and experienent. That way he won't mess with the integrity of the P90.
 

rockabilly69

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A balance of adjusting the pole pieces and shim will help a lot. Also he could try getting some different magnets from Throbak and experienent. That way he won't mess with the integrity of the P90.
This!
 

MythvsCraft

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A balance of adjusting the pole pieces and shim will help a lot. Also he could try getting some different magnets from Throbak and experienent. That way he won't mess with the integrity of the P90.
Thank you for the tips. I shared them with Phil.

I didn't realize that Throbak sold magnets. I've heard great things about their pickups.
 

MapleFlame

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Thank you for the tips. I shared them with Phil.

I didn't realize that Throbak sold magnets. I've heard great things about their pickups.

Of course. You will have to pay attention to the direction of the magnets as to keep the out of phase sound he has now. Use a marker to put arrows indicating direction of original magnet positions. Whats cool is all you have to do is loosen the 2 Philips screws and slide the magnets out the side. Again remember which side. I learned the hard way.:)
 

MythvsCraft

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Of course. You will have to pay attention to the direction of the magnets as to keep the out of phase sound he has now. Use a marker to put arrows indicating direction of original magnet positions. Whats cool is all you have to do is loosen the 2 Philips screws and slide the magnets out the side. Again remember which side. I learned the hard way.:)

Thank you for the tips. I'll share them with Phil.
 

MythvsCraft

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Mar 15, 2016
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I thought it would be fun to take some audio outtakes and set up a blind comparison to see how well people can guess which guitar and which pickup(s) correspond to each of the seven clips.

The options are:


  • 1952 neck pickup
  • 1952 bridge pickup
  • 1977 neck pickup
  • 1977 middle position
  • 2000 neck pickup
  • 2000 middle position
  • 2000 bridge pickup



Can you guess which is which?


 
Last edited:

Progrocker111

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I thought it would be fun to take some audio outtakes and set up a blind comparison to see how well people can guess which guitar and which pickup(s) correspond to each of the seven clips.



Yes, now its the real Norlin heavy deadwood vs mythical 50s wood duel. :laugh2:
 

MythvsCraft

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Mar 15, 2016
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Here are a few hints re: the blind comparison video.

Clip #1: Middle position (1977 or 2000)


Clip #2: Bridge/lead
(1952 or 2000)

Clip #3: Neck/rhythm (1952, 1977 or 2000)


Clip #4: Neck/rhythm
(1952, 1977 or 2000)

Clip #5: Neck/rhythm
(1952, 1977 or 2000)

Clip #6: Bridge/lead (1952 or 2000)


Clip #7: Middle position
(1977 or 2000)
 

GhostInTheWillow

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Jan 24, 2018
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I purchased the 2000 Goldtop from Phil and I must say its definitely got mojo! Super well worn and just screams!
 

MythvsCraft

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Heads up... Just posted the second video in the Phil Hurley series, this time comparing his favorite hollow body and semi-hollow body guitars:


  • 1967 Gretsch Chet Atkins Country Gentleman (Filtertrons)
  • 1967 Guild Starfire III (Mini Humbuckers)
  • 1980 Epiphone Casino (P-90s)
  • 2014 Gibson Rich Robinson ES-335 (Burstbuckers)

Toward the end of the video he plays the same parts on each guitar back to back and it really illustrates how different they sound.


 
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