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Evolution of the Alnico Custom

Sams

New member
Joined
Jun 18, 2020
Messages
4
Hi -

I've come across a les paul custom that is definitely 50's, but the serial number is gone. Is there a good source for year by year info on these alnico black beauties? Only variable I see on this specific one is the later style knobs (not speed knobs). Did the caps change along the way? Don't know a whole lot about dating these - any assistance is appreciated.

Thanks
 

VamboRool

Active member
Joined
Nov 25, 2015
Messages
424
I believe the date code on the pots will be located on the side and not on the back of the pot. Get a small inspection mirror to view.
 

S. Weiger

Well-known member
Joined
Nov 25, 2002
Messages
1,744
Hi -

I've come across a les paul custom that is definitely 50's, but the serial number is gone. Is there a good source for year by year info on these alnico black beauties? Only variable I see on this specific one is the later style knobs (not speed knobs). Did the caps change along the way? Don't know a whole lot about dating these - any assistance is appreciated.

Thanks

Hi & welcome :salude

Usually it's a red flag when ser.no is missing, particularly on black beauties.
While it can disappear over time if the instrument was handled carelessly (I know of 2 such 50's Gibsons),
the usual reason is either (1) It was stolen, or (2) Black paint on back of headstock to hide a repair.

As always, my advice is free and worth every penny :)
 
Last edited:

poor man's burst

Active member
Joined
Oct 3, 2010
Messages
421
Most of '54 Les Paul Custom don't have serial number. I don't remember having seen one with. Earlier models have a shorter headstock.
 

irishbog

Member
Joined
Feb 14, 2018
Messages
36
Hi & welcome :salude

Usually it's a red flag when ser.no is missing, particularly on black beauties.
While it can disappear over time if the instrument was handled carelessly (I know of 2 such 50's Gibsons),
the usual reason is either (1) It was stolen, or (2) Black paint on back of headstock to hide a repair.

As always, my advice is free and worth every penny :)


Hopefully I'll be receiving my 50s LP Custom next week. Serial is gone due to a headstock repair - but I suspect it's a 55 due to the old caps (Cornell Dubellier).
Do we know when they started with the Bumblebee caps?
When I get it I'll have a chance to use a mirror to see the Pot date codes...
 
Last edited:

zhivago

Well-known member
Joined
Sep 29, 2004
Messages
1,417
Do we know when they started with the Bumblebee caps?


In my archive, the earliest '55 listed with Bumblebees is serial 513038. :jim

Luckily I have the guitar before it listed too, 513037, but it has what appear to be changed caps.

stunningv_1451489652_55512.jpg
 
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