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Need help identifying this LP custom / year..etc (74?)

harlowmedia

New member
Joined
Oct 22, 2019
Messages
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Based on the serial number (206554) the lookup suggests 64 or 74. It's my understanding there were no LPs in 64.

Can you folks help me confirm the year please.
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Tom Wittrock

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42,567
Mid 80's LP Custom with something weird about the headstock and serial number?
Spacing between the number, the Made In, and U.S.A. is very tight. :hmm
 

harlowmedia

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Oct 22, 2019
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Thanks for that info. It's been hard for me to figure out.

I thought maybe someone bought it as a 74 and in the 80's had it retro fitted with the kahler.
 

harlowmedia

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Oct 22, 2019
Messages
7
Mid 80's LP Custom with something weird about the headstock and serial number?
Spacing between the number, the Made In, and U.S.A. is very tight. :hmm

It's a LP for sure, it's one of the heaviest guitars I've ever felt. It seems heavier than the 76 that I have as well. I will try and upload a few more pictures. I do appreciate everyone's time!
 

Big Al

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Apr 24, 2002
Messages
14,537
No dot over i in logo. Can't get to my notes but that looks like an early 70's that was "upgraded" in mid/llate 80's. Notice lack of grounding plate and original wafflebacks. My guess is it's control cavity is old style and it has a modified tenon. Looks to be a Kalamazoo built 74 Custom heavily modified in the 80's, pots, knobs, kahler and frets would be my guess. Case is 74 style.
 

harlowmedia

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Oct 22, 2019
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thanks again everyone for all the info.

Turns out this baby is one of those norlin era LP's. It's got the 2 piece mahogany with the thin maple in the middle of the body.

It's also got those "goof hiders" on the pickups. This is an interesting piece for sure. I think I'm going to have my son 3D print some more goof hiders if any of you folks need them.
 

Tom Wittrock

Les Paul Forum Co-Owner
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Aug 2, 2001
Messages
42,567
It's also got those "goof hiders" on the pickups. This is an interesting piece for sure.

I doubt those are original. I have never seen or heard of "goof hiders" on full size humbuckers or on Les Paul Customs. :hmm
 

El Gringo

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Apr 8, 2015
Messages
5,657
I see the goof hiders in the photo , but what are they and why ? Sorry for being dense on this .
 

Big Al

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Apr 24, 2002
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Home made extra rings around the factory rings ? Why ? what do they accomplish or do ? or is it a cosmetic thing ?

Why numbskulls and serial modmiesters do the things they do is the eternal question, amigo. People do dumb s#@t all the time and there are no shortage of self proclaimed "techs" who mangle and botch jobs. The diy skinflint or the cheapskate who picks the lowbid repairman have left a legacy of headscratching and face palming mutts. Don't assume this is factory stock.
 

harlowmedia

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Oct 22, 2019
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7
More fun. I took the kahler off and looked at the routing. The kahler routing was not great but the routing for the pickups looked factory. I see why the good hiders are there. The routing is just a hair over. Lol

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El Gringo

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Apr 8, 2015
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5,657
Why numbskulls and serial modmiesters do the things they do is the eternal question, amigo. People do dumb s#@t all the time and there are no shortage of self proclaimed "techs" who mangle and botch jobs. The diy skinflint or the cheapskate who picks the lowbid repairman have left a legacy of headscratching and face palming mutts. Don't assume this is factory stock.
Thanks Big Al , I Know Gibson would not put that on there instruments , but I was scratching my head wondering if there was a practical application or purpose for doing that , or what was it that someone was trying to hide or cover up ? That's what the real explanation is most likely ?
 

harlowmedia

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Joined
Oct 22, 2019
Messages
7
Are yours T-tops? Most likely they are, which are different than the ones on Reverb. :hmm

I will have to look. I'm learning more and more on this thing. Pretty interesting stuff. Thanks for everyone's help. Great forum here of knowledgeable people!
 
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