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70's Gibsons. Show off your Norlins.

Monroe

Active member
Joined
Mar 11, 2008
Messages
1,139
1976 Custom, bought it new.

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zoltan

New member
Joined
Oct 12, 2010
Messages
72
Alright, I like the custom. I know the original custom was made in 1954. Then they continued making it each and every year tol this day ? What about the re-issues ? Which era / models are considered good to find ?

Whats wrong with Norlins ? are they less valued guitars ?
 
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zoltan

New member
Joined
Oct 12, 2010
Messages
72
Ok I just made a thread asking this. I hope you guys can educate me on this topic.


:ghost:
 

mbowen

New member
Joined
Mar 6, 2009
Messages
5,022
Hi guys my Norlin is a 73 i think see thru cherry Deluxe.I owned a bunch of 70's Gibsons over the years but this is the only one i have now.Do have a 68 custom stashed still.Thanks Mike B.

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bird72

New member
Joined
Dec 13, 2006
Messages
252
I really like a lot of the Norlin's. I will say some are truly beautiful, some look workmanlike functional, and a few are kinda quirky. Some of the 3 piece tops can look really good. Since I was a 73 HS grad era I like the Norlins because that is what all my friends had! My buddy had a black custom in 72 and I always thought that was the most beautiful guitar in the world (hey I was 16 and it was!)................. I also think at some point in the future they will not as readily be called Norlin's and will be just referred to as 70's Gibsons, without the somewhat "oh but it's a Norlin" sort of disclaimer. Heck, I even like the big headstock, it reminds me of early 70's in your face rock.
 

dcooper

New member
Joined
Aug 28, 2004
Messages
148
73,I don't think there is an an original part on it. played and sounded great, real heavy.

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K

Kim R

Guest
Sorry for the interruption; got a question for you Norlin era experts:

Generally, where would you put this guitar on the time line (what year?):

Deluxe Goldtop, SN in the 509xxx range, very small volute, larger headstock, "made in USA" stamp, mini hums, goof hiders, pancake bod

My guess is 1970, but I don't have access to the history that has been so kindly supplied here in the past.

Thanks,

Kim
 

j45

Active member
Joined
Jun 14, 2002
Messages
9,081
A really good sounding 1969 Norlin Custom
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1976 Explorer LE converted to long magnet PAF's
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1976 Explorer
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1969 Goldtop
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1974 Flying V
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1976 Thunderbird
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1976 Explorer LE
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and another good sounding '69 Goldtop on the right
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Progrocker111

Well-known member
Joined
Dec 10, 2003
Messages
4,013
Sorry for the interruption; got a question for you Norlin era experts:

Generally, where would you put this guitar on the time line (what year?):

Deluxe Goldtop, SN in the 509xxx range, very small volute, larger headstock, "made in USA" stamp, mini hums, goof hiders, pancake bod

My guess is 1970, but I don't have access to the history that has been so kindly supplied here in the past.

Thanks,

Kim

Could be 74, there were still some with goof hiders in that year, although most with them were from 69-71. See you pot codes 137xxyy, xx is year and yy the week.
 

Triplet

Well-known member
Joined
Mar 13, 2006
Messages
1,675
I'm flabbergaster at the growing Norlin love on this forum. When I joined the LPF in '06 they were the scourge of the planet. I guess this is a Norlin "coming out" of sorts.:peace2

I have a '73 Deluxe, a '77 Custom, and a '78 ES-175. All fine instruments.
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K

Kim R

Guest
Could be 74, there were still some with goof hiders in that year, although most with them were from 69-71. See you pot codes 137xxyy, xx is year and yy the week.

Thanks, Prog. The guitar was definitely '71 or prior, but I don't have it in hand to check the details (trying to answer a general inquiry for another).
 

Thin_Lizzy

New member
Joined
Jul 25, 2004
Messages
1,345
Sorry for the interruption; got a question for you Norlin era experts:

Generally, where would you put this guitar on the time line (what year?):

Deluxe Goldtop, SN in the 509xxx range, very small volute, larger headstock, "made in USA" stamp, mini hums, goof hiders, pancake bod

My guess is 1970, but I don't have access to the history that has been so kindly supplied here in the past.

Thanks,

Kim

Hi Kim,

Just a wild guess while I'm at work :) and don't have any info or statistics at hand...
My guess is '71 or '72. Is the Gibson-logo embossed on the pickup covers? I have a '72 which has that.
Serial numbers are pretty useless from 70-75. Best try is to have a look at the potcodes.
 

Mark Kane

All Access/Backstage Pass
Joined
Jul 18, 2001
Messages
5,742
My first and last LP, a late '69 deluxe that's on it's 4th set of frets and 2nd top refin. I bought this new and tried for years and years to replace it because back then everyone knew that these guitars were inferior to the old ones. It has survived a maelstrom of competition, old and new, and it's the only one I own now and that's not likely to change.

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Joined
Aug 11, 2006
Messages
840
Anyone know the true concept or factory thinking behind the pankcake body?
Seems like a few extra steps involved to do it.

Glad to see these early Norlins have their day in court-
some great overlooked guitars.
 
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