2000 Aged Goldtop

[Chase3008]

Hi all, long time lurker first time posting. I just recently came into posession of a 2000 Goldtop that is claimed to be aged by Tom Murphy. I’ve done a ton of research on these guitars and I haven’t found any reference to any of them being American guitars. There are plenty of references to the Yamano run. This one has some serious Dickey Betts vibes going on. I’m just trying to figure out exactly what I have. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Serial # is 7 0872.

Chase

 

[MarcB]

I’m no expert but in my opinion this does look like a 2000’s Tom Murphy.. as all the other models from this year show that he was aging less in comparison to the later True Historics..
here’s some examples that share the same type of ageing pattern..

https://reverb.com/item/6757427-gibson-custom-shop-57-les-paul-2000-tom-murphy-aged-goldtop?utm_source=rev-ios-app&utm_medium=ios-share&utm_campaign=listing&utm_content=6757427

 

[gmann]

Nice!

 

[c_wester]

Looks good ! But as we all know we need a sound clip!

 

[markguitar]

There were a number of them in the US, I just sold one that I’ve gad a few times.

 

[jb_abides]

Congrats, quite a looker. Yeah, the vibes are strong in this one. Enjoy!

 

[Midnight Blues]

Nice! Congrats, HNGTD

play her in good health and

to the LPF!

 

[Cowentin40]

Tom Murphy puts a signature when he ages a guitar, right next to the bridges knobs, as you can see on the picture :

 

[MarcB]

I’m under the impression that TM didn’t sign some of the early guitars..

Found this thread on the Gibson forum with more info.. and advice on authentication via Gibson.

Tom murphy aged?

Hi, I've bought a R9 lespaul and the seller told me it was a Tom Murhy aged guitar. But i only have a signature of tom murphy on the backplate cover and no specific COA for that (i've got the usual COA of gibson..no more...) I've read that Tom murphy signed guitar he made into the control cavity ...

forum.gibson.com

 

[Chase3008]

Thanks all! I’m loving everything about the guitar so far except the pots. For whatever reason the usable range on them is only between 10 and 8. Any recommendations on replacements? Or would it be best just to convert all the wiring to a 50’s style?

 

[MarcB]

Thanks all! I’m loving everything about the guitar so far except the pots. For whatever reason the usable range on them is only between 10 and 8. Any recommendations on replacements? Or would it be best just to convert all the wiring to a 50’s style?

I was suggested to get Centrlab replacement pots..
post a picture of the wiring loom.. and any markings on cover etc

Nostalgic Conversions - Centralab Hybrid Pots - Over 500k Audio Taper | Nostalgic Guitars

These are the same potentiometers used in our custom wiring harnesses. We have a limited number of new old stock Centralab audio taper potentiometers that were manufactured with the incorrect housing and/or shaft for use in a guitar. We’re able to combine the original Centralab electrical...

www.nostalgicguitars.com

 

[Chase3008]

Here’s a shot of the wiring. I think I’m leaning toward swapping the whole thing out. Any opinions on the matter would be greatly appreciated.

 

[MarcB]

View attachment 27230


Here’s a shot of the wiring. I think I’m leaning toward swapping the whole thing out. Any opinions on the matter would be greatly appreciated.

I’ve read that Monty’s 50s wiring looms are good.. which use their own oil caps.. they’re based in the UK though.. so it’ll be extra cost to the US..

50's wiring loom for Les Paul

Monty’s 50s wiring loom is the perfect way to upgrade the wiring on your Les Paul style guitar using premium components and a traditional layout. Please note that these wiring harnesses are different from our 335 and SG style wiring harnesses(available here) and that they are not easily...

www.montysguitars.com

But most LPF members will say the Throbak looms are the best.. (and they look way cooler)

Vintage 50's Style Les Paul Guitar Wiring Harness

ThroBak - The best in Vintage reproduction guitar pickups, electric and acoustic guitar strings and guitar effects pedals to meet the needs of every guitar player. Made in USA

www.throbak.com

 

[duaneflowers]

Hi all, long time lurker first time posting. I just recently came into posession of a 2000 Goldtop that is claimed to be aged by Tom Murphy. I’ve done a ton of research on these guitars and I haven’t found any reference to any of them being American guitars. There are plenty of references to the Yamano run. This one has some serious Dickey Betts vibes going on. I’m just trying to figure out exactly what I have. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Serial # is 7 0872.

Chase

Does that have the ultra rare super lightweight Lifton? If so, I believe they only appeared for the 1999 Aged 40th Historics and the 2000 aged gold tops made for Japan. I've got one of the Yamano run aged by TM... killer guitar!!!