55 R?

[cryptozoo]

Wildwood's got a bunch of new '55 R's in stock, including non-center seam bursts with a wraptail and 'bucker and a pretty cool Black Beauty. I didn't realize Gibson was doing a run of these this year. Anyone have any other info on them? It appears some have Tonepros hardware.

 

[Hardrock Gunter]

Don't have any info on these but I think they look awesome!! I really dig the non-center seam ones! :applaude

 

[Steven]

Was it possible to buy a Sunburst with humbuckers in 1955 ?
Reissue ?:hmm

 

[cryptozoo]

The bursts are supposed to be '55 conversions, hence the humbucker, non-center seam and light back. I'm really diggin' the Black Beauty with 'buckers and a wraptail.

 

[Ad_02Std]

Those wrap-tail Customs look cool.

 

[27sauce]

I want!

 

[Steven]

The bursts are supposed to be '55 conversions,..

Ah, a Reissue of a conversion ?
Elegant,......

 

[mikev]

Was it possible to buy a Sunburst with humbuckers in 1955 ?
Reissue ?:hmm

On the site it says "These feature an off set center seam and light backs, capturing a phase throughout the 60's and 70's where players would take a Gold Top Les Paul and refinish the top in a Sunburst." I guess they forgot "and route them for humbuckers"?
I was wondering the same thing..

 

[Steven]

And how can you distinguish a R55 in gold from a R4/R6/R7 at some distance ?

 

[Axel]

I like the Custom with P-90's and stopbar, but the bursts with light back?! Yikes.

 

[6L6]

Cool to see a bunch of new ones but isn't this just another way to sell more guitars? The word "prototype" seems to pop up a lot these days.

 

[Radagacuca]

i totally dig those wrap tail customs... fighting my gas right now... argh

 

[Mark Kane]

Cool to see a bunch of new ones but isn't this just another way to sell more guitars? The word "prototype" seems to pop up a lot these days.

Selling new guitars is what they get paid for!! Those wrap tail customs really make me think things!!!!:headbange

 

[sidekick]

Gibson, (effectively) already do an R5... The R4 is more tailored to '55 vintage specs in the pickup placing.

I guess I can see where Wildwood are coming from regarding the 'burst conversion angle though.

All variations on how original period guitars have been modified by some over time.

 

[Steven]

What about a variant of an original 1957 converted to a 'burst and then converted back to a Goldie ?
Lots of variants to cover out there.
Next up,... different Junior-styles with 'buckers.

 

[cryptozoo]

While we're on that point, I'd like to see a run of Goldtop '55s and '57s with non-center seam flametops underneath the gold finish. :biggrin:

 

[fastkev]

I've seen posted here that real Bursts have the binding applied at an angle to match the taper of the profile, not perpendicular to the fingerboard. It will be interesting to see what unfolds.

I posted the above on Christmas Day 2008 when we were discussing the 50th Aniversary changes. I'm interested in what the Wildwood site says about the binding on these :

"The binding curves with the profile of the neck; giving a more seamless feel (you can actually see the binding from the back of the neck)."

I'd be interested to hear anyone's thoughts if you get to try one.

 

[DANELECTRO]

Not really my thing. I like the look of the wraptail'd humbucker'd sunburst'd top, but not with the natural back. That combo looks odd, IMO. I'm sure they're nice players, its just not a look that appeals to me.

 

[Patrick Ginnaty]

Really like the wraparound bridge Customs... both variations.

 

[SheltonGuitar]