Best year for a '54 RI Goldtop

[BKRMON]

Been thinking 'bout a '54 RI Goldtop for quite some time, but what year? Does it really matter?

I have been following plaintop59's thread on the best year for an Historic, but there is little or no mention of the 54 RI. are the 96-01 '54 RI Goldtops essentially the same? Or are there changes from year to year like the '59s? Do they all have the long neck tennon? Did the fret wire size change in '01 like on the '59s?

Like Dave P., I prefer bigger frets. My '72 has had jumbos for the last 20 years.

 

[vibrolux]

Well I just got a '01 '54 Gt and the frets are on the higher side compared to the '01 '57 I was thinking about. I think you can get used to anything but now that I have these higher frets I actually like them a lot.

THere is a nice '01 '54 on ebay at a great price.

Good luck.

Mikey

 

[BKRMON]

Thanks vbrolux.

There's a '97 model '54 RI on Ebay, too. I also know of a '96.

Just wondering if there is really much difference between the 3 of 'em.

 

[vibrolux]

wish I could shed some light on the subject.

 

[JOE]

I’ve also been looking for just the right 54 Goldtop ( I’m currently the high bidder on an ’01 on Ebay ).

It is my understanding that all Historic LP’s have the long neck tenon, and apparently the latest ones are a bit more historically accurate in the details. Of course that doesn’t make them better guitars, but it is one thing to possibly consider.

 

[BKRMON]

I’ve also been looking for just the right 54 Goldtop ( I’m currently the high bidder on an ’01 on Ebay ).

Glad ya' told me. I'll lay off.

Come on JOE, we're rootin' for ya!

 

[BKRMON]

Hey Joe, I see you have a Goldtop coming your way, too. Congrats.

http://cgi.ebay.com/aw-cgi/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=1463780286

I decided to go with the '96 model.

 

[JOE]

Thanks BKRMON. I hope we both get a good one.

Which one did you get?

 

[Jato]

The Bkrmon shoots...he scores! Congrats on the exPcad/exVaughnC tone machine. I am jealous, but happy for you. A complete description and tone comments if you please, when you receive aforementioned Golden Beauty!
Steve

 

[BKRMON]

Joe,

It's 1996 '54 RI. Wasn't on Ebay.

Jato,

Sorry Steve, I didn't know you were interested 'til I saw that old post that Chris dredged up. I been wanting a P90 Goldtop for a looong time, being a Les Dudek fan since the 70s. BTW, turns out I offered Vaughn exactly what Peter had sold for anyway. The rest is history. Can't wait.

 

[vibrolux]

Is it there yet??

C'mon man, give us the juice....we need some good news on anything.
Thanks
Mike
'01 -54 Goldtop

 

[BKRMON]

It's on the way. ETA Wednesday!