Custom Shop Les Paul fade test

[sozo]

Last summer I became curious as to whether a Custom Shop Les Paul would fade on exposure to UV in the way that’50s ‘bursts did, I’ve heard/read contrary opinions on the subject.

So I carried out an experiment on an R9 of mine over the summer - whenever we had a hot day, my guitar would get put outside in the sun. Sure enough, the top has nicely faded, it started out as an Iced Tea, and now looks more like Antiquity Burst.

To remind myself of the colour it used to be I removed the pickguard and switch ring, see photos.

 

[JP'59]

That's awesome. Looks great.

 

[jb_abides]

Nice... looks like it helps reveal more flame from under the tea perimeter too.

 

[MarcB]

A great experiment to undertake.. as I’ve been pondering this question for while.. and your results are positive.. well done.

 

[GreenBurst]

Cool. What year is your R9?

 

[sozo]

Cool. What year is your R9?

2021

 

[Joe_Guitar]

Great experiment. Awesome guitar!!!

 

[El Gringo]

Awesome as I love how she looks now !

 

[El Gringo]

Nice... looks like it helps reveal more flame from under the tea perimeter too.

So true !

 

[Happy Tree]

Interesting test! I'm not going to leave my R9 out in the sun but it's nice to know it may change subtly from being hung on the wall.

 

[Wizard1183]

This is not new. I’ve done this ages ago

 

[sozo]

I found a photo I took of the same R9, taken on the day I bought it three years ago, as it hung on the wall in the shop.

I thought I'd post this picture as well, I'd forgotten how dark a burst it was back then, what a difference!