Koontz & Thurston of Baltimore

[panhdlce]

Has anyone played a Les Paul by these luthiers? Word is they made somw replicas in the late 70's early 80's off of a real 1959 Les Paul. I have heard that their Les Pauls guitars are dead on, has anyone played a K&T replica?

 

[59gibson]

YES!!!!!! I played one about 4-5 years ago that was built by Koontz in the late 70's/early 80's. It was a fine guitar that sounded better than most historics I've owned and played. However, it was NOT DEAD ON to an original les Paul. I seem to remember the body just wasnit right. I think it was the cut-a-way, but I 'm going from memory as I haven't deen the guitar for some time. I think I friend of a friend still owns it and I'll try to get some pics or more info about it.

 

[Bossman415]

Yes I own a 1984 Les Paul Replica. At this period of time, they used a headstock inlay with a crescent moon and the initials KT in it.

They are spot on replicas as far as the dimensions and neck carves. Where they differ is in the dyes/finishes and fingerboards (indian rosewood).

The wood they used was high quality, but not Brazilian at this point. The weight is light ~8lbs w/o weight relief and sits well balanced on lap.

I had the opportunity to speak with one of the original builders, great guy. He said they had a friend who owned a vintage guitar shop.

Supposedly their friend gave them carte blanche access to a number of original bursts to copy. My KT has one of the best neck carves I've ever felt.

I'd describe it as somewhere between a '59 and '60 without the wide shoulders. It just fits right in the hand and plays like butter.

PS: please PM me if you have one of these and want to share pics. You can also find your serial number engraved/stamped on top of the open book headstock.