LES PAUL showdown | What's the real difference between Gibson MURPHY LAB and VOS?

[Blind Lemon Chicken]

Be that as it may pick up wise. I'm glad you know because the internet doesn't.. 2013 R8 gone, ML still here.. I actually find the VOS finish to be kind of wrong not the other way around. Play what you think is right I do..At todays prices the 2013 is not that much less than the Murf..

 

[EdF_PA]

I’m in the non-relic camp so when I bought my R7 BB, I only went as far as VOS. I have to say that to my hands and ear, I could not imagine anything that an ML finish would add to the feel/playability or tone of my VOS. It is EXACTLY what I was hoping for when I ordered it. I understand the VOS treatment gives the “vibe” of a ‘57 closet queen but I’d love to go in the other direction and someday get another R7 BB M2M with gloss finish, shiny new hardware, and white binding and see how that plays and sounds. My guess is not too much different from my VOS.

 

[Any Name You Wish]

3 pickups and a Bigsby, cool! May I ask how much does it weigh?

 

[jb_abides]

I’m in the non-relic camp so when I bought my R7 BB, I only went as far as VOS. I have to say that to my hands and ear, I could not imagine anything that an ML finish would add to the feel/playability or tone of my VOS. It is EXACTLY what I was hoping for when I ordered it. I understand the VOS treatment gives the “vibe” of a ‘57 closet queen but I’d love to go in the other direction and someday get another R7 BB M2M with gloss finish, shiny new hardware, and white binding and see how that plays ands sounds. My guess is not too much different from my VOS.

I have both, not much different.

Unless they've recently reformulated VOS -- in light of Murphy Labs they did rename from Vintage Original Specification to Vintage Original SHEEN -- it's all down to the final buff and polish i.e. anyone with a modicum of skill and the right tools can buff out and polish VOS to Gloss.

However, the hardware patina will never fully 'reset' to brand-spankin' new as come with the Gloss models, it will only look less tarnished.

What I do with VOS: I de-gunk with naphtha then only use Virtuoso Cleaner (not Virtuoso Polish), which preserves the non-gloss closet queen look without polishing to a gloss sheen.

Then let age with... wear and age.

 

[EdF_PA]

3 pickups and a Bigsby, cool! May I ask how much does it weigh?

It’s a heavy one, but that’s what I wanted. 10 lb 6 oz.

 

[EdF_PA]

I have both, not much different.

Unless they've recently reformulated VOS -- in light of Murphy Labs they did rename from Vintage Original Specification to Vintage Original SHEEN -- it's all down to the final buff and polish i.e. anyone with a modicum of skill and the right tools can buff out and polish VOS to Gloss.

However, the hardware patina will never fully 'reset' to brand-spankin' new as come with the Gloss models, it will only look less tarnished.

What I do with VOS: I de-gunk with naphtha then only use Virtuoso Cleaner (not Virtuoso Polish), which preserves the non-gloss closet queen look without polishing to a gloss sheen.

Then let age with... wear and age.

Yes, I’m going to give it a go. Bought the Virtuoso in a 2-pack but I’ll see how just the cleaner works. When I bought the guitar from Sweetwater, I had about 4 guitars to choose from. Since it’s a BB I didn’t worry too much about the finish other than any obvious flaws but I did choose the one with the hardware in the least aged shape so I think the gloss finish will look good with the hardware. Can’t do much about the binding, the yellow is what it is but I think overall it will look pretty good with that hazy VOS finish buffed up. I’ll post before and after pics when I do it.

 

[LyleGorch]

Meguiars no.7 is my VOS eraser of choice.

 

[jb_abides]

Meguiars no.7 is my VOS eraser of choice.

That will certainly Gloss the VOS.

 

[Blind Lemon Chicken]

Get a ML it's shiny and cracked ha!

 

[Any Name You Wish]

Its going to look fantastic. I rather like that yellow binding. Might be nice to have the pickguard match, but maybe that doesn't yellow like the binding does. That is one heck of an axe you got there.

 

[jb_abides]

Pre-VOS, still aging nicely

 

[Blind Lemon Chicken]

So buffing a simulated pre aged finish to gloss isn't as dumb as buying a simulated pre aged guitar and being happy with that. OK got it. and how does that effect the sound ? erm that guitar polish resembles hair product..

 

[jb_abides]

So buffing a simulated pre aged finish to gloss isn't as dumb as buying a simulated pre aged guitar and being happy with that. OK got it. and how does that effect the sound ? erm that guitar polish resembles hair product..

Not exactly the same, and if you are referring to my post, that's not what I do or recommended above.

Apart from the slightly aged HW, VOS is a 'left-over' of skipping the final buff out to gloss. The 'VOS gunk' as referred to on the forums is the residue from the buffing compound left on the guitar. The VOS guitar just doesn't shine like a Gloss, which is an appearance for sure... not a simulation, but a stage.

Cleaning VOS is removal of said residue, or 'de-gunking' using naphtha. Not buffing, cleaning to remove the excess compound, etc. Then periodically clean with Virtuoso's Cleaner, which doesn't buff like Polish. So, not changing the VOS to Gloss, just preserving it minus the 'gunk' covering.

 

[Blind Lemon Chicken]

No Gunk Here.

 

[El Gringo]

Are he and his followers really discussing the tonal differences between a ML and a VOS ??

Help me understand this utter bullsh*t
View attachment 27786

This is exactly why I tend to avoid these types of videos . As everyone is pedaling there own hype to justify what they love or hawking etc. Tonal difference is within ones on ears . The ML is a price point and an option for the consumer and who doesn't love to have choices in life ?

 

[Blind Lemon Chicken]

I chose Chicken Heads .. and to not refinish my guitar..

 

[mikeslub]

He didn't use a pick, but I thought the rhythm pickups on both guitars sounded muddy. Maybe it's just my ears.

 

[Blind Lemon Chicken]

Funny how in comparison videos the object is to focus on the "same same" test but not accentuate the differences.. I think really the main gripe is the price of Murphy Lab Guitars, Gibsons have always been expensive ..I bought a 20th anniversary custom in '74 it emptied my wallet then. nothings changed. If you want a cheaper shiny one get a Standard.

 

[MarcB]

It all sounded digital to me..

 

[jb_abides]

A new ML for him!

The follow-up video presented without editorial comment: