NGD: 1989 Les Paul Standard (goldtop) - part turd

[metropolis]

This came home with me today. I couldn't let it go as it played so well and was a great deal - it's my third Les Paul. The neck is slightly slimmer than my 2002 Standard and it's noticeably heavier but otherwise very reminiscent.

It originally had P90s which someone sadly routed out for humbuckers, but at least they fitted Lollar Imperials which are very nice, comparable to my Monty's in my Standard. Strangely the shop that did it fitted reissue pickup rigs but didn't sand them to fit so the neck one has snapped. The guy who sold it to me fitted the Bigsby (which I like) and a roller bridge which is interesting. He also fitted locking tuners, I have the same ones on another Les Paul and really like them. I have the original tuners and pickguard (which is broken but repairable). I think it's been refretted as most of the nibs have gone, either that or someone has pretty much filed them down.

 

[Big Al]

I like it. I like everything about it. You had no choice, it had to be done, it was your density.

 

[Texas Blues]

I like it. I like everything about it.

Like Irish Spring.

I like it too!

I am a sucker for any 'thang Bigsby.

And blondes.

That blonde is just beggin' for it.

A 5e3....

That is.

 

[metropolis]

I like it. I like everything about it. You had no choice, it had to be done, it was your density.

That’s the sort of positivity I like!

I bonded with it this evening and really like it, I just want to get a fret dress done as there’s some funkiness. The previous owner tried to remove a bit of buzzing with a nail file :##

Question for anyone in the know about these... were the P90/P100 Goldtops a Standard or a precursor for the ‘56 reissues?

 

[Midnight Blues]

Nice! Congrats, HNGTD

and play her in good health!

 

[Musicman]

Sweet enjoy! :salude

 

[metropolis]

Thanks! I've since repaired the cracked pickguard and fitted it. Then I decided to do a family photo.

 

[EFburst58]

VERY NICE TRIO ! :salude

 

[metropolis]

After 6 months of ownership I felt I knew the guitar well enough to decide to make some changes.

I've swapped the Bigsby onto my sunburst LP (with a Vibramate mount) and switched the goldtop to a stop tail. I also rewired the '89 as it wasn't original due to the pickup swap, I would prefer 500k pots and quite honestly it was a complete mess. Totally new loom then which is much cleaner aesthetically, better soldered and sounds much clearer and cleaner.

The sun was shining so here she is today:

 

[feelthedarkness]

very nice!

 

[Bob Womack]

Now that's a guitar I could dance with.

Bob

 

[TexasFM3]

Most beautiful transformation on the Gold Top. Looks like a real gem. Nice work all around.

 

[metropolis]

Thanks, it's getting a lot of playing attention. The neck is just slimmer than my Sunburst and really comfortable.

 

[AA00475Bassman]

Glad to see that Bigsby off IMO a Bigsby more of what should be less !

 

[metropolis]

Well I'd better not show you an updated photo of the Sunburst one above which now sports the Bigsby! :hee (albeit mounted with a Vibramate)