Vintage TV Yellow Finishes

[McHenry]

I have never had the pleasure of beholding a true TV yellow finished LP in person; however, I have sometimes wondered if the finished on these guitars yellow with age similarly to an the Alpine White finishes on vintage customs.

The videos and pictures I have seen of the guitars in this particular finish have a pale yellow look, but I refer back to the original reason for the creation of this finish and question what I am seeing and ask if the finish has just darkened over time to that color, or if the cameras are just better today.

Accurate pictures are appreciated!

 

[Tom Wittrock]

It is the clear lacquer that yellows with age [and environmental factors].

And TV was not "yellow" until about 1959.

 

[JIMI55LP]

Earlier models were biege/wheat colored

 

[landminelenny]

The TV finish was original refered to as Limed Mahogany in the Gibson catalogues, which was a popular finish on some furniture back in the 50's. A product called liming paste was used to give a white look to the wood grain.

 

[landminelenny]

 

[Tom Wittrock]

A 1956 on the left, and a 1955 on the right.

 

[McHenry]

That 55 looks almost like straight mahogany to my eyes:wow I wonder if they still use the liming paste today, although I realize most modern Gibson finishes today are a far cry from what they were using in the 50's.

 

[JIMI55LP]

I've seen early 55s with almost white/yellow grain filler also, is that a strange look?

 

[landminelenny]

The TV finishes varied a lot over the years. the first ones were almost natural mahogany and they ended up being totally opaque with no grain showing.

 

[Rev.WillieVK]

1958 Les Paul TV Model

 

[TM1]

Aw Man... ya mean I have to go all the way to Wales to get it?:bigal
Just kidding, I see there's a website one can order from..
Actually, I'd rather be in Wales than L.A.
Cheers!

 

[mbowen]

I moved-Bumped an old thread on them---I love Juniors--- including TV's .There is a bunch of shots of JR's and the different varieties in the thread.Look for the info on the colors of the TV Model .I hope it helps ,Mike B.

 

[corpse]

Bill
Do you also have a 1960 TV? Isn't that the one you brought to our first meet? It was a much "brighter" yellow.

 

[Tom Wittrock]

The double cuts often look yellow, compared to the single cuts.

A larger look:

 

[landminelenny]

Double cut TV's are without a doubt one of my favourite guitars. :salude

 

[landminelenny]

Stupid iPhone!

 

[tooold]

Gratuitous TV Junior shot...

 

[McHenry]

That's an interesting difference in color between the single cut and double cut. The tortoise pick guard on the double cut with that finish is just a knockout for me!

 

[Xpensive Wino]

Double cut TV's are without a doubt one of my favourite guitars. :salude

My DC Jr is becoming a firm favourite as well.

 

[landminelenny]

I'm picking this road worn 59 up from a forum brother on Wednesday. Has some interesting history. It's been a while since I was excited about a 'new' old guitar.