Which One is Closest??

[MarcB]

benchmark

Buyer beware, lots are listed as Benchmark LPs but are not.. the COA has to have the name of the store present eg Dave’s Guitars.

 

[E.M.]

2015 True Historic onward had correct plastics no? And ML doesn’t build guitars. They just paint and age them. Gibson builds them. I’m 2019 they went unpotted on all reissues I believe

I sold my Nicky but it was TH spec and the plastics were more tan than ivory M69. Correct on the 2019+ unpotted PUs.

 

[E.M.]

Buyer beware, lots are listed as Benchmark LPs but are not.. the COA has to have the name of the store present eg Dave’s Guitars.

I’ve had 2 Benchmarks and they are A++++. One was a Music Zoo and the other a Dave’s. There was something about that 13/14 run.

 

[MarcB]

they are A++++

I’m in the market for a 59 and from doing a deep dive on all available models.. the Benchmark seems to be the one to have.. very very limited numbers though.. so not many in the wild..

 

[Wizard1183]

I sold my Nicky but it was TH spec and the plastics were more tan than ivory M69. Correct on the 2019+ unpotted PUs.

The plastics from TH models were never changed from 2023

 

[E.M.]

The plastics from TH models were never changed from 2023

Hmm, they were sure different than my ‘19 R9 and ‘22 ML, with the latter having more accurate plastics.

 

[Wizard1183]

How’s it more accurate? The color? Certainly not the ingredients. And color was different between 2 different one so…

 

[MBSC]

Here's one in Boulder..a 60's so that neck profile is out for me most likely https://boulder.craigslist.org/msg/d/boulder-2013-gibson-custom-shop/7682695626.html

 

[Burst_in2_flames]

Closest would need to have a Brazilian rosewood fretboard, so that rules out many previously mentioned. There were some limited Braz runs within the past five years that would technically be the closest Gibson has come to recreating the vintage Burst.

 

[rockabilly69]

Closest would need to have a Brazilian rosewood fretboard, so that rules out many previously mentioned. There were some limited Braz runs within the past five years that would technically be the closest Gibson has come to recreating the vintage Burst.

Not really, because they didn't have Honduran mahogany backs

 

[Red Baron]

Not really, because they didn't have Honduran mahogany backs

As I understand they still use Honduran mahogany, the only difference being that is grown in Fiji.

I'm not sure if there were any Brazilian board LP's released in 2019? If there was then they would technically be the closest to 50's specs.

 

[rockabilly69]

As I understand they still use Honduran mahogany, the only difference being that is grown in Fiji.

I'm not sure if there were any Brazilian board LP's released in 2019? If there was then they would technically be the closest to 50's specs.

For the anal retentive vintage enthusiasts I doubt they would think Fiji grown Honduran is the same as south American grown. Just look at how many people here at the forum complain about the Fiji stuff. They say it's too soft and ugly. Me personally, two of my three historic LPs have Fiji backs, and I like them just fine. They are two great sounding guitars.

 

[jb_abides]

For the anal retentive vintage enthusiasts I doubt they would think Fiji grown Honduran is the same as south American grown. Just look at how many people here at the forum complain about the Fiji stuff. They say it's too soft and ugly. Me personally, two of my three historic LPs have Fiji backs, and I like them just fine. They are two great sounding guitars.

Yeah, and while not dismissing factors such as geography therefore environmental conditions in the new forests, I think the main factor is harvesting very old growth back in the day versus harvesting new purposely grown wood which undergoes accelerated drying.

 

[Subliminal lanimilbuS]

Pretty tough comparison unless you have played some 50's Les Paul's. I've played some and I don't think anything is ever going to be like them. If the aged look is what you are after there are lots of nice ones since the year 2000. Find one that looks and sounds best to you. I personally watch for the 2008 to 2011 period because that is where I found my best sounding ones. Haven't had anything in my hands for a lengthy period of time post 2018 to I can't make an opinion on the years since then. There is most likely good sounding ones from all years, you just have to keep looking until you find one that cranks your fancy.

 

[MBSC]

Pretty tough comparison unless you have played some 50's Les Paul's. I've played some and I don't think anything is ever going to be like them. If the aged look is what you are after there are lots of nice ones since the year 2000. Find one that looks and sounds best to you. I personally watch for the 2008 to 2011 period because that is where I found my best sounding ones. Haven't had anything in my hands for a lengthy period of time post 2018 to I can't make an opinion on the years since then. There is most likely good sounding ones from all years, you just have to keep looking until you find one that cranks your fancy.

thanks I have a 52/59 conversion I'm going to sell then buy something close to gig with

 

[Subliminal lanimilbuS]

thanks I have a 52/59 conversion I'm going to sell then buy something close to gig with

If you a player that's the biggest problem with more expensive guitars. Always worried about losing, stolen or damaging them.

 

[Subliminal lanimilbuS]

Just out of curiosity of how the top looks could you PM me a pic of it and describe the neck shape?

 

[MBSC]

If you a player that's the biggest problem with more expensive guitars. Always worried about losing, stolen or damaging them.

I play it out al the time but never leave the stage or take my eyes off it...hahaha

 

[djcmusician]

Is Murphy making them or just painting/aging them??

The Murphy Lab guitars utilize a different paint formula from the other historic guitars. They are painted and aged in various amounts buy a team directed by Tom Murphy.

Tom isn’t personally building/painting guitars. If they are painted by him, there is an even higher premium price.

 

[djcmusician]

With the evolution of Pre-Historic, Historic, VOS, Collector's Choice, Custom Shop, M2M etc., etc., overall which is the best "clone" or gets closest to the weight, feel and tone of a real 50's humbucker LP. I'm not concerned with the top being gold, plain or flame. Just overall if I were to buy one what is the closest? thanks!

https://www.gibson.com/en-US/Collection/choose-your-brazilian-rosewood