2011 Les Paul Goldtop Traditional Satin 1960

[ido1957]

Gibson.com: Gibson Les Paul Traditional 1960 Zebra

Played a goldtop satin at Long and McQuade this afternoon. Found a couple of spots where the string choked - up in the 12th fret area. The action was not low so I wonder if it needed a fret job - I was surprised a 1600 guitar would have a couple of bad chokes. I've heard of QA problems - this seems to be an example of one...

This one had a good sound and the baked maple fretboard was what I was really interested in. The fretboard felt "normal" and didn't distract or detract from the sound/feel. I don't care for the satin finish, just my opinion.

 

[ido1957]

I also played a LP Studio and the action was really high and the intonation was meh. It took more "work" to play the guitar if you know what I mean.
A good guitars (should) play like butter - so you don't think about action/intonation/sound - you just play.

 

[rayc]

It becomeing the case that no guitar should be bought without being played/tested. Where has the quality control gone? Down the gurgler with the need for investers dividends pushing for faster turn a round.
If only mum & dad investors would consider the impact of their newly learned avarice - I mean we expect it of certain parts of society but we now have workers buying shares and putting workers out of work because the need for return is sending businesses offshore.

 

[Anfontan]

Gibson.com: Gibson Les Paul Traditional 1960 Zebra

Played a goldtop satin at Long and McQuade this afternoon. Found a couple of spots where the string choked - up in the 12th fret area. The action was not low so I wonder if it needed a fret job - I was surprised a 1600 guitar would have a couple of bad chokes. I've heard of QA problems - this seems to be an example of one...

This one had a good sound and the baked maple fretboard was what I was really interested in. The fretboard felt "normal" and didn't distract or detract from the sound/feel. I don't care for the satin finish, just my opinion.

Quality control definitely seems to be an issue with lots of Gibson guitars, and at their price its a damned shame! Those fret issues should not be found on the sales floor-it should not have gotten by the inspector.
I have noticed a lot of Gibsons and using the baked maple fretboards, I bet they should work well with a mahogney neck to add a little more highs to the instrument. I would like to try out one of the Les Paul Studio 70's tributes with those mini humbuckers-a friend had a 70's Les Paul Deluxe and I loved the sound and feel of that guitar.
I have a 2004 Gibson Melody Maker with a single P90 and a tune-o-matic bridge that has great tones for a single pickup, but I agree that the satin finish just doesn't suit the guitar very well-a clear coat would make a world of difference!
the Melody Maker-

Gibson.com: Gibson USA Les Paul Studio 70's Tribute