Product: CMI Les Paul Special Copy
Price Paid: (GB pouns) used
Submitted
03/02/2006
at
01:40pm
by
BJ
Features
:
8
Probably made in Japan in the late 70s, 22 fret copy of the 60s Les Paul Specials that had two cutaways and P90s. Its a mahogany body made of laminated blocks with a mahogany veneer top and back. Finished in Cherry transparent with black scratchplate and chrome hardware. Wrap around Bridge/Tailpiece just like the LP Specials. Great slim unbound neck, also mahogany that plays like silk. Tuners are exactly like 70s Ibanez acoustics 3 a side. Two volume, two tone knobs and usual LP 3 way switch. pups are exact copies of dog-ear p90s, non adjustable. Looks great!
Sound
:
9
Here's the surprise, this guitar sounds really like a twin P90 LP! Used with Marshall 250DFX it's clear and bright on clean and really rocks with the bridge pup and some distortion. Great balanced sound. Neck pup really warm and fat, so good tonal range all round. I play bluesy rock but son plays SOAD, Metallica, RATM etc and he really rates this guitar
Action, Fit, & Finish
:
9
It's been played a lot with a little fret wear showing, but the action is fast and the neck really slim. No manufacturing flaws at all - just a bit of old age creeping in - like the owner!
Reliability/Durability
:
8
Only one small chip in the finish after 30+ years says it all. No cracks even around the neck joint - the weakest spot on LP Specials. Good solid guitar that stays in tune and stands up to a gig or three!
Customer Support
:
No Opinion
The company were only around from about 1976 to 1981. Owned by Jim Marshall and guitar imports apparently run by his wife
Overall Rating
:
8
Been playing for 40 years mostly folk/ blues/ rocky stuff. I really like this guitar and have never seen another so if it gets nicked that's it. I rate it pretty highly because it's seriously playable and sounds authentic.
