Gibson Les Paul Recording

The serial number system Gibson used proves that meth was alive and well years ago! The nearest I can tell either the SN is..
055540 or C55540 I have no clue what year this is.
It is brown in color and is an incredible playing guitar. I love the wide neck and sustain it has. I can say that the Gibson does not have the dot above the 'i'. Maybe someone can help determine the year.

I am a huge Gary Richrath fan, and this guitar gives an incredible high end sound to match Gary's sound. Many sounds can be produced with this guitar. It is extrememly heavy, but worth the hunch in my posture!
The only I don't like is the plastic cover that all the electronics are mounted. When I took it apart I noticed the hole milled out of the body is too large and as a result the screws were never actually in an adequate hole. Two of the holes are only half there, the screws never had a chance to grip!

Who ever milled this guitar must have been on drugs, absolutely poor craftmanship! The finish is beautiful, but has several blemishes from being used. I don't collect guitars I play them and I am responsible for most of the blemishes. I will never sell this guitar. I have had it since the early 90's.

I would gig with this without a backup. It has never failed, except for the plastic cover issue.

I did email the SN to Gibson USA and also asked for a schematic of the wiring. I got a response from a real live person in an email within a few days! Unfortunately I moved recently and no longer have the email with the SN info, but I did save the schematic file.

I have been playing for over 30 years. I love this guitar. I would like to have the nut and frets done as they show significant wear. The plastic cover, I am not sure if I should modify the milled out area to accomodate proper screw holes. As I play it now, the cover 'stands off' the guitar. If I could find another Les Paul with the same neck I would buy it in a second. I do not like the upper frets being cut at an angle, it doesn't happen often, but you can't get a full bend note off the high E string, the fret isn't there.

there is no sound you can't get if you take the time to work out how to really use this wonderous machine

the best action of any guitar - superbly made

who ever decided to put the input jack in the plastic cover plate should be tortured then shot and fed to wild dogs - it is the only minus - otherwise these guitars are incredible in every way

where to start, this guitar has virtually everything built right in, most of which average owners dont understand the use of so i will attempt to clear a few things up. first off, the mysterious decade control. I've heard countless claim it does nothing and add it is useless. the catch is in order for it to work you must be in tone selection 2 and have the bass turned down to 5 or 6 and it acts as a sort of attack or presence control. actually in order for any of the knobs to work you must be in tone 2 as 1 and 3 are presets.(Eureka!). Also the out of phase only works when the pickups are mixed. this gives it a fender style sound. my tuners are grovers but some came with other brands. wood is described in original catologue as "fine grained clear British Honduras mahogany" and the fretboard is a curious "ebonied rosewood".

i play rock and roll. usually i just plug straight in to a vintage tube amp (I prefer Fender or Traynor), turn it up and play. you dont generaly need overdrive pedals with a Gibson through one of those amps. but then again this is quieter then most Gibsons and cleaner than any. so I solve that by just using a meaner amp, maybe adding a tubescreamer for a solo boost. the resonance is so good on this thing once you get it to sing it may never stop. The low impendance switch is designed so you can plug straight into a soundboard or recording console and that is where you will get the cleanest, clearest sound known to man. a big plus for jazz players as it easily recreates the warm hollow body or archtop Gibson sound. but a cool trick is to plug in to your amp at low impendance play nice and clean and then BAM switch to high and rip some ears off. Probably the most versatile guitar ever made. with the right amp and know how of the controls there are endless possibilities. but dont expect a traditional les paul.

certainly the craftsmanship is amazing. they really cared about each and every one of these guitars. built to kill. easiest playing guitar I have and so solid. you can do open chords with the confidence of an acoustic.

the only problem is that for some dumb reason they decided to put the jack in the control housing which is made of plastic instead of drilling a hole in the bottom like every other les paul making it weak and breakable. easy enouph to fix but still a pain. i think im gonna bite the bullet and get my own made out of chrome. the guitar is worth it, everything else on it is the most solid ive ever seen. like a rock.

mines a '71 the first of the batch making it a kalamazoo made Gibson, the nashville factory opened in '74 im told and your supposed to be able to tell a nashville made Gibson by the last three digits in the serial number being above 500. im in the clear with 337. we all know the story of how les paul came back to gibson in 1970 with the idea of making the perfect guitar, or the 'all in one' rather, that would never need be replaced. sadly few got to test the success of his dream as the guitars were outrageously priced at the time beating out every Gibson including the les paul custom, their traditional flagship model and few could afford it. this in itself makes the guitar extremely rare.

Other guitars I own include '63 fender jazzmaster, '76 Guild S-100, '76 Gibson Firebird, '71 Ovation Eclipse and I love them all. But they are just possesions. A Gibson like this becomes a part of your soul and I couldn't imagine life without it. Les Paul is 93 this year and he still plays his Recording. What does that tell you. THIS IS IT.

I bought my Les Paul Recording in 1971 at Sound Stage in Fresno California, for 700 dollars. I liked the sound then, the versatility of it, and at the time I was playing through a fairly powerful but very clean Acoustic amplifier with 4 12 inch JBL speakers - very loud, and very clean. You could play just about anything - except that it does not do dirty very well, not like a strat or a Les Paul Custom or SG. The body is heavy, which gives the tone a solidity you don't find in a telecaster. You have to get used to the weight. At the time it was great for playing with the pickups in reverse impedence - but you can still hear that sound on many different types of music today.

Now I have a small Crate amplifier, and it sounds great together. If you need a hard, dirty sound, you can get those effects in the amplifier, or with an effects box. The days of the stacked Marshalls may be coming to a close - it's a Green day now. Although I don't think this guitar can compete with the tinny, twangy sound of a Telecaster, it gets pretty close, and it may be even better for an intimate, jazzy, or psychodelic sound.

I had the Guitar refinished by a guitar maker in Oxford Ohio in the early 90s, so it looks like new. You don't have to do too much to get it into shape - as far as ajusting the truss rod, or the bridge screws. But once you do, the guitar holds it's tuning for a long time and plays beautifully. It has no flaws whatsoever.

Durability? I have had it since 1971, and 10 years of that time I played it everyday, often in performance. Now I play less frequently, but it's perfectly dependable. The finish will last another 20 years.

N/A

I have been playing since 1967, and I have 3 other guitars - classical, 12 string, and a Stratocaster (made by Epiphone) signed by John Hiatt that I won in a radio contest.

mine is the more rare slightly yellowed white finish (arctic white?) with black binding. same classic LP body with rectangular tune-o-matic style bridge, and gibson tuners (i think grover). Judging by the serial number I think it's a '74 (same as me), USA-made of course and with the original gibson case.
There are more features on this guitar than pretty much anything else out there...
The controls on this guitar are impressive: aside from tone, volume, and 3-way pickup toggle, there's a 3-position "tone" switch, a phase selector, and the enigmatic "decade" knob....which is subtle 10-way tone-altering knob that apparently runs the signal through different capacitors.
the pickups are low-impedence factory pickups

this is a beautiful-sounding instrument! low action, perfect frets, crisp rich sound. With all the tone and phase options and combinations, you can make it sound like nearly anything...I have 5 gibsons, 8 fenders, and about a dozen other guitars, and this guitar can really sound like anything from a tele, to a hollowbody, to a LP to something totally unique...
i like the sound or this LP better than my LP standard or SG because i can get a much brighter transparent sound from it for clean songs, but it can also put out a thick rich more traditional gibson growl if needed..
really, if you have a chance to try one out...do. it is the definition of versatility. les paul himself designed it to be the ONE guitar studio musicians could take to the studio to get whatever sound they needed...intended to replace bringing multiple guitars to a recording session.
i've done some recording with it too...outstanding.

i bought the guitar about 32 years after it was built, and from a dealer in chicago.
it was set up perfectly when i got it, all original, pristine electronics, and awesome low action with no fret buzz.
i can't say i have any complaints about any aspect in this category.

i really haven't used it live, but i'm sure it's seen some use over the past 32 years, and it's still perfect.
les pauls generally can take it, and i think this model's no exception. rugged, and well-built.

no idea really.
the guitar hasn't been made for decades...

interestingly, they had a promo out when these were being made that included a record on which a LP recording and bass were used for all the sounds on the entire recording.i've heard they also explained the controls and even the "decade" switch...
i haven'e been able to get my hands on one of these promos yet, but i know they're out there

this is a great guitar. I will never sell it.
beautiful and extraordinarily versatile sound, incredible playability, and a great design.
the only complaint, if i had to try to find one, is that there are SO many tone options and combinations, that it can be kind of confusing to figure them all out. but then again, that's the ultimate versatility. and it's kind of fun too...

This is the 3rd LP recording I have owned, because I think it is a fantastic axe. My latest one is PERFECT DEAD-MINT 1973 model in the mohagany natural. I am second owner, and enjoy all the features. Yes, the decade control is useable live under cleaner sounds, and for simulating acoustic guitar sounds in the low impedance mode. I like the 3 position knife switch for preset tones, which interacts with the rotary tone pots as well.

This axe rocks! Great variety of tones,especially when you experiment with raising/lowering the angled pickups or with string guages.

This thing still has a perfect neck and action is low after 33 years!! binding is good, metal trim pieces did not oxidize except for rear plate screws. Rosewood fretboard and MOP inlays all still perfect, no shrinkage evn though prior owner had it in Colorado (alpine desert arid climate vs here in WI). Wide frets are to my preference, som may not agree.

Noiseless pots and switches, no probs with phase switch as with other Gibbys.... Absolutely no probs, and I play it at least 3x a week....

NA

35 years as a player, owning many Gibbys, Rics, Fenders, and especially Carvin guitars and amp. They are my current fave of the last 10 years, but this LP Recording is amazing to round out the 'stable'....It is all 'Les Paul' in feel nd with many sounds, but it is HEAVY with all the on-board electronics.

Made in early 70's. I believe it's a 1973.
It has all the features previously listed for the early models.

Great variety of tones. It seems especially suited to blues or jazz.

The action is very good. My PRS is better, so I wont say it's great.
The finish is beautiful. A very interesting grain in the wood.

I had to flush out the electronics, and then it worked fine.

I e-mailed customer service to find out what to do with the decade control. They e-mailed back what appeared to be the original documentation (looks like a small poster).
OK...heres the skinny...in order for the decade control to work, the
tone switch has to be set on 2, and the bass control has to be turned down a little (I set mine on 5).
With those settings, try the decade on 10, then 5, then 0. You should hear some remarkable differences!

I've been playing for 40 years. I hadn't seen one of these since I was in college, and I couldn't resist buying it.
It's definitely a unique guitar, well thought out.
After all, it was designed by Les Paul!

I bought my LPR new back in 1971 from the Barry Farrell music centre for the sum of $1200.00. At the time the black custom recording was around $800.00.
Back then a new mini cooper was around $ 2300, so in todays standard, that was around $ 18,000 for the guitar!
I'm now 51 and still have it.
The body is the typical Mahogany finish, not sure on the neck, but over the years, I have never needed to add anything special.
It is still in the original case with the original Gibson strap.

Over the years, I have played from classical through to heavy rock. The selection of the amp basically makes it sing. For recording, I prefer the fender princeton which loves overdriving the speakers, but a bit small on stage. Through the Marsall, the lower end comes through strong with little to no feedback from the pickup.
Add a few pedals & nothing compares.
I found the variety of the sound combinations are there if you have time to experiment in the studio especially directly into the mixing panel where the low impedience pickups are in a class of their own. As mentioned, when needed to rock it up a bit, just plug it into the princeton & go for it. Forget the pedals & rock away on pure sound and distortion the way it should be.

The guitar was not set up very well from the factory. The action was typical of most guitars. We bought a file from the local hardware & spent the weekend getting this right. I have never had to redo this since & today does not rattle.
I found the neck pickup a little too high & seemed to give too much presence rather than the smooth sound. After adjusting this down a bit, it gave the sound I was looking for. The reverse was true on the rear pickup.
The tuning bridge was very much out of alignment but easily rectified. Never had to do this since.
The tuning pegs have always been rock solid. I put the guitar away for a few years. When I got it out of the case, it was still in tune.
The phase control was and still is a bit 'poppy" but I learn't to live with it.

I used this guitar in all my playing. It is the strongest guitar ever built & virtually bullet proof.
The finish would have lasted forever, but I was a bit hard on it wearing metal belts. I found kitten no 3 car wax the best polish for the body with silvo polish polish for the fret board. It made these smooth as silk for bending without any resistance.
I bought the custom black model as the back up but sold it shortly after. You definitely didn't need a second guitar, even after hours of playing. If you broke a string, it was out of pure neglegence, not guitar fault.
The neck brace is easily adjustable when it was required to use a different guage string. (I went through quite a few phases from flat wound to ultra light, which did require a neck adjustment to give the best feel.

I've never needed to contact Gibson. The guitar has never needed any outside work or had any faults.

I played consistantly until 30 where it was advised to give it up or go deaf. I've owned a Maton, Fender Telecastors, Strats, Guild & other Gibsons. Nothing compares to the LPR.
IThe only question I would have asked is what amp I should have lined it up with. I bought a twin reverb but this really didn't suit the guitar until the input was modified & the speakers replaced to JBL. (Then it was awesome, thus the reason I'm a bit deaf today).
There is no way I would ever loose it. If it was stolen, I just hope it could find it's way home. It's a big part of me.
The smell when you open the carry case brings back great memories & when cleaned up, looks fantastic. Even with a few bangs here & there.
The only bad point I must add is the stupid location of the front strap nob. Being offset slightly, it gave rise to the Gibson strap slipping off & thus the guitar ending up on the floor. (And the reason for a few knocks). Any other guitar would have been damaged, but the LPR handled it & just chipped off a bit more laquer.

I have a 74, bought it new and never put it down. The neck has stained over the years but the finish is intact. The finish on the over all guitar is excellant. Grover tuners are rock solid (I'm allways waiting for others to retune). The neck is super fast and has spoiled me as I have very critical comments on other guitars.

I play all types of music (whatever is paying well at the time). This guitar molds itself from jazz to hard rock without a seam. It did,however, take a long time to figure out the electronics and what amps. suit its temprament. I use a Roland gp 120-R&P. It seems to Like clean, bright amps. then add effects. I added a Pod and this guitar loves it. Sky is the limit on sound variety.

Set up from store was poor, but it set up fairly easy as compared to others I used.

30 years of bars hasn't stopped it. Hardware is in good working order. Finish has stained though. Some dark spots but nothing major. I have owned some great guitars and none compare to the dependability, playability or versitility of this.(thats a lot of tility)

I have been playing out for 30+ years (god I'm old) and the only other electric I play out is a 77' Guild S-300D. The neck is similiar(I'm spoiled). The only drawback to this guitar is its weight, after 4-6 hrs it gets HEAVY!! I'm told its weight adds to the sustain... A little less sustain is good.

My L/P Recording is probably a 1971 or 72 model. From what I've read it's one of the earlier ones made. I originally paid $175.00 for it used from a guy who didn't know what he had back in 1977. At first I was disappointesd becaused it lacked the pickup punch of High Impedence Humbuckers. It's made of Mahogany back and front, and has a rosewood fingerboard. I cracked my original control plate but had a guitar repair man make me an Identical copy from scratch. My new half moon cover plate has no words on it, so you have to know what you're doing. This was my first electric and as far as I'm concerned you don't need any Paul Reed Smiths or Tele's or Srats, and I have played them all. This guitar does it all. But you need a very good amp to back it up.

This guitar sounds great for any type of music, however it performs best on clean sounds like Jazz leads and bright rhytyms. I have never played a guitar that sounds as clean as this one does. If you want a super bright Tele sound just put the pickup selector in the middle setting and put the phase switch in Out-of phase mode. The guitar has incredible sustain and has also a great treble lead sound with the just the bridge pickup engaged. Cuple this guitar with a Mesa-Boogie and you're on your way to guitar heaven.

The action is a low as you can go, but I like my action a little higher to get more of a workout. No buzzes or string twangs. This guitar stays in tune like no other. What is really awesome for me is that you have 1 Volume knob that controls everything no matter which pickup you're using. I have never had any problems with strings breaking, I've used this guitar so much that about 15 yrs ago I had to have a fret job. The frets were just filed down a little but were not replaced. I have a few chips of finish missing otherwise it's as good as new.

This guitar is so reliable I was almost tempted to leave my backup guitar (Gigson SG) at home. But I brought it along in case I broke a string (never happened). Sometimes I picked up my SG just because it was there and used it only on 1 song. You can play anything from Elvis to Hendrix. I play a lot of Santana and this guitar can keep up with any PRS any day of the week. I'll never sell it and if anything ever happened to it I would look for another one.

I have never had to call Gibson for anything, everything works fine.

This guitar overall is for serious players only. If you want to play Metallica type rock then buy a Les Paul Custom or Standard. If you want to play guitar in all styles then this is the instrument for you. It really has this almost hollow body Jazz guitar sound when played clean. When you kick in some overdrive however this guitar can hang with the best of them, all this with virtually no hum or sound from the pickups.

The guitar I bought was from Chris Guitars. It was a 1978 Les Paul Recording all solid hardwood (perhaps mahogany with various inlayed mother of pearl 21 frets). Typical aged by musician use. All the electronics (pickups switches etc.) work just as Chris said they did. He also said that it had wear and his website reflected the wear in the pic. The case was also an older hardshell but still in good shape.

Chris at Chris Guitars was very helpful and truthful and I definitely would do business with him again. I have told family and friends about him. Chris Finley

Been playing off and on for over 20 yrs. I love the way it plays the action is great the sound is also great. It has such diversity I feel it goes any direction of music.

1973 Les Paul Recording. Finish is Blue Burst. Don't know is this is a factory finish, if not it was done some time ago very professionally. Purchased from Darren at Guitar Emporium in Melbourne Australia for AUD$2000.00. I had a call one saturday from my best pal Bob the Robber to say that he was in Darrens store (approx 1000 Kms from where I live) and saw the LPR. I had photos e-mailed to me that day and bought the guitar on the spot. I love this guitar, it has the widest applications I have come accross in one guitar and plays like a dream. You can be country picking on the Chicken song, and be ready to join in with the Metalica Chorus. Mine suffers from the old input jack crack problem but one day a relacement plate will turn up. Would never part with this gem.

Fairly noiseless, played through Reynolds Valveart amp, or Lexicon Class A recording Preamp.

The Blue burst is beautiful and plays like a dream

Gibson are always a shocker to deal with, so I have not bothered.

Been playing for 30 years.
Am looking at buying another one cause I like it so much

Some additional info for "Recording" afficianados... there are 2 distinct versions of this guitar... in the early 70's, it was mahogany on mahogany... and the pickup toggle was below the pickups... it had a single output with an impedance switch, the jack was on the top...
The later model had a maple cap, the toggle in the "normal" LP position, and 2 jacks, one low and one high in the "normal" LP postion...
They are wonderful guitars with a sound of their own...

1970 Les Paul Recording 21-1/2 frets. There was only version of this amazing guitar. Low impedence pickups, active/passive electronics, pickup phase selector, hi-low impenedence switch, sold VERY HEAVY mahogany, cryptic decade switch, grover tuners, tune-o-matic bridge, custom case. This guitar came with a square 45rpm demo record printed on paper/plastic. The record was of Les Paul describing the features of the guitar and playing demos. He even demo'd the infamous decade control. I lent the guitar to friend and he lost the record and warranty.

This is most incredible guitar I've ever played. I can make it sound like anything - strat, telly, lp, richenbacker, gretch, ..... It does take some experience to learn how to use all the controls though, especially the decade. Consided the decade as the ultra-fine tuning get the exact sound your looking for -- but's it's very sutle.

I wasn't happy with the action when I first bought it. I sent it back to factory to revsolve a buzz on the higher frets. They keep it for a few months, but when it came back, the buzz was gone! The overall finish on this is guitar is absoluletly beautiful. I would compare it to the wood finish in a Rolls or Mercedes. Stunning.

I've play live with guitar with out of any problems. You have to be carefull of the jack as it plugs into the thin plastic electronic cover. I always make sure I have the cord wrapped through the strap to relieve the strain of the cord in the jack. The other issue is that the guitar is so beatutiful, I'm always terrified of damaging it. I have droped and banged it though, and it always seems to servive.

This guitar came with a lifetime warranty. I lent the guitar to friend a number of years ago, and he lost the original warranty statement. I sent the guitar back to factory right after I got to have a fret buzz cleaned up. I called a few years to ago to investigate replace in the electonic cover plate (mine has a small crack), they didn't have a replacement.

I love this guitar. The only complaint I have about this guitar is it's lack of raw power. You need a good amp to compliment this baby.

I bought this guitar in 1972 from a big shop in Wheaton, MD. Not sure how many frets but 22 sounds right. This guitar is solid mahogony. The bridge had individual tuning pegs. It is the most in tune guitar I have ever played years. It is true over every section of the fret board. The high/low impedence setting allows me to jack into anything.

I've played everything from Bach to Chicago to AWB to Eagles on this guitar. I have to provide distortion through the amp because the guitar is just too clean.

In 30 years, I've had the neck adjusted once, and the frets dressed once. The action is SUPERB. No other guitar I've ever played has even come close.

I've been around the world with this guitar. I believe it will survive a nuclear blast. The electronics need cleaning from time to time. The only weak point the plastic plastic on which the pots and jack are mount. Mine cracked after years of stress from standing too far from the amp and pulling the cord out. The finish is checked from riding in aircraft holds too often. However it is as playable as ever.

Never needed any.

I've played almost 40 years. I'm not actively working but I do play a lot. I now own only a small amp and a number of acousting steel string and classical guitars. I spent a lot of time selecting this guitar so I had no unasked questions. If this guitar were lost or stolen, I'd slit my wrists!!! This guitar has done everything I have asked of it. Its only drawback is that it is so heavy.

Just a note on the Decade switch: I've had this guitar for about 5 years, and yeah it's a really subtle switch. It makes a lot more difference when the switch is in low impedance mode, or when the volume knob is turned down. It seems to make the sound brighter when at 0, and darker when at 10. I can only notice it on clean sounds and not really on dirty sounds. If you want to hear my Les Paul recording go to http://www.sittinidol.com and click on mp3s. Cheers
Rick Hatch

1971

Comment on transformer for R from South Africa: you can buy a usable transformer by getting a low impedance XLR microphone-to-high impedance phone plug adapter with transformer inside. They boost a low impedance source (around 250 ohms nominal) to a level that you can plug into a high impedance guitar amp input. Hope this helps you get your guitar working!

My model was made in 1972 in USA. It has 24 frets and a solid top. This Gibson is packed full of features, all which greatly alter the sound the guitar produces. It has Schaller tuners with gibson written across it. It features a tune-o-matic bridge, (which I am yet to figure out what it does, just for looks, perhaps. Its made of mahogney which both feels ice and looks great. The lack of a two way switch on the arch does make it look a little bland, but nothing to serious as the countless knobs on the bottom curve is definitely sufficent. Its a rather small bass, which I like as it looks good in my opinion.

I generally play funk-jazz blues and rock. This bass can acchieve a sound for each as creativity is only limited by how long you have to screw around with the knobs, which really is, at the end of the day, very satisfying. Funnily enough I use a torque keyboard amp which suprisingly produces a funkier, and thicker tone than any bass amp has even dreamed of. I prefer not to use effects as this bass sounds fantasic just the way it is. The bass produces a very full sound and rather bright with a great feel. It is especially good if you are the sot of musician who loves bass and you enjoy drowning out any other instuments with every note you play. The sound this bass produces is much woodier and natural than the metallic kind of sound a fender produces, a.k.a the classic fender sound sux compared to what this baby is capable of.

The guitar at first glance looks great, but after study it, it becomes apparent that perhaps these guitars were not gibsons priority, merely a background project. Their are certain spots (around where the neck has been glued on) that traces of factory glue can be found. It features brilliant action, but the pickups were a little loose; actually one end was sagging into the underworks- but this can be easily fixed with a screwdriver. One of the pearl inlets was cracked which isn't very noticable but a little worrying for the long-term.

This guitar, as suggested in the title is more a studio guitar as it is heavy and easy to dent to say the least. If you intend to do a lot of live playing maybe opt for a fender aswell. The hardware appears to b capable of lasting, but as with anything it depends how you look after it. The other thing to watch out for is letting it get wet as the water can seep into the body and rot the wood, be careful of sweat!
The strap buttons did require tightening and it is a good idea to tighten them befor and after a performance or practising.
This guitar, despite what i said above is very dependable and easy to make friends with if you know what i mean. You could, but really shouldn't use it without a backup as it is old and it is easy to knock a wire out of place-keep a backup with you nearly always.

Never needed help but I believe that because they do not manufacture these guitars any more you would be hard pressed to get support...

I have been playing this guitar for around 7 months now and it along with a cheapo samick are my only guitars. the only thing i would have liked to have known before i bought it would be who had it before me, why are they selling and can we do a deal for cash!
If it was stolen i would definitely try to find one again as they are fantastic guitars. The thing that sold this guitar to me was the sound and it looks gorgeous. I dislike the way the neck has been glued on on all gibsons as i am worried it will snap but they are such good guitars and have been making them for so long i am sure they know what they are doing. The only other thing is how easy it is to dent, watch out about that. When I was looking for a bass the only other guitar i was comparing it with was a fender percision, but it just sounded to metallic and looked to ugly ad big and plasticy- So I chse the gibson-it wasn't a hard choice either. Then only other things i would like to share would be, if you are looking to but an amp aswell check out keyboard amps as weird as it sounds, but make sure you go for either a marshal (th eric clapton sound but on a bass) or a torque (the T.H.C sound). Oh yeah, and make sure you buy gibson shave strings, i mean the ones with grooves shaved of-cant remeber what they are called.

Bought in South Africa in a pawn shop. Was put there for sure by a crook. Badly refinished and badly refretted. Also the former owner did not know clearly how to maintain the electrical circuit. The transformator for the high and low impedance does not function. If you can help me on this, it would be great.

No idea, the thing doesn't function! If anyone can help me on the transformator or the tech specs of this thing would be nice!

Looks OK, although it has been refinished in not the best way once. Also the electrical part has been fixed by an idiot. Looks bad and I had to clean the whole stuff up again. Problem, the transformator for the low and high impedence doesn't function and Gibson does not deliver this anymore nor do they have tech specs on this thing.

Well, it doesn't function so...?

They responded, but it is absurd that they can't deliver at least the tech specs anymore!

Looks quiet nice, but doesn't function! If anyone can help me further, would be nice...

My Les Paul Recording pretty much matches the physical description of all the others described on this site. I bought it VERY used at a small guitar shop near my home. I bought it because it looked a lot like the "Les Paul Professional" guitar I had wanted as a child but couldn't afford. It has the same low impedence pickups that the Professional had but with additional electronics. I had no idea it would turn out to be such a wonderful guitar.

As far as its sound, it has its very own voice. Nothing I have ever owned (and I have owned many) has ever sounded even remotely like this baby. It is sophisticated and cool and sexy and funky ... all at the same time. That phase switch should be on every guitar. Alas, I too, have never been able to figure out what the DECADE switch does to the sound, I guess it is way too subtle for this old rocker's ears. The tone controls are simple bass and treble which I keep all the way up and adjust at the amplifier. I play blues primarily but anything goes as far as I am concerned. I play through a Marshall JCM 2000 Triple Super Lead which is the baddest amp ever made. No effects except overdrive which I use sparingly and only when necessary.

The neck, which I had to have repaired, is the most wonderful part of this axe. The fingerboard is smooth as silk and the sounds seem to float out from under your fingers. The physical sensation I experience playing this guitar is evocative of the feeling I get when I listen to Pat Metheny in his "otherworld" mode. Funny how a feeling can evoke a sound! The guitar was well made but was so badly damaged when I bought it that I have no way to judge its initial flaws. The chrome all seemed pretty good and the pots and tuning machines worked perfectly from day one. I don't really know what kind of wood it was made from but it is attractive (after refinishing) and sounds wonderful even unamplified.

When I got it it was in terrible shape. The fingerboard had recessions gouged out in it (no idea why) and the finish was shot. I had the fingerboard repaired, the guitar refinished and a bixby tremolo installed. The result was the rebirth of a great guitar. This guitar has never been used by me on a gig ... I doubt I would ever take out of my house except to bring it to the studio. Is seems like it would be durable because it is so well made but I have guitars I use exclusively when I play live because I won't care a whole lot if they are broken, lost or stolen. All my good stuff stays home. The strap buttons are typical solid metal buttons screwed into the body of the guitar, nothing special.

Called Gibson and had them email me the specs .. no manual though. The guy's name was Mr. Tucker and he was very helpful This, of course was about 10 years ago. I hear Gibson is not user friendly these days but I don't know because I only buy old never new.

I have been playing since I was 9 years old and I am now almost 52. I knew I wanted this guitar the instant I laid eyes on it. I'm sure you have already figured out I love this guitar. It is in a class by itself. Only one person on this site seemed not to have been impressed with his. Well, he can send it to me and I will love that one too! I agree that anyone who would steal such a guitar from its rightful owner deserves all the punishment the gods could bestow on him. I too would hunt him down to the ends of the earth! All-in-all, Gibson at its very best.

OK, mine is a 1971 gibson les paul recording that is the earliest for these guitars, i got it in new zealand for a mere $1000nz, all original with case, even had a pick inside too. 21.5 frets 1 piece maple top and the body could be maple too, who knows or cares. grover machine heads. made in USA of cause. I'm not realy into what it made from or how much it is worth, i got it cos it looks the bollox and sounds amazing. I will definetly be using it to record my albulm, i also own an SG, Martin, Tokai, & an old greco bass.

I am realy a reggae & Ska man but just lately I've been fusing folk and Ska, i find that this guitar is suitable for almost everything. dont like the decade switch, what does it do? if you know let me know. alionic@hotmail.com love the phase and tone selector but when all is done i wish i had a '59 gold top instead

this guitar is bloody old so many hands have done many things i'm sure but in saying that, it plays very well for a 30 year old axe

it's lasted 30 years so i'm sure it will last longer than me..i would never gig without a back up (string breaks etc) but it would be great to have another one as back up. i hear these guitars are as rare as ducks teeth so mabee not. haven't owned it long enough to coment on reliability

what customer support is any bloody good?.....i never use it myself, i like to maintain my own guitars and they do alright thanx

i'm an old git and been playing years with many great men and women, and if it got knicked i would put it down to my own iresponsibility for not looking after it. and if it where stolen by a mortal, i'm sure that nature would deal with him properly. there are, and always will be good and bad people so i say live with the good and keep your guitar in your hand till you die

early 70's. 21+ frets, original pickups (gibson models i've only ever seen on this guitar), clear finish, vol, bass, treble, and decade controls, plus in/out phase switch, hi/lo impedance switch, standard rhythm/treble gibson selector. control "panel" has cool "pre-hi-tech" look. stop bar tailpiece with strange bridge piece. excellent thin neck, great feel.

I play hard rock/metal, nirvana, tool, metallica, ac/dc, sabbath, zeppelin, and it has a great range of tones from thick and crunchy to thin and raspy to full and clear. very versatile instrument, excellent range. sounds like few guitars i've ever played but in a really good way. the decade switch, however, is VERY subtle, so much as to make almost no difference in the tone, but the phase switch still creates a very different sounding tone.

amazingly good action, very smooth, a little fret buzz but nothing a little adjusting couldn't fix, binding still holding up well after 30 odd years, finish still in good shape for a well used guitar (i can feel rough patches where the clear sealer has been worn through), all hardware in admirable shape. i understand it once had a crack in the neck near the headstock but it was well repaired.

i would never gig without a backup but this guitar is definitely tough enough to withstand live playing. it is very durable, but it is 30 years old after all.

never dealt with them

I've been playing a few years and i own an ibanez rg (piece of crap) and i am in love with this guitar. it has a great tone which is perfect for the music i play and it also has great versitility. if it were stolen, i'd vow revenge and hunt down whoever stole it like the dog they are. if i lost it, i would rip out all my hair and buy another 3.

Mine is early 70's, that's all I know. It's all american, 21 1/2 frets. I took the original low impedance pickups out (when I got it they didn't work!) and put in Seymour duncan hotrails! There are so many switchs on the pickguard that I was able to rig it to has two coil taps, and three way pickup selector, and 3 way mid cut switch. Wide thin neck, I usually like a phat tele neck, but this guitar is one of the best playing I've ever seen, and I work in a music store!

I can get literally ANY sound. With the Mid cut switch all the way up, I get a smooth creamy jazz tone and all the way down I can choose a sin/hum, hum/sin, hum/hum, or sin/sin pickup configuration, all before I use the mid cut and/or 3 way toggle! I can get ANY sound!!!!

The guitar was beat to sh*t when I got it, that's why I had to do so much electronics work on it. But after a master setup, it plays better than anything I've come across since. It's been refinished, and I've worn away the area immediatly above and below the strings, the natural finish looks awesome now. Very vintage and used looking, you can tell I love this guitar!

Well, considering it was at least 20 years old when I got it, it's holding up great. We'll see how it turns out in a few years.

Gibson is always great to deal with, but I haven't had to as far as this guitar yet.

I'll never replace this guitar. It is my baby and I'll have till I die, unless it gets stolen, then I'll spend my time looking for the bastard who did it! Just kidding, but I really do love this guitar!

Mine is a 1967 Les Paul Recording.
It has 21+ frets. Because the neck is angled there is a 22nd fret for the G, B, & hi E stings. Pretty neat looking too.
Regular arch top Les Paul, however both pieces (front & back) are mahogony. Not the normal mahogony back, maple front. This makes the guitar heavier, more sustain, smoother tones. The entire body and neck are bound with a black band. Looks real nice. The banding on the body is wider, and narrows on the neck and headstock.
Controls are all on the half-moon panel on the lower half of the front of the guitar. They include, Volume, Decade, Treble, and Bass pots, IN/OUT PHASE 2-position switch, HI/LO OUTPUT 2-position switch, TONE 3-position knife switch, standard 3-position pickup selector switch, output jack (on the front panel).
Pickups - two, oval, low impedence pickups with Gibson embossed on each. Both pickups are slanted (looks very unique).
Body is all mahogony, Neck is mahogony, Fret board is rosewood, square block fret markers (slightly smaller than normal). The fret markers are within the A and B strings and do not extend out to either the Low E or High E as seen on other models. Very classy looking.
Neck adjusment rod cover says 'Les Paul RECORDING' on it.
Fit and finish are flawless. Some of the best Gibson has ever done.

Mellow, Smooth, Versatile. You can make it sing or make it roar (with a little help from the amp). The low impedence pickups are quiet, and can be overdriven to a smooth warm sound. I like it.
The combination of Mahogony construction and low impedence pickups gives it GREAT sustain and smooth tones. Not as bright as other Pauls I have played. I would love a bit more bite at times.

Fit and Finish on this guitar is flawless. I purchased it used in 1976, it was 9 years old at the time. The previous owner left me with a broken pickguard (where it attaches under the neck). I wrote Gibson and they sent me a NEW pickguard for $14.50 including shipping. My guitar was now flawless again. It has been nearly 25 years of playing this guitar including highschool and college bands but the guitar is still flawless. I will never sell this guitar.

As I said previously, I played this guitar through highschool and college bands, three apartments, two houses, one wife and a dog. The guitar is still flawless. I play it DAILY, almost never miss a day of practice or playing out. It still looks and plays great. I think it is nearing the point where a professional needs to set this guitar up again. After nearly 33 years of use it could use a tune-up.
I would take this guitar to any gig, nightclub, session whetever without ever worrying about its ability to perform. As for me, I sometimes have trouble performing, but the guitar never fails.

I only had to contact Gibson once for the new pickguard. That was 24 years ago and they were great. Never need to talk to them, the just made a fantastic instrument that needs no support! Can't ask any more than that!

I had $400 to my name. The guitar was $450. I just loved it. I went to the HOG (House of Guitars) and played it for three days in a row. The owner (one of the brothers) came over to me and said 'You really like that guitar' I sure did. He GAVE it to me for $400 including tax, hard shell case, strap, new strings and a wad of picks!! What a guy. He said to make him a promise - that I would hang on to the guitar. I promised. 25 years later and I will NEVER let it go. It has been my primary guitar ever since. I also own a late 80's strat - highly modified hot-rod. But my first choice is ALWAYS the Les Paul Recording - HANDS DOWN!!

Made in 1973
22 frets
Vol
decade
treble
bass
pickups low impedance gibson
passive electronics
mahognay body and neck
finish is plain
nashville bridge with stop tail
neck medium

Sound is dissapointing. To much low end and middle. The highs do not project.
The decade switch is so subtle as to be useless. The bass control is
more like a vol pot. Perhaps I am using it all wrong but it was a BIG let down. Best sound was the out of phase which lets through more highs.erhaps i need to switch in the low impedance and use a low impedance input. Any comments appreciated. please email mike@pearce.net

action is incredible. It nearly plays it self. One of the best gibsons I have tried.
Finish is great and long lasting. The sandwich body ( another great idea) seems to have stopped any checking.

Has every feature you would require for reliablity and durablity AND I actually like the "lump" in at the top rear of the neck that Gibson designed for strength. I think it a great idea although i know other players do not.

never tired.

Although a fab guitar the passive electronics that promised so much gave so little. The out of phase sound is OK. The playablity is just great and for this reason alone I would recommend the guitar. I play a very wide selection of music and guess I have to say my strat is still the most versatile !!!