1 Topic by Jimi75 (edited by Jimi75 2009-05-31 10:37:54)

  • From: Germany
  • Registered: 2006-05-31
  • Posts: 489

Topic: NGD - Gold Top content ;-)

I had the opportunity to check two of the Les Paul Traditional Gold Tops over a Fender Bassman 59. The first I have played was already great, the second couldn't convince me, I don't know why, it was just that my stomach said "put it away, it's the other one". So I grabbed the first one. The saddle needed to be filed a little bit so the technician did it right there, which was great.

Goldie weighs in at 9.93lbs, the craftmanship is really good and there are only small things that have to be done, like changing the pots and exchanging the saddle with a bone saddle. I couldn't believe my ears how great this guitar sounds and how comfortable you can play on it. The guitar is perfectly balanced, the neck is pretty chunky but not as huge as the one on the 56/57 Historics. The Classic 57 pus seem to be perfect for Blues and Classic Rock, this guitar smokes, awesome sustain, no dead spots, singing leads, woody Blues, some Bonamassa licks I have played just sounded so darn right! My favourite pu position is the middle position. Well,, I know there are some great guitars on the market that you could buy for the money, but I think the feeling of that real Gibson can not be topped - this guitar got balls - point. I am a traditional player, so Goldie is perfect for me. I have taken some crappy pix, of course I will post a video asap. This guitar looks very beautiful in nature.

[img]http://img46.imageshack.us/img46/9197/goldtoppaula001.jpg[/img]
[img]http://img190.imageshack.us/img190/6800/goldtoppaula002.jpg[/img]
[img]http://img268.imageshack.us/img268/2224/goldtoppaula003.jpg[/img]

Jimi75's Website

2 Reply by ZampraZ (edited by ZampraZ 2009-05-31 11:19:51)

  • Registered: 2006-05-25
  • Posts: 444

Re: NGD - Gold Top content ;-)

Awesome!

Traditional is a great guitar I'm sure you will love it. I almost bought one myself. Swap the plastic to black and you'll have a JBLP ish big_smile

Glad you've got it, I'm sure you'll be very happy

  • From: Germany
  • Registered: 2008-04-23
  • Posts: 553

Re: NGD - Gold Top content ;-)

And have you bought it in the end?
It looks awesome! Congrats!
You are right, its just a Gibson that gives (at least me) this certain
playing feel and has this bottom end.

Enjoy your new toy,
Alex

...it's a musical journey
www.u2-experience.de

Stratovari's Website

  • From: Detroit
  • Registered: 2006-06-02
  • Posts: 5,807

Re: NGD - Gold Top content ;-)

What's the difference betw. Classic and Traditional again? hmm

- Nic from Detroit... posting on JB's Forum since 6-2-2006
Ask me about my handwound Great Lakes Guitar Pickups
Since 2010, Bonamassa fans have taken advantage of my JB friend discount = my cost + shipping. cool
  • From: North Carolina
  • Registered: 2008-10-26
  • Posts: 2,926

Re: NGD - Gold Top content ;-)

NPB_EST.1979 wrote:

What's the difference betw. Classic and Traditional again? hmm


First great guitar its beautiful.  Now a Classic was modeled after a 60's style guitar but the neck is all wrong and the pickups were ceramic which I don't think gibson used till the 80's.  It looks like a old guitar but it screams like a modern guitar.  A Traditional is much nicer finish wise but is modeled after the Standard Les Paul's of the late 80's and all of the 90's.  The pickups are better, and I love the speed knobs.  Last the necks are much thicker then a classic.  Plus one last thing the classic is no longer made.  They discontinued  it.

AD3THREE's Website

6 Reply by Rocket (edited by Rocket 2009-06-01 05:01:35)

  • Rocket
  • Rocket
  • BONAMEGAMETAL
  • Offline
  • From: San Francisco
  • Registered: 2006-04-26
  • Posts: 10,275

Re: NGD - Gold Top content ;-)

http://img46.imageshack.us/img46/9197/g … ula001.jpg
http://img190.imageshack.us/img190/6800 … ula002.jpg
http://img268.imageshack.us/img268/2224 … ula003.jpg

Just reposting your links as they don't come up as such on your original post...
Nice guitar!

Rock On & Keep the Faith,
Rocket

"He still doesn't charge for mistakes! wink"
http://jbonamassa.com/tour-dates/
"Everybody wants ta get inta the act!"
“Now, this isn’t your ordinary party crowd, here.  I mean, there are professionals in here.”
  • From: Florida, USA
  • Registered: 2008-06-04
  • Posts: 1,420

Re: NGD - Gold Top content ;-)

NPB_EST.1979 wrote:

What's the difference betw. Classic and Traditional again? hmm

I think the neck profile, inlay color, pickups, top selection, weight, and overall vibe are different.  As far as heavy rockers and metal I'd prefer the Classic, but for traditional blues and rock it'd be the Trad all the way!

'67 and '74 Fender Twin Reverbs, '74 Marshall 1987 lead mkII, Metro Superlead 100. Pedals from TC Electronic, Ibanez, Dunlop, BK Butler, Electro-Harmonix, Fulltone, Maestro/Gibson, Loopmaster switching, VoodooLab, Boss. Gibson and Fender guitars, Dimarzio pickups.
  • From: Missoula, Montana
  • Registered: 2008-08-18
  • Posts: 308

Re: NGD - Gold Top content ;-)

Congrats and enjoy. For me the fatter neck took me a bit to get used to, especially  since, for years, I only played Strats. But, now after playing mine for about a month, it feels natural.

You are right - there is nothing like the feel of a Les Paul

#275 JB LP

tmcguire's Website

  • From: Germany
  • Registered: 2006-05-31
  • Posts: 489

Re: NGD - Gold Top content ;-)

Thanks to you all fro your kind responses! I picked the Traditional because it's smooth and mellow sounding. I play mostly Blues, os this is the perfect fit!

The only thing I am going to change on that guitar are the potis.

Jimi75's Website

10 Reply by stratpaulguy86 (edited by stratpaulguy86 2009-06-01 12:38:54)

  • From: Florida, USA
  • Registered: 2008-06-04
  • Posts: 1,420

Re: NGD - Gold Top content ;-)

Sooo Jimi75.  How bout some clips? wink  BTW congrats on the beautiful new Les Paul!

          -Justin

'67 and '74 Fender Twin Reverbs, '74 Marshall 1987 lead mkII, Metro Superlead 100. Pedals from TC Electronic, Ibanez, Dunlop, BK Butler, Electro-Harmonix, Fulltone, Maestro/Gibson, Loopmaster switching, VoodooLab, Boss. Gibson and Fender guitars, Dimarzio pickups.
  • From: Scotland
  • Registered: 2009-05-14
  • Posts: 196

Re: NGD - Gold Top content ;-)

Congratulations Jimi75, thats one fine looking GT.    There is something special about those guitars, as if the essence of Les Paul himself oozes from it.

Morgan

"I learned to like carrots" - JB

"Schiffer broke a bottle on Morgan's head"
  • From: Massachusetts
  • Registered: 2008-10-27
  • Posts: 577

Re: NGD - Gold Top content ;-)

Jimi75,

She looks amazing...CONGRATS.....enjoy she will take you on a magical journey....

2009 Gibson Les Paul 1958 VOS (with black plastic)
2008 Gibson Les Paul Traditional Goldtop (with the cream plastic from the 58RI)
> Marshall Bluesbreaker 2 pedal >Boss sd-1> DD3 > Vox Ac15cc1
  • From: Detroit
  • Registered: 2006-06-02
  • Posts: 5,807

Re: NGD - Gold Top content ;-)

stratpaulguy86 wrote:
NPB_EST.1979 wrote:

What's the difference betw. Classic and Traditional again? hmm

I think the neck profile, inlay color, pickups, top selection, weight, and overall vibe are different.  As far as heavy rockers and metal I'd prefer the Classic, but for traditional blues and rock it'd be the Trad all the way!

I think I'd prefer the Classic because of the skinnier neck. My '72 Custom has one of the thinnest necks I've ever seen on a LesPaul. I could fret an F chord when I was 12 fairly easily on that thing, and am really used to it.

- Nic from Detroit... posting on JB's Forum since 6-2-2006
Ask me about my handwound Great Lakes Guitar Pickups
Since 2010, Bonamassa fans have taken advantage of my JB friend discount = my cost + shipping. cool