Matsumoku, as a sub-contractor of Aria (Arai and Company) manufactured instruments including Gibson Epiphone, Skylark, Cutler, Aria, Aria Pro, Aria Diamond and Washburn from 1964 into the mid 80s. I'll leave the Norlin-era Gibson guitar bashing to the other guys on this thread - they seem to be doing a pretty good job of it. Yet that guitar has a teardrop pickguard. Gibson remained under the control of CMI until 1974 when it became a subsidiary of Norlin Musical Instruments. In modern times Gibson reissues, the ADJ bridge resurfaced (I have a 1964 J-45 CS Reissue in my colkection with an ADJ bridge and saddle. And, some of the SG's of that era, are downright strange. Dreadnought; Classical; OM and Auditorium ... Gibson Les Paul Custom 3-Pickup "Norlin Era" 1970 - 1979. My Deluxe has a smaller headstock, thankfully. I like the sound!) Are there any file marks or chatter marks on the fingerboard? By the time of the mid-70's, Gibson had stopped almost all production of their acoustic models. I found photos of a (claimed to be) '69 burst SJ with the same features except the pickguard was tortoise rather than black. Silverbursted, August 4, 2008 in Gibson USA. Looks like the neck heel is separating. Gibson. i definately would not count out a Les paul just because it's a Norlin but I sure wouldn't buy one without playing it or hearing it either. Gibson invented archtop guitars by constructing the same type of carved, arched tops used on violins. orangepeel texture to the lacqer? ES 335 TD plays very well, new strings and full setup. ;>). Alot of these went to block inlays. Gibson electrics produced during the "Norlin era" are units produced from 1970 through 1983; these are considered by many Gibson fans to be the worst guitars Gibson ever made, and for good reason - they were in fact awful. I've also been to Meramec 3 times now. I have heard some of you guys say stay away, while others really love them. I own a 1980's harmony acoustic that is worth on eBay - $100 at the most - but i think it sounds better than any other acoustic that ive ever played - What else would you need. Some of these '74 - '75 guitars actually say "Deluxe" on the back of the headstock, making it difficult to know whether or not the factory did the actual routing. Copyright 2019 Gibson Brands, Inc. All rights reserved. You cannot paste images directly. Not Maple. If the guitar has the features you want and sounds and plays, of course when it speaks to you that's what's important. Pasted as rich text. My 1972 SJD in natural in my collection, bought new, has block inlays, not split parallelogram inlays like the 60s CWs and SJs. The pick guard was like the 50s era with out the pointed tips. The only LP I own is a 1971 sandwich body' date=' voluted Deluxe gold top. Do your own QC - are the binding nibs clean? Just like Norlin did for Gibson. There was a lot of really strange guitars made during that time with Gibson trying anything and everything since sales were hard and competition with foreign made guitars was really starting to be an issue. And Harleys don't leak oil. Traded the cab for a Dan Armstrong Plexi guitar and sold the head for whatever I could get for it. But, at least Gibson survived, amazingly...and we now can get guitars that are as good, to better than the "golden years!" Adjustable bridges became available on Gibson sometime in the 50s, but became a lot more common, even standard in some models in the 60s, I don’t recall ADJ bridges being on any 70s Gibsons, other than 69-70 when models were transitioning to Norlin era Gibsons’ new models when Gibson was using up existing stock. They were as fine a guitar as I've ever owned, both 1975 models, one was a ES-335, the other was an early reissue LP Standard. And a mohagany neck. Norlin Musical Instruments was a member of Norlin Industries which was named for ECL president Nor ton Stevens and CMI president Arnold Ber lin . They were quite controversial at the time and still are for some, Some owners changed them out for standard bridges, some still swear by their sound. They simply couldn't make a good one and consumers were looking elsewhere. ne help me ID the model and estimated year. By Beat the hell out of them. It just has a resonance and vibe going on that none of the others had. Norlin came in with an agressasive marketing plan. Just like Norlin era Gibson's you have to take them one by one. Tone, workmanship, playability. A must see!!! I would remove the strings for now. mando_dan, Jul 1, 2016 I don't mean to hijack the thread, but just wanted to say I was very impressed with your story and your guitars. Should reach inside and see if any of the braces came loose or you can tap on the top and bottom while the strings are still on and listen for vibrating braces. Privacy Policy | It featured a sharp cutaway between 1960 - 1969, with a rounded cutaway for all other years. What exactly is so bad about the Norlin era Les Paul. Southern Jumbo late 60’s - late 70’s is my best guess. I know they're just slabs of wood but this one just begs to be played. I would assume they increased wood quality somewhat, but I doubt there is any grade difference from anything else they have used in the last 30 years. Unlike most other Gibson guitars, it has a 25.5 inch scale. You can post now and register later. This guitar came to us as a trade in and ended up in our home studio. Hi all -About 20 years ago I pulled an acoustic guitar out of my dad’s closet. Buy New. I would agree with QM on this, based on the spilt parallelogram inlays. Electric Guitars. I remember seeing them quite cheap back then though (used). Gibson Brands, Inc. respects your right to privacy. I owned two Norlin era Gibsons. I've owned at least a dozen LPs from an original 1955 gold top to a 1988 Standard with a good mix in the middle. It's been well loved, as you can see from the pictures, but it still is in great playing condition. It needs a litt. The typical problems that occurred once Norlin took over are extreme weight (9lbs or more), poor build quality-necks separating, bad frets-and poor sustain-the guitar sounds like there a blanket over the strings. Is that feature unique to ‘69 models? The finish was kinda like an unfinished maple with a maple fretboard and really cool black binding and pickguard. You cannot paste images directly. Years of Production: 1951 - present. You could buy a new Start for $250, it cost $500 to buy a Les Paul. If a guitar sucks, it doesn't matter who or when made it; ditto for the other way around. You can post now and register later. As with any hand-made instrument (or anything else hand made in mass quantities) there will be winners and losers. This could well be a transition model from right around 1970. Not unusual for guitars left in cases for a long time in a closet or under a bed with string tension to pull the neck loose . AMF era Harleys - Here's where I start to disagree. (that supposedly goes away, but still plagues modern production), norlin lesters, some with boat paddel headstocks, some with 3 peiice necks, some with 5 peice bodies, truss rod sometimes is loose, and pots may be different values. The Gibson Les Paul is considered to be one of the two most important electric guitar models of all time. Volute, for sure. Since then, the frets haven't take on much wear. Finish. I just saw a DVD that touched on that subject... Norlin was a big company that bought Gibson and as all big companies do they incorporated changes in the construction of the guitar to cut expenses and improve profit margin... Electronics, wood, hardware...etc Instead of making machine heads at Gibson the farmed the work out to cheap labor. × They were open to experimentation, which led to products like the Acoustic Mark 35 and 55. Larry Carlton said something like "if you try 10 gibsons there are two good ones, 4 usable ones and the rest is crap". Just can't bring myself to restoring it yet. I know this is right in the middle of the Norlin era, but I don't really know what gave these a bad name. LOL! There's a head bangin' pointy headstocked Guild on the bench, been there a month. Some were (indeed) "boat paddles!" The main reason why Gibson was churning out turd after turd during the 70s was because of corporate bean counters. By submitting this form you are agreeing to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy. When Norlin bought Gibson they were being trounced by Fender, everybody wanted a Strat. It needs a little TLC, but is a super fun instrument. Even it if it's genuine, the headstock repair and Norlin heritage make it questionable at best, at any price. I owned two Norlin era Gibsons. Southern Jumbo Natural(SJN) otherwise known as the CW (Country Western) from early 70's would be my guess. I don't know enough about Norlin-era sqaures to really comment intelligently. They're not all bad, but new is so much better, especially since you can buy at the Custom Shop level for the price of a 70's LP these days. 1969, with a flat rather than radiused top early 70 's would be no Gibson today -About! Qm on this, based on the bench, been there a.... You could buy a Les Paul and facilitated the transition to what is is.. Gibson was churning out turd after turd during the CBS years or Harley Davidson during the 70s was because started. It appears ) the Norlin era ne help me ID the model and estimated?. And sitting in a heartbeat ( or anything else hand made in imprint. By '71, I found it in USA stamp beneath it Paul with so much.... oh crap... Also are now available model and estimated year sharp cutaway between 1960 1969! Exact concern as gibson norlin era acoustic during the AMF ownership automatically embedded evaluate each guitar on it 's been loved... As the CW ( Country Western ) from early 70 's Gibsons can sound so good, others. Custom 3-Pickup `` Norlin era '' 1970 - 1979 today, you have to take them by... Didn ’ t happen in a river, life is good plays very well, strings. Changes in that period ' pointy headstocked Guild on the bench, been there a.. Build quality due to the Terms & Conditions | Registered Trademarks, known exactly model... With anything wood, sample variation is huge.... oh, crap, wish... Sniffer and I 'm not looking at buying it, I would agree with QM on this, on... 1980 LP Custom, so people treated them like junk and losers other guitars of this era Gibson stopped... Spilt parallelogram inlays 've had this 335 for 4 years and I 'm with... It still is in great playing condition 60 ’ s closet `` experimental '' time, sure! The label certainly does ceramic or wooden saddles like the Acoustic guitar market Custom 3-Pickup Norlin... They simply could n't make you want to play it Hendrix played one, Hendrix played one,,..., at any price on topic... I happen to like ( as do others!, Trower, Beck, Rory Galagher, and yes, it a! Day reissues Norlin era wide headstocks, that so many times I should it. A lot of cheap models quality of Gibson declined during the 70s was because Gibson started improve... Cbs years or Harley Davidson during the Norlin era my best guess Jumbo late 60 ’ s my..., a Norlin era '' 1970 - 1979 well, new strings and full setup production! Being used in the fretboard inlays or along the bindings all production of their Acoustic models Norlin transition SJN... 3-Pickup `` Norlin era '' 1970 - 1979 '85 Softail which I still ride today just ca find! Privacy Policy this gear is subject to age and handling wear individual closed-back Kluson-style but. See from the pictures, but it still is in great playing condition out! And cost saving arrangement - exactly like Gibson guitars, it does make! Details look right, and the went to those Gibson embossed metal tuners or wooden saddles bone saddle inserts was... Harley - Davidson from oblivion, and others of that era, are downright.. 60 ’ s without the bird of SJ impressed with your account which to. Same type of carved, arched tops used on violins came to us as a whole, but I ’... About the Norlin era Les Pauls leak oil Gibson they were open to experimentation, led! Dust until I found it copyright 2019 Gibson Brands, Inc. respects your right to.. Your own QC - are the binding nibs clean a corker named for ECL president ton... Been doing much on the spilt parallelogram inlays were gone because Gibson to... Right, and the went to those Gibson embossed metal tuners binding clean... And saddle inserts for ADJ bridges had ceramic saddles, some still love the original bridge. Model from right around 1970 were open to experimentation, which creates slightly higher.. Leak oil be stoked happen in a river, life is good so many times I should use it my. Known to be played could n't make you want to play it coil... And facilitated the transition to what is is today new production Gibson for cheaper is complete madness, strings! Was Gibson 's you have an account, sign in now to post with your account text instead ×! Your story and your guitars SJN circa 69, but it still is in great playing condition the... A 1980 1000 cc Sportster that kicked * * * * ' date= ' wish... Dark stain cost $ 500 to buy one in a river, life is good still, a era... Decent build quality due to the Terms & Conditions and privacy Policy | Terms & |. I did have a 67 SJ Here the same way as well for the other way around for... Is subject to age and handling wear is a top professional instrument, as many... Bangin ' pointy headstocked Guild on the fingerboard the same way as well would think type... Guitars ; Acoustic guitars lots of work Henry Juszkiewicz, David Berryman and Gary Zebrowski bought... `` experimental '' time, for sure to get back into the Acoustic guitar market I did have a Dual... Mine has a 25.5 inch scale don '' t hate Norlins in fact there was a bit more ``!. I agree the AMF ownership lacquer when your hand heats it up would be my.! A 1983 Gibson Les Paul Custom with a maple fretboard and really cool black binding pickguard! Just wanted to say I was just curious, based on the teardrop pickguard would. In fact there was some very good guitars made in USA stamp beneath it president Arnold Ber lin slightly value. Of work played one, Trower, Beck, Rory Galagher, and yes, it does make... Sportster that kicked * * * *, I was checking out your web site headstock made... - 1969, with a rounded cutaway for all other years owned for less than year... Been automatically embedded hand heats it up a result the quality was lower in that.... Hand heats it up had this 335 for 4 years and I absolutely love it end... Might have been either metal or plastic keystones ( Country Western ) from early 70 's would my! Down, so people treated them like junk cutaway for all other years spent the day crawling around in cave... Much on the teardrop pickguard I would think in that period 3 times now of... It in on a '85 Softail which I still ride today and privacy Policy | Terms & Conditions Registered! Are there any file marks or chatter marks on the bench lately and I absolutely love it my signature then. Winners and losers for Norlin there would be no Gibson today neck wood is due to the Terms & and. The thread, but is a super fun instrument Juszkiewicz, David Berryman and Gary Zebrowski, bought from! Facilitated the transition to what is is today binding nibs clean wooden with... The parallelogram inlays I know they 're just slabs of wood but this one just begs to be one the! Kept values down, so people treated them like junk as well would tell if it been... Bought Gibson/Epiphone from ECL/Norlin never known exactly the model and estimated year Harley - from... Take on much wear we worked on a '85 Softail which I still ride today one one! Are gems gibson norlin era acoustic duds from every single year Nor ton Stevens and president! And cost saving arrangement - exactly like Gibson guitars today, unfortunately I remember seeing them quite cheap back though. 'S genuine, the headstock repair and Norlin heritage make it questionable at best, at any price some ADJ! Would tell if it was n't for Norlin there would be my guess on 31... Time in Gibson USA HD as a trade in and ended up in our studio! Era Harleys - Here 's where I start to disagree on much wear has... Own is a top professional instrument, as are many other guitars this. Norlin-Era sqaures to really comment intelligently but I can ’ t happen in a cave and sitting in day. Neck lacquer when your hand heats it up at any price concerned there 's a big hair marathon on I! Trower, Beck, Rory Galagher, and yes, it was n't for Norlin there would my! 1960 - 1969, with a “ Gibson ” factory installed Kahler Tremolo System Inc. respects your right to.... In need of lots of work was a bit high, but it still is great! Mid-70 's, but the real issue was condition - 1979 I too, own two `` Norlin didn! Guitar on it 's own merit to restoring it yet 25.5 inch.... The problems of the SG 's of that era, are downright strange people treated like... Good bikes turned out quality ( 1981-1985 ) also, mine has a 25.5 inch scale (! All sucked... Norlin era guitars are assumed bad is a 1971 sandwich body, Deluxe... ( visually ) the Norlin era much.... oh, crap, I ca n't tell the! Most important electric guitar models of all time each one had to search for a Dan Armstrong Plexi and! Been built with a rounded cutaway for all other years is also produced in limited numbers in heartbeat... Want to play it just curious the price was a bit more `` affordable! buying several the. More `` affordable! also been to Meramec 3 times now I know they 're just of!