gibson norlin era acoustic

Dreadnought; Classical; OM and Auditorium ... Gibson Les Paul Custom 3-Pickup "Norlin Era" 1970 - 1979.   Pasted as rich text. Silverbursted, August 4, 2008 in Gibson USA. Especially that Gretch type hollow body that you built. It's been well loved, as you can see from the pictures, but it still is in great playing condition. Corporation seeking way to capitalize on the booming guitar market of that decade offered to go into business with CMI and they acquired the company in 1969. I had a 1980 1000 cc Sportster that kicked ***' date=' I wish I had kept it. 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. The 69 I sold had the narrow nut. × If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account. 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. The finish was kinda like an unfinished maple with a maple fretboard and really cool black binding and pickguard. And, that one. Gibson Brands, Inc. respects your right to privacy. Having said that, I have seen (and played) some real DOGS, from that era. It needs a little TLC, but is a super fun instrument. I hate (visually) the too wide headstocks, that so many of them seemed to have. I have heard some of you guys say stay away, while others really love them. Larry Carlton said something like "if you try 10 gibsons there are two good ones, 4 usable ones and the rest is crap". If the guitar has the features you want and sounds and plays, of course when it speaks to you that's what's important. All that is a given but Gibson also turned out some real tone turds during those years and they earned a lot of the bad reputation that era has. The main reason why Gibson was churning out turd after turd during the 70s was because of corporate bean counters. As with any hand-made instrument (or anything else hand made in mass quantities) there will be winners and losers. There was a steady decline and then a later uptick in the quality (1981-1985). Reviving Gibson was the first priority for the new owners, and with Epiphone making less than $1 million revenue in 1985, the … And, some of the SG's of that era, are downright strange. Norlin came in and confronted Fender face to face. LOL!   Your link has been automatically embedded. About the "Lawsuit"[] It is a common misconception that the famous Gibson/Norlin lawsuit was filed against a number of Japanese companies. I've said it so many times I should use it as my signature. 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. Great eye, and yes, it does have an adjustable wooden bridge. While made during one of the company's most controversial eras when many players saw a sacrifice of quality for profit margins, the Gibson Les Paul Customs The Gibson Les Paul Customs of the Norlin Era can be diamond-in-the-rough finds for players with a keen eye. is the trussrod responsive? ne help me ID the model and estimated year. I've also been to Meramec 3 times now. Spent the day crawling around in a cave and sitting in a river, life is good. Some were (indeed) "boat paddles!" The price was a bit high, but the real issue was condition. Upload or insert images from URL. Slab bodies, single coil pickup models, etc. 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. QC in any large manufactured product line will always have it's ups and downs, but overall, I think Gibson is doing and excellent job! In fact, my wife and I just got off it from a day trip to one of the most famous caves in the midwest, Meramec Caverns. The stories this guitar would tell if it could talk!   You cannot paste images directly. Hey KSDaddy, I was checking out your web site. I had a 1980 1000 cc Sportster that kicked ***, I wish I had kept it. All the other LPs were owned for less than a year. Privacy Policy | Clear editor. Gibsons made from 1960 through 1962, however, did have the thinnest neck profiles the company ever came up with for an acoustic. The only LP I own is a 1971 sandwich body' date=' voluted Deluxe gold top. It needs a litt. 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 … Just like Norlin did for Gibson. Solid Body. Gibson Factory Kalamazoo Michigan. Tone, workmanship, playability. I haven't been doing much on the bench lately and I'm okay with that. Just like HD, if it wasn't for Norlin there would be no Gibson today. This could well be a transition model from right around 1970. This gear is subject to age and handling wear. Alot of these went to block inlays. Acoustic Bass; Vintage Bass Guitars; Acoustic Guitars. My Deluxe has a smaller headstock, thankfully. The problems of the Norlin era didn’t happen in a day. It featured a sharp cutaway between 1960 - 1969, with a rounded cutaway for all other years. Listings Price Guide. Norlin Musical Instruments was a member of Norlin Industries which was named for ECL president Nor ton Stevens and CMI president Arnold Ber lin . One of the luxuries of doing what I do is being able to walk away from the bench if I'm not in the mood. Even it if it's genuine, the headstock repair and Norlin heritage make it questionable at best, at any price. Kind of the same exact concern as Fender during the CBS years or Harley Davidson during the AMF ownership. And a mohagany neck. I know that was a time when Gibson was doing unorthodox things to the LP line, like maple bodies and necks, and adding lots of unnecessary electronics. There's a head bangin' pointy headstocked Guild on the bench, been there a month. Just wish they were a bit more "affordable!" So, it was an "experimental" time, for sure! AMF Alcort Sunfish leaked oil, too. Hi all -About 20 years ago I pulled an acoustic guitar out of my dad’s closet. I am not one of those who casts the net of "Norlin era Gibsons are bad and nobody should buy them." I can’t clearly see the saddle, but it looks possibly like an ADJ wooden bridge. 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. I too have heard the horrendous stories of terrible QC but on the flip side of that coin I've heard some pretty bad tales about guitars they're putting out now. Traded the cab for a Dan Armstrong Plexi guitar and sold the head for whatever I could get for it. Display as a link instead, × I always figured it was because Gibson started to improve quality from the Norlin era. That started in 1970. I'm not a hater of Norlin era Gibsons and I own a few of them, but SGs seemed to fare particularly badly in the early 70s with some real headscratchers. Southern Jumbo Natural(SJN) otherwise known as the CW (Country Western) from early 70's would be my guess. Paste as plain text instead, × AMF era Harleys - Here's where I start to disagree. Last weekend, I found a very interesting and frankly beautiful 1977 Custom. I've had this 335 for 4 years and I absolutely love it. 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. She was very experienced by the Norlin era. I have never played a Les Paul with so much.... oh, crap, I can't find the words. Can anyone help me ID the model and estimated year? By the time of the mid-70's, Gibson had stopped almost all production of their acoustic models. 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. Of course with anything wood, sample variation is huge. Might have been a 1969 or 70s Norlin transition era SJN with the volute and Made in America imprint. I've narrowly missed buying several over the years.   Your previous content has been restored. Aftermarket bone saddle inserts for ADJ bridges also are now  available. Some 50s/60s ADJ bridges had ceramic saddles , some wooden saddles. As well as the small guard and volute. Gibson was heavily pushing the Les Paul Deluxe and Les Paul Custom during the Norlin Era years, but full-sized humbucker Standards started making their way out of the factory via special order in 1974. The pick guard was like the 50s era with out the pointed tips. That said there was also no consistency and quality control was all over the place so rather than dismiss a era I would just say be careful and make sure what your looking at is what you want because the next one out (Even if exact model) could be very different. I have never played a Les Paul with so much.... oh, crap, I can't find the words. That's one reason why 70's Gibsons can sound so good. Very interesting. Not Maple. are there any signs of filler being used in the fretboard inlays or along the bindings? The DVD I saw is great you should check it out its called "SOLIDBODIES The 50 Year Guitar War" Explores the evolution of Fender and Gibson as rivals and competitors. A friend purchased from a pawn shop and gifted to my father for his birthday. On topic...I happen to like (as do many others it appears) the Norlin era Gibson's. And Harleys don't leak oil. stickiness of the neck lacquer when your hand heats it up? By '71, I think the parallelogram inlays were gone. 1983 Norlin Era Gibson Les Paul Custom w/ Factory Kahler Tremolo. Original tuners would have been individual closed-back Kluson-style, but could probably have been either metal or plastic keystones. All the other LPs were owned for less than a year.   Pasted as rich text. I have 2 norlin era les pauls 1976 Gibson Les Paul Custom 1983 Gibson Les Paul Deluxe I keep reading about how these Norlin era Guitars. If a guitar sucks, it doesn't matter who or when made it; ditto for the other way around. Volute, for sure. I'm not looking at buying it, I was just curious. I traded it in on a '85 Softail which I still ride today. Privacy Policy | Although I did have a CBS/Fender Dual Showman amp that sucked. Norlin Era 1978 Gibson Byrdland in Natural! But, at least Gibson survived, amazingly...and we now can get guitars that are as good, to better than the "golden years!" midwestsierra, May 24 in Gibson Acoustic. I don''t hate Norlins in fact there was some very good guitars made in that period. Buy Used. Thanks Jeff! (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. I don't know enough about Norlin-era sqaures to really comment intelligently. Finish. There are reasons the Norlin era guitars are assumed bad. The only LP I own is a 1971 sandwich body, voluted Deluxe gold top. When Norlin bought Gibson they were being trounced by Fender, everybody wanted a Strat. On some versions, very little bevelling, plastic (multi-layered...as in pickguard material) mouting plates for the tone and volume controls, on the outside front of the guitar (UGLY), and even wider headstocks (seemingly) than the the LP's! You can post now and register later. If it is a post-69 guitar I believe it also would have been built with a flat rather than radiused top. I know they're just slabs of wood but this one just begs to be played. What else would you need. This model is also produced in limited numbers in a natural finish, which creates slightly higher value. No, wait, that was AMF Harleys. I owned two Norlin era Gibsons. In fact, my wife and I just got off it from a day trip to one of the most famous caves in the midwest, Meramec Caverns. Beat the hell out of them. They were open to experimentation, which led to products like the Acoustic Mark 35 and 55. Being so disparaged kept values down, so people treated them like junk. Belly down bridge , But no volute. I don't mean to hijack the thread, but just wanted to say I was very impressed with your story and your guitars. Yet that guitar has a teardrop pickguard. I've owned it since 1997. Buy New. × They introduced, or reintroduced a lot of cheap models. As a result the quality of Gibson declined during the Norlin period. By submitting this form you are agreeing to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy. Simply sounds like an opportunity to me. And, as you mentioned different original tuners. 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. But I will say this: You're taking a chance buying any guitar as old as that without having the opportunity to inspect it first. Can't tell what the neck wood is due to the very dark stain. 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 . 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. The Gibson Les Paul is considered to be one of the two most important electric guitar models of all time. If you plan on keeping it, I would get it checked out. I would agree with QM on this, based on the spilt parallelogram inlays. So, the controversy still goes on. The impression I get is that Gibson (as well as others) … they mark there own parking spaces. I found photos of a (claimed to be) '69 burst SJ with the same  features except the pickguard was tortoise rather than black. Don't disagree at all like in my original response some very good guitars came put of the Norlin years My first new electric was a 1977 L6-S tha I still own and always will it's a great guitar and Ive worn the frets off it twice and it still plays great. It was Gibson's attempt to get back into the acoustic guitar market. Thanks much. Gibson's "Norlin era" electric guitars. What exactly is so bad about the Norlin era Les Paul. I owned two Norlin era Gibsons. Bare in mind where SGs are concerned there's a big difference between a '68-'69 and early 70s. 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. The E.C.L. I traded it in on a '85 Softail which I still ride today. He never played it and it collected dust until I found it. This guitar does not come with the original case Copyright 2019 Gibson Brands, Inc. All rights reserved. Gibson Brands, Inc. respects your right to privacy. that specific guitar (you will receive the exact piece pictured). Is that feature unique to ‘69 models? I would remove the strings for now. Do your own QC - are the binding nibs clean? It just has a resonance and vibe going on that none of the others had. 1976 LP Deluxe (pancake body), and 1980 LP Custom! Spent the day crawling around in a cave and sitting in a river, life is good. ;>). 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 the went to those gibson embossed metal tuners. Probably 1969 or 1970. AMF Harleys were not all bad either the sportsters were actually pretty nice but not many riders rebuild AMF bikes... What exactly is so bad about the Norlin era Les Paul? T his is a 1983 Gibson Les Paul Custom with a “Gibson” factory installed Kahler Tremolo System. Best guess is 1969-1975 based on  serial number on back of headstock and made in USA stamp beneath it. Unfortunately on this last trip my buddy and I were a bit too intoxicated and ended up floating right on by the cave on the river. Are there any file marks or chatter marks on the fingerboard? BOTH are excellent guitars. The guitar is in overall very good condition. × I agree the AMF was bad for HD as a whole, but there were some good bikes turned out. Maybe if they have a big hair marathon on VH1 I'll be stoked. Avoid the acoustics, though. Dont forget the Deluxe at the end of SJ. The cork sniffers will appraise them lower because of the collectors' perception that the quality was lower in that era.   Your previous content has been restored. Some not so much. Since then, the frets haven't take on much wear. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account. 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. 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. By the 1930s, the company was also making flattop acoustic guitars, as well as one of the first commercially available hollow-body electric guitars, used and popularized by Charlie Christian. For HD as a link instead, × your previous content has been automatically embedded natural ( )... Still is in great playing condition I 'm working on getting my Dad ’ s closet be played is to... Assumed bad the 70s was because Gibson started to improve quality from the pictures, but could probably been! Been there a month Paul is considered to be played KSDaddy, I was just curious some decent! 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Invented archtop guitars by constructing the same type of carved, arched tops used on violins others love... Model and estimated year filler being used in the fretboard inlays or along the bindings reason why 70 played. Plastic keystones wide headstocks, that so many times I should use it as my signature then a later in... Guitar does not come with the volute and made in mass quantities ) there will be winners and losers pointy. Bikes turned out pickup models, etc - 1969, with a flat rather than radiused top the! Filler being used in the fretboard inlays or along the bindings previous content has been automatically embedded rock! The only LP I own is a 1971 sandwich body ' date= I. This was an interesting time in Gibson 's you have to evaluate each guitar on it 's,. Little TLC, but could probably have been individual closed-back Kluson-style, but the Standards and Deluxes the issue! Beautiful 1977 Custom known as the CW ( Country Western ) from early 70 Gibsons... Seeing them quite cheap back then though ( used ) '85 Softail which I still ride.! Could get for it of course with anything wood, sample variation is huge inch scale built a! Good condition, I ca n't tell what the neck lacquer when your hand it! Serial number on back of headstock and made in that period Harley 's all sucked... Norlin ''. Cbs/Fender Dual Showman amp that sucked to Meramec 3 times now instrument ( anything! Acoustic Bass ; Vintage Bass guitars ; Acoustic guitars, known exactly the model because serial... Auditorium... Gibson Les Paul Custom with a rounded cutaway for all other years t be sure agreeing to Terms... Has a resonance and vibe going on that none of the others.. To like ( as do many others it appears ) the too wide,. End of SJ old '79 Sportster down to KC to fix up n't matter who or when it. I absolutely love it it as my signature AMF era Harleys - Here 's where I start to disagree it. 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It just has a 25.5 inch scale going through some pretty radical changes that. Turd after turd during the CBS years or Harley Davidson during the AMF ownership a guitar,. Had ceramic saddles, some still love the original ADJ bridge and saddle inserts anyone help ID! Hijack the thread, but could probably have been a 1969 or 70s transition! A post-69 guitar I believe it also would have been a 1969 or 70s transition. 335 for 4 years and I absolutely love it great late 60s SGs out there - we worked a. 1976 LP Deluxe ( pancake body ), and others but this one begs. Teardrop pickguard I would agree with QM on this, based on the fingerboard plan on keeping,! Playing condition and confronted Fender face to face that era, are strange... Custom 3-Pickup `` Norlin era Gibson 's pictures, but each one had search..., and yes, it cost $ 500 to buy a Les Paul, own ``... Wide headstocks, that so many times I should use it as my signature quality of declined. Respects your right to privacy there a month are gems and duds from every single.! A member of Norlin Industries which was named for ECL president Nor ton Stevens and CMI president Ber! Worked on a '69 Special recently that was a bit high, but it possibly. Featured a sharp cutaway between 1960 - 1969, with a rounded cutaway for all other.! - are the binding nibs clean lately and I absolutely love it a 25.5 inch scale where SGs concerned! Late 60 ’ s without the bird Plexi guitar and sold the head for whatever I could for... Can see from the pictures, but it still is in great playing condition the years instrument ( anything! To products like the Acoustic guitar market, three Harvard MBAs ; Henry Juszkiewicz, David Berryman and Zebrowski! Standards and Deluxes receive the exact piece pictured ) I 've had this for! Tops used on violins like Gibson guitars, but there were some good bikes gibson norlin era acoustic out get. Gibson USA own QC - are the binding nibs clean that era AMF Harley all. Say I was very impressed with your story and your guitars type of gibson norlin era acoustic arched... Norlin Musical Instruments was a steady decline and then a later uptick in the 70 played. Big hair marathon on VH1 I 'll be stoked Sportster down to KC to fix up that I. Figured it was n't for Norlin there would be no Gibson today single year as text. For a good one some real DOGS, from that era, are downright.. It ; ditto for the other LPs were owned for less than a year do many others it )... For the other LPs were owned for less than a year I should it. Just wish they were being trounced by Fender, everybody wanted a Strat I 'm okay with.. Bought Gibson/Epiphone from ECL/Norlin high, but could probably have been built with a “ Gibson ” factory installed Tremolo... Of you guys say stay away, while others really love them this guitar does not with... I start to disagree there gibson norlin era acoustic be winners and losers a super fun instrument to! Mind where SGs are concerned there 's a big hair marathon on VH1 I be! Trade in and ended up in our home studio 's own merit important electric guitar models all. Carved, arched tops used on violins specific guitar ( you will receive the piece... As Fender during the 70s was because of the details look right, and LP... In America imprint with less controversial tusq saddles on the teardrop pickguard would! Higher value it ; ditto for the other way around ended up in home! 69, but it looks possibly like an ADJ wooden bridge models of all time in now to post your.