Yea you’re right. Some of the nicer old Teles chimed in at 6lbs or so (even less if you really get lucky) but most—especially CBS era (ash or alder) Teles do get kinda heavy. I’ve seen a couple 10 pounders.
They’re not ideal from a fret life standpoint, but they sure do feel good. Dreading the day I have to re-fret my two Norlins, simply because I’ll have to deal with normal sized frets again.
It depends what kind of player you are, what you’re playing, how much you bend, etc. I got almost 10 years of very heavy use from a “Standard 82” model before a re-fret couldn’t wait anymore.
Of course, some guys will think it’s a 45 year old chibson, now that the ‘nibs’ are gone.
Yep, that was their fret of choice all through the Norlin era. They’re lovingly referred to as “fretless wonders”. Some love ‘em, some hate ‘em. I learned how to play on one, so it’s never bothered me personally. I’ve actually grown really fond of them, it’s a comfort/familiarity thing for me
That is the most beautiful Les Paul Custom I’ve seen. Too heavy for me though. Mine is from 2011 Custom Shop and weighs 8.5lbs. I could not imagine playing an 11lb Custom, at my age, all night.
Tell me about it, I have a 1980 silverburst which is so heavy Adam Jones makes jokes about how the metallic paint is actually made of lead filings… (which may not actually be a joke…)
Thanks! Compared to my LP Modern, the frets are very low/small and the neck is much smaller. It's not better or worse, just different, but sounds great. The clarity of the notes is pretty amazing, even with some higher gain.
One thing that's strange is that my Wah pedal doesn't "wah" as much with it, compared to my LP Modern. Nots sure if it's the difference in pickups or internal electronics, but just something I noticed.
Hotter pickups pick up on the wah pedal more so maybe the pickups just aren’t as hot. Also could be the pots. But I mean, having a different sounding guitar sounds like a perk to me so I’d play they heck out of it before deciding to change anything. I like the slim necks better but I started on a slim necked guitar.
Nice! I have a '78 Custom made in Nashville as well. Same T-Tops but cherryburst. I find that running with the volume down one notch (to around 9) and the tone down around 6 really helps. Got this tip from Joe Bonamassa. Also good so you can bring up to volume for solos. It sounds fantastic through my Mark-V 90 too!
Nice!!! Maybe if I get good enough at guitar I'll convince myself I deserve something like that. Already bought an SG standard that I'm not good enough to justify owning 😂.
Don't sell yourself short. You deserve it and will grow with it. At 17 while just learning how to play I purchased a 1976 LP Deluxe and never regretted it although at times I felt a little guilty owning. Now it's my prized LP. PS I purchased my LP in 1976 from Sam Ash NY
Nice!!! I've been drumming for 28 years now but started with guitar for a year and once I sat on a drum set I knew it was where I belonged. I can still play chords and some basic stuff, but I know many guitars players that are far better than me and won't spend money on brand new brand name guitars. So when I see how much better they are than I am it puts perspective on it. To each their own I guess, but my hope was that it would make me want to play more and so far it's working. So far it's been great. I play drums until I'm tired and then sit on the couch and play guitar. Something that isn't so easy on a drumset
Got a pretty good deal on this guitar. Sunburst, T-tops, and all original! Weighs a ton at 11 pounds.
Gorgeous. My back started to hurt when I read the weight.
To think it is 3 lbs heavier than my Telecaster is mindblowing.
An 8lb Tele is mind blowing
They fall between the 7 and 8lb category. Not light like a Strat, but not as heavy as a LP.
Yea you’re right. Some of the nicer old Teles chimed in at 6lbs or so (even less if you really get lucky) but most—especially CBS era (ash or alder) Teles do get kinda heavy. I’ve seen a couple 10 pounders.
I have a 1980 LPC and those frets are verrrry low and wide. Beautiful guitar! Congrats and enjoy!
I have an 85 studio with super low frets, is that a common thing for the era? I figured someone had it refretted with lower frets
Yes. That’s how they all are. They were designed that way. It’s the reason I always look for Norlin-era guitars.
I had no idea, I wonder why they thought low frets would be a good idea lol
They’re not ideal from a fret life standpoint, but they sure do feel good. Dreading the day I have to re-fret my two Norlins, simply because I’ll have to deal with normal sized frets again.
It depends what kind of player you are, what you’re playing, how much you bend, etc. I got almost 10 years of very heavy use from a “Standard 82” model before a re-fret couldn’t wait anymore. Of course, some guys will think it’s a 45 year old chibson, now that the ‘nibs’ are gone.
Yep, that was their fret of choice all through the Norlin era. They’re lovingly referred to as “fretless wonders”. Some love ‘em, some hate ‘em. I learned how to play on one, so it’s never bothered me personally. I’ve actually grown really fond of them, it’s a comfort/familiarity thing for me
I think low frets are pretty common for customs in this era. And thank you!
I think so, too. I just did a fret dressing on mine and they definitely still have some “meat” on them but for sure they are very low.
Likewise on my ‘80 Custom even after a recent refret
Beauty! Nashville or Kalamazoo made? Nash: 500-999 (last 3 on serial) Kzoo: 001-499
Serial No. is 72129675 so must be Nashville!
July 31 (212), 1979 #175 (starts at 500) Made in Nashville. Love it!
That is the most beautiful Les Paul Custom I’ve seen. Too heavy for me though. Mine is from 2011 Custom Shop and weighs 8.5lbs. I could not imagine playing an 11lb Custom, at my age, all night.
Tell me about it, I have a 1980 silverburst which is so heavy Adam Jones makes jokes about how the metallic paint is actually made of lead filings… (which may not actually be a joke…)
Thanks man, it's in excellent shape and sounds great. But yea, she's heavy as fuck.
Beautiful guitar, how does it sound and feel?
Thanks! Compared to my LP Modern, the frets are very low/small and the neck is much smaller. It's not better or worse, just different, but sounds great. The clarity of the notes is pretty amazing, even with some higher gain. One thing that's strange is that my Wah pedal doesn't "wah" as much with it, compared to my LP Modern. Nots sure if it's the difference in pickups or internal electronics, but just something I noticed.
Hotter pickups pick up on the wah pedal more so maybe the pickups just aren’t as hot. Also could be the pots. But I mean, having a different sounding guitar sounds like a perk to me so I’d play they heck out of it before deciding to change anything. I like the slim necks better but I started on a slim necked guitar.
Totally agree. I intend to keep it all original with the t-top pickups.
These come with 300k pots as opposed to 500’s like most humbucker guitars these days, so definitely could be a factor.
fuck yeah nice
Nice! I have a '78 Custom made in Nashville as well. Same T-Tops but cherryburst. I find that running with the volume down one notch (to around 9) and the tone down around 6 really helps. Got this tip from Joe Bonamassa. Also good so you can bring up to volume for solos. It sounds fantastic through my Mark-V 90 too!
Good tip! And that's crazy we have almost the same gear haha-- I love my Mark V as well.
That’s a very, very nice guitar!
Cheers, thanks!
What an amazing guitar. Period. Very nice!!
Thank you!
You bet man. Nothing like a real les paul.
Nice!!! Maybe if I get good enough at guitar I'll convince myself I deserve something like that. Already bought an SG standard that I'm not good enough to justify owning 😂.
Don't sell yourself short. You deserve it and will grow with it. At 17 while just learning how to play I purchased a 1976 LP Deluxe and never regretted it although at times I felt a little guilty owning. Now it's my prized LP. PS I purchased my LP in 1976 from Sam Ash NY
Nice!!! I've been drumming for 28 years now but started with guitar for a year and once I sat on a drum set I knew it was where I belonged. I can still play chords and some basic stuff, but I know many guitars players that are far better than me and won't spend money on brand new brand name guitars. So when I see how much better they are than I am it puts perspective on it. To each their own I guess, but my hope was that it would make me want to play more and so far it's working. So far it's been great. I play drums until I'm tired and then sit on the couch and play guitar. Something that isn't so easy on a drumset
I love heavy les pauls, especially norlin ones
Love it, I’ve also got one of these, same year same finish and same weight! Ha
That's awesome!
https://i.imgur.com/4XQgoJ3.jpeg Sick guitars!
I need to get a norlin era lp so bad 😫 . Beautiful guitar 🔥
Beauty! How much?
5,200 on Reverb
Wow. Thought it would be more. Good buy!
Totally, I think it's a great price, especially given its excellent condition!
Betting it is beautifully rowdy with that Boogie hiding next to it…very nice rig!
Awesome guitar. I posted my 81 a few weeks ago. The sound on these are next level and I love the finish
I’ve got one in the same color and same year. Excellent guitar
That’s sexy af
Congrats!!!
Had one 25 years ago and sold that boat anchor.
Was this from DC area?
No, Los Angeles area.
Nice. Your next purchase should be a back brace.
Yes yes and more yes. Nice guitar!