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Late 80's Gibsons - anything to look out for?


o.versteer

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Evening all,

 

I REALLY do not want to start another Gibson QC bashing thread, I've just got a potential opportunity to buy an '88 SG reissue, and I'm wondering if that era is particularly problematic or not?

 

Anyone got a similar guitar or other Gibsons from that era? Any thoughts appreciated - I'm pretty excited!

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Late '80s was a pretty good era for Gibson from what I've seen. I've played 3-4 LPs, an SG and an ES-335 from '87-'90 and they were all very good. That '88 335 was maybe the nicest one I've ever played, and I've played a lot of 'em! I should've kept it!

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the only legit issue with late 80s Gibsons (IMO) is the weight. if you can handle a 10.5lb + instrument wrapped around your neck (save your "{censored}" comments, kiddies; i can hack it), then there are no other issues with that era.

 

your mileage may vary, but that's my experience.

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According to legend, Gibson had a bit of an improvement in overalll quality right after the Norlin buyout.

 

 

Yeah, I'm guilty or perpetuating this rumor. But I think it has some truth to it.

 

SG's are ok, but the three piece top on LPs - ug-ly.

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the only legit issue with late 80s Gibsons (IMO) is the weight. if you can handle a 10.5lb + instrument wrapped around your neck (save your "{censored}" comments, kiddies; i can hack it), then there are no other issues with that era.


your mileage may vary, but that's my experience.



exactly... I tore cartlidge in my shoulder boxing some years ago and now and then, it acts up (won't get surgery)... Playing a 7lb axe pisses it off, I couldn't imagine a 11 lb Custom... Custom Lite is on my list :facepalm:

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I think that some of the Gibson's produced between 1988 - 1992 are phenominal instruments. Gibson got their asses kicked saleswise and innovation wise by Ibanez, Jackson, Kramer, Washburn etc. They weren't listening to the customers where as the other companies were. I think Henry J. (the current CEO) came on about this time. His goal was bring back the Gibson guitar company to the glory of the old days.

I think that they were very intuitive with their new products. They had introduced new pickup designs, graphite reinforced necks, 24 fret necks, new bass and guitar designs with "un"Gibson features. They were finally listening to us.

Then................... they got greedy and told us that a New Les Paul Custom is worth $3K.

Frank

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