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there is the issue now that if you are buying many customers will say £3k or 3.5K yet if they are selling they say £4K
I've seen some with awesome tops and some a bit bland, so that will have an impact on the price - I've sold them in the past at top price that is based on ultra clean, paperwork and a great top - But I've sold for less on a non-original 'players grade' version - So take that into account
In 1980 they were meant to be the first 'commercial' vintage based LP without having all the correct details - In 1980 a regular LP sold at £400 whilst a Std 80 sold at £600 - 50% more which at the time was some serious increase over a regular model - Since then the whole R9 market has super seeded them in one format or another
Let me know if I can help further on this
I’m unconvinced one would be a great investment. A decent Historic is a much better guitar.
Trying to recall his name, but a guy who does some of the shows, was at Crewe and will be at Liverpool/Aintree in a couple of weeks, has a nice example - one owner since new - around 3K ish (can't recall the exact price) - he always has a few LP Dlx's with him if you can remember
I have to say I like late-70s/early 80s Les Pauls in some ways - I like the solid feel and tone, even when it borders on them being too heavy, although only up to a point (11lbs to be exact!) - but I really can't live with that sharp cutaway tip, it just looks completely wrong. Shallow I know, but I know I'm far from alone and that does seriously affect the desirability and value, and I can't see them being a good investment since much more accurate reissues are still in full production.
I feel the same about the similar Fender 'Dan Smith' Strats - they were once touted as being valuable and good investments, but that was only because they were less horrible than what had immediately preceded them… apart from the improved body contouring and four-bolt neck with (wrong shaped) small headstock, they were essentially just a late-CBS Strat. Modern vintage reissues are *far* better guitars, both in terms of vintage accuracy and plain quality.
£4K is far too much in my opinion.
"Take these three items, some WD-40, a vise grip, and a roll of duct tape. Any man worth his salt can fix almost any problem with this stuff alone." - Walt Kowalski
"Only two things are infinite - the universe, and human stupidity. And I'm not sure about the universe." - Albert Einstein
I like the slightly later (mid 80's) Pre-Historics much more. I think they show how good the Tim Shaw pickups are in a great guitar. Mark Knopfler is probably the most famous person to own and play one of these. Most people agree that the guitar sounds incredible on Brothers in Arms (the song) and he uses a 'Burst live to re-create the sound of the Pre-Historic! Another 80's Pre-Historic user is Warren Haynes. He told Guitar Player it is his number one guitar (Huh? Not the Gibson Custom WarrenHaynes then? )
But still not an "investment" even though prices seem to be creeping up.
Oh - Maybe that is what investment means.
(Worth as in what they actually sell for privately for cash, not London dealer asking price or with trade-ins.)
"Take these three items, some WD-40, a vise grip, and a roll of duct tape. Any man worth his salt can fix almost any problem with this stuff alone." - Walt Kowalski
"Only two things are infinite - the universe, and human stupidity. And I'm not sure about the universe." - Albert Einstein
Btw the Heritage Standard 80 is ex-Micky Moody. Personally I don’t think that enhances the value at all, except perhaps to an über fan (if any).
Personally, I wouldn't pay more than £2k. I'd rather have a second hand R8. I wouldn't pay more for one of these than I'd pay for an R8. To be honest, I'd probably shop around for a good Traditional rather than one of these.
The only reason they are that price is because they are seen as collectible. As players guitars they aren't worth it.
Firstly, they are an important part of Gibson history with all the mojo to match, everyone of them that I've owned & played has been very similar, tone & playability wise, they are outstanding guitars.
I will never part with mine now I've pretty much played every other electric guitar out there.
I have recently come to the conclusion that why have a copy when you can have the real thing, after all Gibson never claimed they were a reissue or a copy , they were only based on a 59 Les Paul, incorporating all the best bits & adding enhancing features.
Yes Tim Shaw was called in to recreate a 59 humbucker & what an excellent job he did, buts that about as far as it all went copy wise.
Finally, I consider them to be a must for any Les Paul fan, they are already collectable & worth every penny.
Hope I haven't offended anyone but I can only speak from my experience.