What to look for when buying a used Gibson LP?
- Thread starter damnesia
- Start date
check for the obvious la... whether got any cracks... previous damage thats been fixed etc..
play it... make sure you like the sound. try a FEW lespauls.. dun just try that one. check out the fretwork.. binding...
another importasnt issue is tuning stability.. make sure the guitar wont go off... when played hard.
play it... make sure you like the sound. try a FEW lespauls.. dun just try that one. check out the fretwork.. binding...
another importasnt issue is tuning stability.. make sure the guitar wont go off... when played hard.
subversion
Moderator
i employ the following checks when buying guitars, Les Paul or otherwise:
*Headstock:
-check for broken units/ cracks. an attempt to hide this would be a refinish job.
-check for functional tuners
*Neck:
-run you fingers along the fretboard register, make sure no frets are jutting out
-check for frayed neck binding (if applicable)
-check for worn out frets
-buzzing- check for headstock/ nut/ fret buzzing. as long as this doesn't get amplified- it's good
-sight the neck, make sure relief isn't too excessive
*Body:
-the usual suspects: cracks/ dents/ scratches
*Electronics (if you are testing through amp...)
-make sure ALL switches/ knobs are working
-Input jack: twist your instrument cord & listen for cracklings/ hissings. if the signal disaapears while doing this- it's bad... (make sure it's not the fault of the cable, yes?)
*Headstock:
-check for broken units/ cracks. an attempt to hide this would be a refinish job.
-check for functional tuners
*Neck:
-run you fingers along the fretboard register, make sure no frets are jutting out
-check for frayed neck binding (if applicable)
-check for worn out frets
-buzzing- check for headstock/ nut/ fret buzzing. as long as this doesn't get amplified- it's good
-sight the neck, make sure relief isn't too excessive
*Body:
-the usual suspects: cracks/ dents/ scratches
*Electronics (if you are testing through amp...)
-make sure ALL switches/ knobs are working
-Input jack: twist your instrument cord & listen for cracklings/ hissings. if the signal disaapears while doing this- it's bad... (make sure it's not the fault of the cable, yes?)
