Goof Rings

[mc2]

I know "goof rings" more commonly are the rings Gibson uses around some of it's pickup routes to hide bad routing....but I've heard these ones around the bridge posts in this photo also called that. Not sure if that is correct.

But my question is...how the heck do I remove them?

Are the screwed in..or part of the post...or glued on? There is a rubber gasket between them and the body. I dont want to force them off until I know the correct way.

They are on a 70s Les Paul Signature that I got years back from an old Kalamazoo employee who was also a luthier. He ordered this one new and did any mods at the factory...hence the odd custom black/gold combo. I don;t think the rings are actually hiding bad routes. The original owner blinged up the guitar and I think they were only cosmetic.

The reason I am trying to remove the rings is that he had a different bridge sitting on the rings and I want to put the original one back on the lower tha action a hair.

Any help?

[murkat]

Harmonica bridge posts.

Laqcuer has fused to the rubber over time.

You might try using some naptha with a q tip around the areas, soaking it in.

The naptha might do the trick without too much finish damage if any at all...

J

[mc2]

So....do the rings usually just lift off over the posts if the rubber isn't fused to the top?

I've owned a few Les Paul Signatures and this is the only one that has these big rings/rubber gaskets under the harmonica bridge.

[murkat]

A. If really curious... I guess you are going to find out....

B. Each one is a little different...

If all guits had goof rings, well, that be the norm(?)

[BadgerDave]

Any chance you could post a photo or two of the guitar?

I have a long-time fascination with Les Paul Signatures and I don't think I've ever seen a black one.

[veatch]

Yes, pics, please. Always loved the look, but the 4 that i have had the pleasure to play have all unfortunately been duds (or i'd have one...

[mc2]

Any chance you could post a photo or two of the guitar?

I have a long-time fascination with Les Paul Signatures and I don't think I've ever seen a black one.

I was told there were only two black ones. I also have a Sunburst 6 string and bass...great longscale hollowbody bass.

Always wondered...since the original owner worked at Kalamazoo and did any of these mods at the factory...would they be considered "factory original?" He also said that when he had it made he had the paint guy shoot the finish heavier than normal. Normally I don't like gold hardware but it looks sort of cool here with the yellowed-out binding and black.

[murkat]

In my wonderful, humble opinion...

I would not fuck with it

[Armitage]

Really cool guitar!

I remember the first time a dealer told me those "Custom Made" plaques were straight from Gibson... nooo way....

Yup.

You get a better job at the mall.

[veatch]

Have to agree with Murkat here...