Is There A 'Best Year' Off-The-Rack Regular Production Post-Norlin 'Henry-era' Gibson?

[crunchee]

Murkat/Jay is our resident expert, and would likely have a TON of insight about this. I am curious though, as I remember reading, back in the late '80s in the guitar media, that Gibson had begun to get it's act together from the Norlin years. After the early-mid '90's though, I'm not so sure; because of the myriad of variations on their main guitars (LPs and SGs), increasing production, and 'innovations' in production like multipiece bodies and satin finishes. Is there any consensus on WHEN garden-variety, main shop floor Gibsons were considered really good in general? Notice that I'm not really going into Custom Shop territory, mainly because I can't afford a USED CS model, much less a NEW one.

Which also reminds me, when did Gibson quit using one piece bodies on their mahogany guitars as a rule? I had a '89 LP Special that I bought new, with P-100s and a TOM bridge setup, and it had a one-piece mahogany body...really great, for a relatively budget model back then...but now? Not happening, more than likely. And yes, I wish I had that '89 back, I'd be dropping Lollars into it right now!

TIA!

[ARM OF HAMER]

I tend to think that guitars should be judged on their own merits. [Or lack of] I agree with "Armitage" in regards to don't worry about good years,only good guitars. My 1978 Gibson L-5S has just some mild figure in the 2 piece center seam top and back certainly not the most figured example by a long shot...........I thought this was TSB as far as finish color but it may actually be 'FireBurst' but as there is so much tobacco staining of the finish its hard to tell.........so I'll just say its TSB. Norlin era Gibbys get a bad rap I think and as I have owned quite a few back in the day I can say some were bad and some were great................This L-5S falls into the latter category its a incredible guitar to play,hear,and just look at,this guitar was put through the paces for years and years and its still working just fine. I As far as Henry J Gibsons I have heard many people say the new guitars[LPs in particular] coming out now are VERY VERY good. Yes I HAVE played some DOGS and the fit and finish was awful as was the unreal price they were asking for them. But perhaps "MURKAT" can speak with more knowledge regarding those claims as to IF Gibson is back on track. I believe Hamer made some of their best guitars ever just before they went down for the count.

[Montelovesco]

Arm of Hamer, the pics are soooo great. Thanks!

[cynic]

Since the late 90's all customs were from the nashville GCS, and recently (2006ish ?) from the memphis plant as well.

the custom is a bread butter staple guitar, and if being an opaque color, less desirable woods used. Flaws, scraps, re works, etc.

Is that true across the board? Didn't the Frehley "Budokan" have a USA and GCS version, just as his original signature LPC?

There are also examples in the early 2000's with USA serial schemes.

I'm certainly not questioning what you're saying, but am just looking for more info

[murkat]

Since the late 90's all customs were from the nashville GCS, and recently (2006ish ?) from the memphis plant as well.

the custom is a bread butter staple guitar, and if being an opaque color, less desirable woods used. Flaws, scraps, re works, etc.

Is that true across the board? Didn't the Frehley "Budokan" have a USA and GCS version, just as his original signature LPC?

There are also examples in the early 2000's with USA serial schemes.

I'm certainly not questioning what you're saying, but am just looking for more info

when it comes to Henry, Gibson,...

There will always be exceptions.

If He can make a buck, He will.

as in the Ace Frehley custom.

a limited run from the GCS, but a very large limited run from the plant.

But, as a regular staple meat and potatoes production build,

the custom resides in the GCS div. for a production model.