The second installment of the Guitar Bucket List series features my 2014 Gibson Les Paul Classic in seafoam green. Now, there’s nothing “classic” about this model at all. It has a host of specs that no one would consider “classic” on a Gibson Les Paul. First, there’s the striking (and beautiful) see-through seafoam green finish. I mean, just look at that thing! When I first saw it hanging on the wall at a Sam Ash, I knew I had to have it. Of course, I had never purchased a Gibson before and something like that was WAY out of my price range. I actually had to sign a “contract” with my wife saying that I wouldn’t buy anything else for a whole year after it…and now that I’m thinking of it, it might’ve been a longer commitment than that!
But, it was worth it- I truly love that guitar. But…there are some quirks that let you know it’s from that 2014 era of Gibson. The finish ain’t that great- it has some flaws. And remember those non-classic features I mentioned? Well, it has uncovered zebra bobbin ’57 classic pickups (those are on the list), a 120th anniversary banner on the 12th fret, clear champagne gold speed knobs, a boost switch instead of a second tone knob, and a weight-relieved body (that’s on the list). Problem with the weight relief is that…well, it didn’t work. This thing weighs a TON.
I actually like the Tronical robotic tuners- so much so that I put a set on my Gibson! Yeah, the interface is weird and clunky, but I love not having to bust out a tuner and make everyone around me sit in silence while I struggle to read a tiny screen. In all, this is an all-time favorite for me and one of my “signature” guitars!
This guitar checked off the following on the Guitar Bucket List:
#10 – Gibson ’57 Classic Pickups
#15 – Nitrocellulose finish
#24 – Weight-relieved