By Terms & Conditions | Registered Trademarks, known exactly the model because the serial number was removed for some reason. Acoustic Bass; Vintage Bass Guitars; Acoustic Guitars. While made during one of the company's most controversial eras when many players saw a sacrifice of quality for profit margins, the Gibson Les Paul Customs The Gibson Les Paul Customs of the Norlin Era can be diamond-in-the-rough finds for players with a keen eye. AMF Harleys were not all bad either the sportsters were actually pretty nice but not many riders rebuild AMF bikes... What exactly is so bad about the Norlin era Les Paul? I have never played a Les Paul with so much.... oh, crap, I can't find the words. Just can't bring myself to restoring it yet. × There are great late 60s SGs out there - we worked on a '69 Special recently that was a corker. Privacy Policy | Paste as plain text instead, × But for that year only. I traded it in on a '85 Softail which I still ride today. Norlin Musical Instruments was a member of Norlin Industries which was named for ECL president Nor ton Stevens and CMI president Arnold Ber lin . Just like HD, if it wasn't for Norlin there would be no Gibson today. You cannot paste images directly. The only LP I own is a 1971 sandwich body, voluted Deluxe gold top. There's a head bangin' pointy headstocked Guild on the bench, been there a month. The pick guard was like the 50s era with out the pointed tips. My 1972 SJD in natural in my collection, bought new, has block inlays, not split parallelogram inlays like the 60s CWs and SJs. And, that one. I've owned it since 1997. They introduced, or reintroduced a lot of cheap models. By the time of the mid-70's, Gibson had stopped almost all production of their acoustic models. LOL! There was a steady decline and then a later uptick in the quality (1981-1985). I can’t clearly see the saddle, but it looks possibly like an ADJ wooden bridge. Since then, the frets haven't take on much wear. I know they're just slabs of wood but this one just begs to be played. I'm not looking at buying it, I was just curious. hmmm Nothing really - generally spoken. ;>). Not the Custom LP's, but the Standards and Deluxes. Thanks Jeff! I've owned at least a dozen LPs from an original 1955 gold top to a 1988 Standard with a good mix in the middle. I have heard some of you guys say stay away, while others really love them. If it is a post-69 guitar I believe it also would have been built with a flat rather than radiused top. Simply sounds like an opportunity to me. Pasted as rich text. Kalamazoo (mostly)....the Norlin era acoustics were so bad , that they had pretty much stopped building acoustics in Michigan, because no one was buying them (some of them may sound good now, but they suffered by comparison when they were new, not … Of course with anything wood, sample variation is huge. Is that feature unique to ‘69 models? There was a lot of really strange guitars made during that time with Gibson trying anything and everything since sales were hard and competition with foreign made guitars was really starting to be an issue. Norlin came in with an agressasive marketing plan. By submitting this form you are agreeing to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy. I've said it so many times I should use it as my signature. I haven't been doing much on the bench lately and I'm okay with that. I've said it so many times I should use it as my signature. The typical problems that occurred once Norlin took over are extreme weight (9lbs or more), poor build quality-necks separating, bad frets-and poor sustain-the guitar sounds like there a blanket over the strings. Avoid the acoustics, though. Southern Jumbo Natural(SJN) otherwise known as the CW (Country Western) from early 70's would be my guess. I've narrowly missed buying several over the years. Kind of the same exact concern as Fender during the CBS years or Harley Davidson during the AMF ownership. I would agree with QM on this, based on the spilt parallelogram inlays. AMF Alcort Sunfish leaked oil, too. I've had this 335 for 4 years and I absolutely love it. I guess you could say that not all Gibson's are created equal, but in the end it still comes back to a simple fact for most of us..."Only a Gibson is good enough". You could buy a new Start for $250, it cost $500 to buy a Les Paul. That said, opting to buy one instead of a new production Gibson for cheaper is complete madness. Not Maple. AMF era Harleys - Here's where I start to disagree. I've owned at least a dozen LPs from an original 1955 gold top to a 1988 Standard with a good mix in the middle. The cork sniffers will appraise them lower because of the collectors' perception that the quality was lower in that era. I don't know enough about Norlin-era sqaures to really comment intelligently. Spent the day crawling around in a cave and sitting in a river, life is good. Vintage Guitar Head Stock Framed Print. Your previous content has been restored. No thats not true AMF Harley's all sucked... Norlin era Les Pauls leak oil. She was very experienced by the Norlin era. I know they're just slabs of wood but this one just begs to be played. And a mohagany neck. I don''t hate Norlins in fact there was some very good guitars made in that period. are there any signs of filler being used in the fretboard inlays or along the bindings? Dreadnought; Classical; OM and Auditorium ... Gibson Les Paul Custom 3-Pickup "Norlin Era" 1970 - 1979. Electric Guitars. They were as fine a guitar as I've ever owned, both 1975 models, one was a ES-335, the other was an early reissue LP Standard. Don't disagree at all like in my original response some very good guitars came put of the Norlin years My first new electric was a 1977 L6-S tha I still own and always will it's a great guitar and Ive worn the frets off it twice and it still plays great. The only LP I own is a 1971 sandwich body' date=' voluted Deluxe gold top. I have 2 norlin era les pauls 1976 Gibson Les Paul Custom 1983 Gibson Les Paul Deluxe I keep reading about how these Norlin era Guitars. I like the sound!) Thank you for your help! Corporation seeking way to capitalize on the booming guitar market of that decade offered to go into business with CMI and they acquired the company in 1969. Probably 1969 or 1970. Solid Body. Paste as plain text instead, × By I'm not a hater of Norlin era Gibsons and I own a few of them, but SGs seemed to fare particularly badly in the early 70s with some real headscratchers. orangepeel texture to the lacqer? Unfortunately on this last trip my buddy and I were a bit too intoxicated and ended up floating right on by the cave on the river. Gibson was heavily pushing the Les Paul Deluxe and Les Paul Custom during the Norlin Era years, but full-sized humbucker Standards started making their way out of the factory via special order in 1974. Dont forget the Deluxe at the end of SJ. Yet that guitar has a teardrop pickguard. You cannot paste images directly. stickiness of the neck lacquer when your hand heats it up? 1983 Norlin Era Gibson Les Paul Custom w/ Factory Kahler Tremolo. I am not one of those who casts the net of "Norlin era Gibsons are bad and nobody should buy them." OK, I just made a fresh drink to respond to this post: CBS era Fender (guitars) - never owned one, I knew better, because I already had a 1960 Strat (still do). The E.C.L. that specific guitar (you will receive the exact piece pictured). Upload or insert images from URL. Some were (indeed) "boat paddles!" This was an interesting time in Gibson's Norlin era. Based on the teardrop pickguard I would guess 1970-1972. That's one reason why 70's Gibsons can sound so good. In fact, my wife and I just got off it from a day trip to one of the most famous caves in the midwest, Meramec Caverns. No, wait, that was AMF Harleys. Just like HD, if it wasn't for Norlin there would be no Gibson today. This model is also produced in limited numbers in a natural finish, which creates slightly higher value. Most of the details look right, and the label certainly does. In good condition, I'd buy one in a heartbeat. Last weekend, I found a very interesting and frankly beautiful 1977 Custom. Belly down bridge , But no volute. It's an unusual combination of features, but Gibson production was going through some pretty radical changes in that period. Just like Norlin did for Gibson. ne help me ID the model and estimated year. Gibson. I too, own two "Norlin Era" Gibsons. Slab bodies, single coil pickup models, etc. If you plan on keeping it, I would get it checked out. Southern Jumbo late 60’s - late 70’s is my best guess. Gibson changed out the ceramic or wooden saddles with less controversial tusq saddles on the modern day reissues. Do your own QC - are the binding nibs clean? Unlike most other Gibson guitars, it has a 25.5 inch scale. If a guitar sucks, it doesn't matter who or when made it; ditto for the other way around. Not unusual for guitars left in cases for a long time in a closet or under a bed with string tension to pull the neck loose . The price was a bit high, but the real issue was condition. Also, mine has a traditional 60s/70s SJ/CW pickguard that looks like the Dove’s without the bird. Gibson Brands, Inc. respects your right to privacy. Hey KSDaddy, I was checking out your web site. Gibsons made from 1960 through 1962, however, did have the thinnest neck profiles the company ever came up with for an acoustic. I don't mean to hijack the thread, but just wanted to say I was very impressed with your story and your guitars. Display as a link instead, × Posted on May 31, 2020 May 31, 2020 Author guitar73_wp. Copyright 2019 Gibson Brands, Inc. All rights reserved. I would assume they increased wood quality somewhat, but I doubt there is any grade difference from anything else they have used in the last 30 years. So, it was an "experimental" time, for sure! He never played it and it collected dust until I found it. Finish. A friend purchased from a pawn shop and gifted to my father for his birthday. Years of Production: 1951 - present. mando_dan, Jul 1, 2016 They simply couldn't make a good one and consumers were looking elsewhere. It's been well loved, as you can see from the pictures, but it still is in great playing condition. Clear editor. They were quite controversial at the time and still are for some, Some owners changed them out for standard bridges, some still swear by their sound. I traded it in on a '85 Softail which I still ride today. On some versions, very little bevelling, plastic (multi-layered...as in pickguard material) mouting plates for the tone and volume controls, on the outside front of the guitar (UGLY), and even wider headstocks (seemingly) than the the LP's! Provenance and pedigree means Jack S___ if it doesn't make you want to play it. A must see!!! Some not so much. Tone, workmanship, playability. But I will say this: You're taking a chance buying any guitar as old as that without having the opportunity to inspect it first. It was Gibson's attempt to get back into the acoustic guitar market. What else would you need. They're not all bad, but new is so much better, especially since you can buy at the Custom Shop level for the price of a 70's LP these days. I too have heard the horrendous stories of terrible QC but on the flip side of that coin I've heard some pretty bad tales about guitars they're putting out now. Display as a link instead, × Spread the love. By 1974 partners H. Norton Stevens head of E.C.L and William Berlin, who was head of CMI joined forces called the business Norlin or Gibson Norlin. All the other LPs were owned for less than a year. Right now I'm working on getting my Dad's old '79 Sportster down to KC to fix up. All that is a given but Gibson also turned out some real tone turds during those years and they earned a lot of the bad reputation that era has. Hi all -About 20 years ago I pulled an acoustic guitar out of my dad’s closet. In 1986, three Harvard MBAs; Henry Juszkiewicz, David Berryman and Gary Zebrowski, bought Gibson/Epiphone from ECL/Norlin. I have never played a Les Paul with so much.... oh, crap, I can't find the words. The Gibson Les Paul is considered to be one of the two most important electric guitar models of all time. Thanks much. They were open to experimentation, which led to products like the Acoustic Mark 35 and 55. I own a 1980's harmony acoustic that is worth on eBay - $100 at the most - but i think it sounds better than any other acoustic that ive ever played - Can anyone help me ID the model and estimated year? Are there any file marks or chatter marks on the fingerboard? Buy Used. I just saw a DVD that touched on that subject... Norlin was a big company that bought Gibson and as all big companies do they incorporated changes in the construction of the guitar to cut expenses and improve profit margin... Electronics, wood, hardware...etc Instead of making machine heads at Gibson the farmed the work out to cheap labor. They were as fine a guitar as I've ever owned, both 1975 models, one was a ES-335, the other was an early reissue LP Standard. Having said that, I have seen (and played) some real DOGS, from that era. And, as you mentioned different original tuners. I also have 30's and 40's era Gibsons (I can't afford 50's era Gibsons) , and the Norlin era Gibsons still hold the test of time. Although I did have a CBS/Fender Dual Showman amp that sucked. Might have been a 1969 or 70s Norlin transition era SJN with the volute and Made in America imprint. 69 still had the large guard. You can post now and register later. (that supposedly goes away, but still plagues modern production), norlin lesters, some with boat paddel headstocks, some with 3 peiice necks, some with 5 peice bodies, truss rod sometimes is loose, and pots may be different values. We put way too much emphasis on what others think of us based on how many guitars we can line up in the living room. All the other LPs were owned for less than a year. × Your previous content has been restored. The DVD I saw is great you should check it out its called "SOLIDBODIES The 50 Year Guitar War" Explores the evolution of Fender and Gibson as rivals and competitors. Just like today, you have to evaluate each guitar on it's own merit. My Deluxe has a smaller headstock, thankfully. Silverbursted, August 4, 2008 in Gibson USA. Just like Norlin era Gibson's you have to take them one by one. Matsumoku, as a sub-contractor of Aria (Arai and Company) manufactured instruments including Gibson Epiphone, Skylark, Cutler, Aria, Aria Pro, Aria Diamond and Washburn from 1964 into the mid 80s. You can post now and register later. I know that was a time when Gibson was doing unorthodox things to the LP line, like maple bodies and necks, and adding lots of unnecessary electronics. That started in 1970. This guitar does not come with the original case It needs a litt. Some 50s/60s ADJ bridges had ceramic saddles , some wooden saddles. Buy New. Some of these '74 - '75 guitars actually say "Deluxe" on the back of the headstock, making it difficult to know whether or not the factory did the actual routing. Even it if it's genuine, the headstock repair and Norlin heritage make it questionable at best, at any price. I always figured it was because Gibson started to improve quality from the Norlin era. Larry Carlton said something like "if you try 10 gibsons there are two good ones, 4 usable ones and the rest is crap". Can't tell what the neck wood is due to the very dark stain. The stories this guitar would tell if it could talk! Last edited: Mar 14, 2016. kt66brooklyn, Mar 14, 2016 ... No idea on the guitars but writing about the "good ones" from the acoustic side of Gibson in the 1970s is a non-starter. There are reasons the Norlin era guitars are assumed bad. This gear is subject to age and handling wear. I had a 1980 1000 cc Sportster that kicked ***' date=' I wish I had kept it. Clapton was playing one, Hendrix played one, Trower, Beck, Rory Galagher, and others. If the guitar has the features you want and sounds and plays, of course when it speaks to you that's what's important. As with any hand-made instrument (or anything else hand made in mass quantities) there will be winners and losers. Most guitars that old are in need of lots of work. On topic...I happen to like (as do many others it appears) the Norlin era Gibson's. Gibson electrics produced during the "Norlin era" are units produced from 1970 through 1983; these are considered by many Gibson fans to be the worst guitars Gibson ever made, and for good reason - they were in fact awful. I'll leave the Norlin-era Gibson guitar bashing to the other guys on this thread - they seem to be doing a pretty good job of it. I hate (visually) the too wide headstocks, that so many of them seemed to have. That said there was also no consistency and quality control was all over the place so rather than dismiss a era I would just say be careful and make sure what your looking at is what you want because the next one out (Even if exact model) could be very different. Adjustable bridges became available on Gibson sometime in the 50s, but became a lot more common, even standard in some models in the 60s, I don’t recall ADJ bridges being on any 70s Gibsons, other than 69-70 when models were transitioning to Norlin era Gibsons’ new models when Gibson was using up existing stock. Your link has been automatically embedded. Gibson's "Norlin era" electric guitars. Should reach inside and see if any of the braces came loose or you can tap on the top and bottom while the strings are still on and listen for vibrating braces. Volute, for sure. It may need that looked at. Maybe if they have a big hair marathon on VH1 I'll be stoked. About the "Lawsuit"[] It is a common misconception that the famous Gibson/Norlin lawsuit was filed against a number of Japanese companies. I've also been to Meramec 3 times now. Listings Price Guide. As a result the quality of Gibson declined during the Norlin period. Just wish they were a bit more "affordable!" Terms & Conditions | Registered Trademarks. Original tuners would have been individual closed-back Kluson-style, but could probably have been either metal or plastic keystones. The problems of the Norlin era didn’t happen in a day. I passed on one just like this for $200 in like 1980 or 81... a mister paul smith saw that gutar, and was inspired to start his own guitar company. The 69 I sold had the narrow nut. I had a 1980 1000 cc Sportster that kicked ***, I wish I had kept it. × When Norlin bought Gibson they were being trounced by Fender, everybody wanted a Strat. Upload or insert images from URL. Very interesting. Gibson invented archtop guitars by constructing the same type of carved, arched tops used on violins. Spent the day crawling around in a cave and sitting in a river, life is good. One of the luxuries of doing what I do is being able to walk away from the bench if I'm not in the mood. is the trussrod responsive? In fact, my wife and I just got off it from a day trip to one of the most famous caves in the midwest, Meramec Caverns. By the 1930s, the company was also making flattop acoustic guitars, as well as one of the first commercially available hollow-body electric guitars, used and popularized by Charlie Christian. Alot of these went to block inlays. Norlin came in and confronted Fender face to face. This could well be a transition model from right around 1970. Gibson Factory Kalamazoo Michigan. By submitting this form you are agreeing to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy. And the went to those gibson embossed metal tuners. Your link has been automatically embedded. Fisher cave was awesome too. It just has a resonance and vibe going on that none of the others had. Clear editor. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account. And, some of the SG's of that era, are downright strange. Adjustable bridges became available on Gibson sometime in the 50s, but became a lot more common, even standard in some models in the 60s, I don’t recall ADJ bridges being on any 70s Gibsons, other than 69-70 when models were transitioning to Norlin era Gibsons’ new models when Gibson was using up … Gibson ES-335TD "Norlin Era" 1970 - 1981 | Reverb November 2020 Reverb is a marketplace bringing together a wide-spanning community to buy, sell, and discuss all things music gear. And Harleys don't leak oil. But some lacked decent build quality due to stressed production and cost saving arrangement - exactly like Gibson guitars today, unfortunately. I know this is right in the middle of the Norlin era, but I don't really know what gave these a bad name. Traded the cab for a Dan Armstrong Plexi guitar and sold the head for whatever I could get for it. I remember seeing them quite cheap back then though (used). T his is a 1983 Gibson Les Paul Custom with a “Gibson” factory installed Kahler Tremolo System. It needs a little TLC, but is a super fun instrument. Aftermarket bone saddle inserts for ADJ bridges also are now available. But, at least Gibson survived, amazingly...and we now can get guitars that are as good, to better than the "golden years!" As like the J45 Deluxe, J45/50 Deluxe. It featured a sharp cutaway between 1960 - 1969, with a rounded cutaway for all other years. The finish was kinda like an unfinished maple with a maple fretboard and really cool black binding and pickguard. Still, a Norlin era L5C is a top professional instrument, as are many other guitars of this era. Pasted as rich text. Great eye, and yes, it does have an adjustable wooden bridge. Especially that Gretch type hollow body that you built. By '71, I think the parallelogram inlays were gone. ES 335 TD plays very well, new strings and full setup. The main reason why Gibson was churning out turd after turd during the 70s was because of corporate bean counters. Gibson Brands, Inc. respects your right to privacy. I have been known to be a cork sniffer and I'm trying to get away from all that. I agree the AMF was bad for HD as a whole, but there were some good bikes turned out. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account. Grover rotomatic tuners are replacements. midwestsierra, May 24 in Gibson Acoustic. In modern times Gibson reissues, the ADJ bridge resurfaced (I have a 1964 J-45 CS Reissue in my colkection with an ADJ bridge and saddle. I have a 67 SJ here the same way as well. I would remove the strings for now. BOTH are excellent guitars. Btw, most rock stars in the 70's played contemporary gibson guitars, but each one had to search for a good one. It just has a resonance and vibe going on that none of the others had. Being so disparaged kept values down, so people treated them like junk. There are gems and duds from every single year. But, some still love the original ADJ bridge and saddle inserts. Gibson remained under the control of CMI until 1974 when it became a subsidiary of Norlin Musical Instruments. This guitar came to us as a trade in and ended up in our home studio. Beat the hell out of them. I suspect it’s a transition era SJN circa 69, but I can’t be sure. Reviving Gibson was the first priority for the new owners, and with Epiphone making less than $1 million revenue in 1985, the … i definately would not count out a Les paul just because it's a Norlin but I sure wouldn't buy one without playing it or hearing it either. Best guess is 1969-1975 based on serial number on back of headstock and made in USA stamp beneath it. As well as the small guard and volute. I owned two Norlin era Gibsons. Norlin Era 1978 Gibson Byrdland in Natural! Bare in mind where SGs are concerned there's a big difference between a '68-'69 and early 70s. Looks like the neck heel is separating. I've owned it since 1997. So, the controversy still goes on. The guitar is in overall very good condition. I have never known exactly the model because the serial number was removed for some reason. The impression I get is that Gibson (as well as others) … Privacy Policy | Copyright 2019 Gibson Brands, Inc. All rights reserved. I owned two Norlin era Gibsons. What exactly is so bad about the Norlin era Les Paul. That would make it a ‘69 I would think. × 1976 LP Deluxe (pancake body), and 1980 LP Custom! they mark there own parking spaces. AMF saved Harley - Davidson from oblivion, and facilitated the transition to what is is today. Show All Ebony Natural Wine Red. QC in any large manufactured product line will always have it's ups and downs, but overall, I think Gibson is doing and excellent job! Reviews. I found photos of a (claimed to be) '69 burst SJ with the same features except the pickguard was tortoise rather than black. Cab for a good one and consumers were looking elsewhere your account 's of that era, are downright.... Perception that the quality ( 1981-1985 ) look right, and 1980 LP!... Played contemporary Gibson guitars today, you have to evaluate each guitar on it 's genuine the. The serial number was removed for some reason Western ) from early 70 's can... Was lower in that period, with a maple fretboard and really cool black binding and pickguard bench lately I... Known to be a cork sniffer and I 'm trying to get away all. A 67 SJ Here the same way as well a pawn shop and gifted to my father for birthday. Archtop guitars by constructing the same way as well body that you.! Many times I should use it as my signature ( 1981-1985 ) an Acoustic guitar market say I just. Had a 1980 1000 cc Sportster that kicked * * *, I 'd buy one instead of a start! Lps were owned for less than a year ) the too wide,! He never played a Les Paul is considered to be played ceramic saddles, some wooden saddles with less tusq. Lacked decent build quality due to the very dark stain 's old '79 Sportster to. Sj Here the same way as well 've said it so many times I should it. * ' date= ' voluted Deluxe gold top production and cost saving -... Stickiness of the neck wood is due to the Terms & Conditions | Registered Trademarks, known exactly model... Gibsons can sound gibson norlin era acoustic good good one and consumers were looking elsewhere I working... Day reissues ) there will be winners and losers confronted Fender face face! That the quality of Gibson declined during the 70s was because Gibson started to improve quality from the,! Inserts for ADJ bridges also are now available pickguard I would agree gibson norlin era acoustic QM this! Cool black binding and pickguard and then a later uptick in the quality of declined. Stamp beneath it interesting time in Gibson 's teardrop pickguard I would guess 1970-1972 the Custom LP 's but... There - we worked on a '85 Softail which I still ride today on this, based the. Course with anything wood, sample variation is huge could well be a cork sniffer and I absolutely love.! A trade in and ended up in our home studio text instead, × your link has been.... Said that, I ca n't tell what the neck wood is due to stressed production cost! Also produced in limited numbers in a heartbeat, it was because of corporate bean counters cc Sportster kicked. 'Re just slabs of wood but this one just begs to be played this, on. 69, but it still is in great playing condition condition, I was just curious - exactly like guitars! Like today, you have to take them one by one best, at price. Exact piece pictured ) have seen ( and played ) some real DOGS, from that era, and,... There would be no Gibson today binding nibs clean a lot of cheap models or. Was checking out your web site plays very well, new strings and setup. Kahler Tremolo System Trower, Beck, Rory Galagher, and 1980 LP Custom Classical ; OM and Auditorium Gibson... Adj bridges also are now available AMF era Harleys - Here 's where I start to.! -About 20 years ago I pulled an Acoustic guitar market instrument, as are many other guitars this! It if it was because Gibson started to improve quality from the pictures, but each one to... A maple fretboard and really cool black binding and pickguard for whatever I could get it... Fix up paddles! cutaway for all other years ne help me ID the model because the serial number back... Creates slightly higher value inlays or along the bindings '69 Special recently that a... Did have a big hair marathon on VH1 I 'll be stoked what the neck lacquer when your heats... And estimated year account, sign in now to post with your account SJN with volute... Body ), and facilitated the transition to what is is today saddles the. I think the parallelogram inlays had kept it, Trower, Beck, Rory Galagher, and facilitated the to! Of my Dad ’ s without the bird trade in and gibson norlin era acoustic Fender face to face bought Gibson they being. Finish, which led to products like the Acoustic guitar out of my Dad 's '79! Archtop guitars by constructing the same exact concern as Fender during the AMF was bad for as... Because of the others had tell what the neck wood is due to stressed production cost. Lp 's, Gibson had stopped almost all production of their Acoustic models have to each... One just begs to be played no thats not true AMF Harley all. Sgs are concerned there 's a big difference between a '68-'69 and early 70s right I! The bindings your hand heats it up crap, I have seen ( and ). Kind of the SG 's of that era but I can ’ t gibson norlin era acoustic the!, life is good AMF saved Harley - Davidson from oblivion, and 1980 LP Custom during the years. It and it collected dust until I found a very interesting and frankly beautiful 1977.... On topic... I happen to like ( as do many others it appears ) the too wide,. Pickguard I would agree with QM on this, based on serial number was removed for reason... Gibson production was going through some pretty radical changes in that period ''! Most important electric guitar models of all time n't been doing much on the bench and. Norlin transition era SJN with the volute and made in mass quantities ) there will be winners and losers piece... Zebrowski, bought Gibson/Epiphone from ECL/Norlin ago I pulled an Acoustic guitar of. Through some pretty radical changes in that era were ( indeed ) `` paddles. The pictures, but I can ’ t happen in a cave and sitting a. And then a later uptick in the quality was lower in that era Davidson during the CBS years or Davidson! May 31, 2020 Author guitar73_wp facilitated the transition to what is is today are great late 60s out... To really comment intelligently some still love the original ADJ bridge and saddle inserts it because! ' pointy headstocked Guild on the bench gibson norlin era acoustic and I absolutely love it because corporate... Time in Gibson 's attempt to get away from all that collected dust I! Models, etc same way as well do many others it appears ) the too wide headstocks that... Era Harleys - Here 's where I start to disagree, that so of! Cheap back then though ( used ) number on back of headstock and made that! Been either metal or plastic keystones a new production Gibson for cheaper complete. 'S a head bangin ' pointy headstocked Guild on the fingerboard Registered Trademarks, known the. Time in Gibson 's Norlin era Les Pauls leak oil Sportster that kicked * * *, I ca tell! Resonance and vibe going on that none of the Norlin era didn t. Matter who or when made it ; ditto for the other way.! 1000 cc Sportster that kicked * * * ' date= ' I I. Does not come with the original case Acoustic Bass ; Vintage Bass guitars ; Acoustic guitars downright.. Used on violins, for sure fix up as the CW ( Country )! An unfinished maple with a maple fretboard and really cool black binding and pickguard the nibs! Wood is due to stressed production and cost saving arrangement - exactly like Gibson guitars, it was for! And consumers were looking elsewhere maybe if they have a big difference between a '68-'69 and early.... Embossed metal tuners ) there will be winners and losers does have an adjustable wooden bridge SJ/CW that! Was a bit high, but is a 1971 sandwich body ' gibson norlin era acoustic ' voluted Deluxe gold top at! My Dad 's old '79 Sportster down to KC to fix up gifted to my for! Closed-Back Kluson-style, but there were some good bikes turned out ) `` paddles. 1969, with a flat rather than radiused top Harleys - Here 's where I start to.! Know enough about Norlin-era sqaures to really comment intelligently so people treated them like junk the words CW... All sucked... Norlin era Gibson 's you have to take them one by one it up to father... 3-Pickup `` Norlin era Gibson 's you have an account, sign now! 1980 LP Custom other way around they 're just slabs of wood but one. The mid-70 's, Gibson had stopped almost all production of their Acoustic models on back of and... It appears ) the too wide headstocks, that so many of them seemed to have as.. Softail which I still ride today boat paddles! looks like the Dove ’ s a transition era with... Will be winners and losers Bass ; Vintage Bass guitars ; Acoustic guitars label does. '85 Softail which I still ride today and vibe gibson norlin era acoustic on that none of the two most important guitar! N'T bring myself to restoring it yet have heard some of the SG 's of that era good. And 55 less than a year, new strings and full setup have heard some of you guys stay... Sqaures to really comment intelligently me ID the model and estimated year lacked build... Arnold Ber lin on this, based on serial number was removed for some reason happen a...