Author Archives: Guitar Gear

The Gibson Les Paul Deluxe

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Gibson Les Paul Deluxe
Gibson Les Paul 70s Deluxe in Wine Red with hum-free, mini pickups.

First introduced in 1969, the Gibson Les Paul Deluxe stands out due to its mini humbucker pickups. These pickups maintain the hum-free quality of full-size humbuckers while providing a tighter low end and a more pronounced attack. Furthermore, this offered a much more assertive sound compared to a full-size humbucker. Moreover, this became favored by 1970s rock guitarists aiming to stand out.

The Deluxe kept the carved maple top and mahogany body but incorporated what is known as “pancake” construction (two layers of mahogany with a layer of maple sandwiched in between) and later included maple necks. Nowadays, the Les Paul Deluxe is constructed in a more traditional manner with a solid, non-weight-relieved mahogany back, yet its design and sound still honor the original Les Paul Deluxe from the 70s.

The 1970s Gibson Les Paul Deluxe Overview:

1970s Gibson Les Paul 70s Deluxe in wine red finished with a glossy nitrocellulose lacquer, featuring a Maple top on a solid Mahogany body, a Rounded C-shaped Mahogany neck, and a 12” radius Indian Rosewood fingerboard adorned with acrylic trapezoid inlays and medium jumbo frets. It has a scale length of 24.75” and a nut width of 1.7″.

Therefore, the guitar was equipped with Mini humbucking pickups for both the bridge and neck, along with a 3-way toggle switch and individual volume and tone controls for each pickup. It includes a Tune-o-matic bridge and an aluminum stopbar tailpiece, complemented by Gibson deluxe tuners. The total weight is 8.8 pounds, and it comes with a hardshell case.

The USA “Vintage 1977 Gibson Les Paul Deluxe” are in good condition and feature new Grover tuners. Back is worn a bit with a small piece of wood out of the bottom back. Beautiful maple neck with a Rosewood fretboard. Neck is straight and plays with a nice low action and no buzz or issues.

John E. Davis is a Texas Rock Guitarist offering FREE guitar lessons videos and covers guitar equipment, concert and music news. Visit the website for information on Guitar Lessons, Guitar Repair and Live Music Performance videos.

The Gibson Les Paul Custom

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The Gibson Les Paul Custom
The Gibson 1957 Les Paul Custom Reissue in Ebony.

In 1954, Gibson launched the Gibson Les Paul Custom, marking it as the premier Les Paul model. It featured multi-ply binding, gold hardware, and a stylish black finish, earning it the nickname “Black Beauty.” The initial versions had a P-90 bridge pickup paired with an Alnico V “staple” neck pickup. Therefore, distinguishing it from the dual P-90 Les Paul Goldtop of that era.

By 1957, the model had progressed to a unique three-pickup setup, which was later favored by both Eric Clapton and Jimmy Page. Originally launched in partnership with the iconic artist Les Paul in 1952, the Gibson Les Paul™ electric guitar boasts a deep and storied legacy in sound creation.

The initial release featured a Gold finish, equipped with two P-90 pickups and a trapeze tailpiece. As the years went by, the Les Paul evolved through various iterations and models—most notably the legendary sunburst Les Paul Standard versions made from 1958 to 1960—solidifying its status as a beloved essential across nearly all music genres.

The Tuxedo. The Legend. The Gibson Les Paul Custom.

Few guitars are as legendary as the Les Paul Custom. Adorned in a timeless Ebony finish complemented by stunning gold hardware, it makes a striking impression even before you strum a chord. However, once you plug it in, you experience a sound that has shaped generations of music. This creation from the Gibson Custom Shop is not merely a reissue; it is a meticulously crafted instrument designed for the contemporary player who seeks the utmost in tone, feel, and aesthetics. It represents the zenith of Gibson’s craftsmanship—a genuine player’s instrument with a rich legacy to uphold.

John E. Davis is a Texas Rock Guitarist offering FREE guitar lessons videos and covers guitar equipment, concert and music news. Visit the website for information on Guitar Lessons, Guitar Repair and Live Music Performance videos.

Boss CH-1 Stereo Chorus Pedal

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Boss CH-1 Super Stereo Chorus
Maximize the genuine tone of the classic BOSS chorus effect: clear, shimmering, and instantly musical.

The Boss CH-1 Stereo Chorus offers classic clean and shimmering chorus tones for any guitarist or keyboardist. The Boss CH-1 Stereo Chorus’s four onboard controls let you take charge of your chorus sound with control. Crank up the rate for a dizzying psychedelic twist or pull back the rate, turn up the depth. Use the BOSS CH-1 in stereo for a lush, wide wave.

No guitar or keyboard rig is complete without a high-quality chorus effect. In addition, with the Boss CH-1 Super Chorus, you’ll be armed to dial in nearly every classic chorus sound. You can use the pedal’s four controls — Effect Level, EQ, Rate, and Depth — to sculpt the feel and dimension of your sound until it’s just right. The Boss CH-1 Stereo Chorus can take you everywhere, from shimmering clean tones to lush ambiences to boat-rocking, dizzying swirls.

Boss CH-1 Stereo Chorus Sound Qualities

Over 10 million BOSS guitar and bass effects pedals have been sold globally to musicians. Renowned artists like Yngwie Malmsteen, Dave Navarro, John Petrucci, Marty Friedman, Steve Vai, and Joe Satriani. Similarly, you’ve likely heard BOSS pedals both in recordings and live performances by bands across various genres, such as Muse, the Killers, and Silversun Pickups.

The reason for their popularity is evident: BOSS effects pedals not only deliver exceptional sound quality but are also constructed to withstand rigorous use. Each pedal is encased in a durable metal housing and features a rubberized area and base to prevent slipping.

Whether you are a complete beginner, a seasoned player building your ideal pedalboard, or somewhere in between, you can rely on BOSS’s trusted range of pedals to shape your sound.

John E. Davis is a Texas Rock Guitarist offering FREE guitar lessons videos and covers guitar equipment, concert and music news. Visit the website for information on Guitar Lessons, Guitar Repair and Live Music Performance videos.

Fender Pau Ferro Neck

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Fender Pau Ferro Neck
Fender Pau Ferro necks, commonly used as a modern alternative to rosewood, feature a dense, smooth, and tonally versatile hardwood.

The Fender Pau Ferro Neck often times is an alternative to rosewood on a guitar. Moreover, feature a dense, smooth, and tonally versatile hardwood (Bolivian Rosewood) that offers a slightly brighter, snappier tone. These necks are often paired with maple, offering increased stability and a distinct light-brown aesthetic with varied grain. They are frequently featured on Player Series and Deluxe Series models. 

Pau Ferro Neck Key Features & Characteristics

  • Tone: The wood is harder and denser than Indian Rosewood, providing brighter, snappier tones similar to ebony, however with better warmth than maple.
  • Feel & Appearance: Pau Ferro has a very smooth, tight grain, often described as feeling similar to ebony, and typically features a lighter, milk-chocolate color with dark streaks.
  • Common Specifications: Most Pau Ferro necks from Fender feature a 9.5″ or 12″ radius, “Modern C” profile, and 21–22 frets.
  • Usage: Used widely on Mexican-made (Ensenada) models, including Player Series Stratocaster necks.

Fender Pau Ferro Neck 60s Specs

For the repair, replacement, or restoration of your cherished instrument, guitar technicians suggest using Fender OEM parts. This authentic Fender Road Worn ’60s Stratocaster neck merges a sophisticated look with an impeccable fret-hand feel. The mid-’60s “C” profile maple neck fits comfortably in the hand, and the pau ferro fingerboard with a 7.25-inch radius is favored by vintage Strat enthusiasts.

This neck features a pilot-slotted synthetic bone nut and a spaghetti-style headstock logo. Finished with a hand-distressed nitro coating, this Fender Road Worn ’60s Stratocaster neck is sure to impress.

Pau Ferro Neck are crafted at the Ensenada, Mexico manufacturing facility, this genuine vintage-style Fender Stratocaster neck features a comfortable “C”-shaped profile and 12″-radius Pau Ferro fingerboard with 21 medium jumbo frets.

For example, the synthetic bone nut is pre-slotted with “pilot” grooves for accurate spacing when filing the final string slots, and a gloss urethane finish offers an incredibly smooth feel. This replacement neck is the perfect way to give your Strat® an authentically ’60s feel.

This replacement neck is for a Fender or Squier by Fender guitar.

John E. Davis is a Texas Rock Guitarist offering FREE guitar lessons videos and covers guitar equipment, concert and music news. Visit the website for information on Guitar Lessons, Guitar Repair and Live Music Performance videos.