NGD - trad plus

[AlexR]

Well, as a result of some hard landscaping work for a music shop owner, I contra'd about 3/4 of this new 2012 Les Paul Traditional plus top. The rest I paid and took home a great guitar. It weighs 9lbs 2oz
As a bonus it has a 1-piece back

As a lefty it is hard to get multiple guitars in to try (especially in Australia), but the Gibson rep stopped by the shop and I downed tools for the arvo to test out 3 beauties:
2012 Studio in vintage sunburst
2012 Standard in lightburst
2012 Trad plus that I bought.

The Studio probably had the best acoustic tone of the 3, and had a fatter 60's neck than the one on my 60's tribute LP Great looking guitar, and it has a funky paintjob on the sides/back with the dark parts of the burst.

The Standard was ok, but didn't seem extra special. It was a smooth guitar, but it just didn't grab me.

The Trad seemed the dullest to strum initially, but it had the best amplified tone. It also has a really nice piece of rosewood for the fretboard. It has good colour, even looking pores and is really smooth.

I'd have to say, that for a guitar out of the box this is PERFECT. The action was spot-on for height (and I like it medium-low), there's no fret buzz, no dead spots and the guitar feel like I've been playing it and tweaking it to my liking for months. Say what you will about plek, when they get it right it is incredible.

I'm even liking the stock '57/'57+ pickups. They have a reputation for muddiness, but I'm seeing none of that, even with the modern wiring and stock 300k pots.

[JOLLY]

That's a great looking guitar. Congratulations!!

[GuitarDoc]

Wow!! Thats an amazing looking flame top on that guitar. I love it to pieces.

VERY nice guitar! Congrats an a great buy.

By far, the best looking LP I've seen in a loooong time.

[voggin]

That's a beauty. It looks like an old flame top, not the post-PRS over-the-top look.

Congrats

[Mr 9finger]

I'd hate to see what that cost in Australian money. You get double shafted being lefty there.

Beautiful guitar though! Always good to see NLGD's!

[muttznmongrelz]

That's a BEAUTY! Congrats.

[ImmortalSix]

I can't believe they sacrificed that awesome one piece back and deep top on a LEFTY!

[Mr 9finger]

I can't believe they sacrificed that awesome one piece back and deep top on a LEFTY!

Hunter. Slap yourself.

[formula73]

That's a stunner, for sure. LOVE that flatsawn 1pc back. I'm on board with Hunter. That should be a righty because it should be MINE.

[d1dsj]

+1 to all the positive comments, it really is a beauty and that top is well above average and more like what you'd be lucky to get on a '59 RI or a B.G Pearly model.

[phil_104]

Well done. I approve. I've liked the Trad models more so than the standards since the distinction has been made. Killer top.

[AlexR]

Thanks all for the comments.

Yes, its a beauty for sure. The flame moves around a lot with the angle, but I like that its more subtle than some of the current standards.

For those that want to know, the list price on something like this in Aus$ is $4499.