Gibson Norlin era thread

[jcj]

OP didnt say it had to be customs neck valutes for the fucking win. heres my work horse. its so sexy

I had a buddy with one of those back in the day. I loved that guitar more than any regular LP I had played up to that point

 

[~Abstract~]

Blackba-what is the "Norlin era"? I find mixed opinions when doing a google search.

It was an era of Gibsons history (late 1969- January1986) when they were owned by the Norlin Co. Similar to what Fender went thru with CBS.

Darth Juszkiewicz bought them in '86.

 

[killertone]

'73 Tobacco Burst on the Left and '76 Natural on the right. Center is an '89.

Very nice. Do you have a favorite? Any differences that you notice in sound or playability?

It's kind of a battle between the '89 (not a Norlin) and the '76. The necks on those are extremely comfortable.

 

[blackba]

Blackba-what is the "Norlin era"? I find mixed opinions when doing a google search.

It was an era of Gibsons history (late 1969- January1986) when they were owned by the Norlin Co. Similar to what Fender went thru with CBS.

Darth Juszkiewicz bought them in '86.

The Norlin years do often get slagged, but there are a number people who like them, I being one of them. L6S's are pretty cool too, they are from the late 70's.

 

[~Abstract~]

That's a good point Blackba.

I think they were *trying* to do the right thing the whole time...they just got it wrong *at the time* and now it's working out better *for us*.


They were getting tons of complaints about the headstocks being fragile...so they added a volute...which didn't help much so they went to a three piece maple neck. Then they got complaints about the tone changing...

They were having trouble keeping costs down (they still thought lower prices were better for the brand, as they hadn't discovered the inverse price/demand curve for luxury items) so they started with the thinner mahogany body pieces joined with a maple veneer...Until they got too many complaints that the tone changed. This was a more labor intensive process...and I've not heard whether the extra labor involved actually saved any money anyway. Some prefer these "pancake" bodies for a more "focused" tone.

Many people slag Norlin era guitars for these reasons...but remember...many legendary albums were cut with Norlin guitars...and this is also the period that gave us the Heritage80's...some of the best Gibsons since '59.

It all boils down to what you're looking for.

 

[Laura]

Blackba-what is the "Norlin era"? I find mixed opinions when doing a google search.

It was an era of Gibsons history (late 1969- January1986) when they were owned by the Norlin Co. Similar to what Fender went thru with CBS.

Darth Juszkiewicz bought them in '86.

Ohhhh, I see...I guess this qualifies...

 

[NITROHOLIC]

ANY norlin era Gibson owners are welcome

Nice axe, I don't know much about those 'the Paul' guitars....

walnut body neck and headstock, ebony fretboard, flat top, came with the model T pups from the factory (i pulled mine long ago cause they were really really dark in the wanut) its an absolute workhorse. it has been through more then i have and keeps ticking even though its 30 years old. i love this guitar and prolly will be buried with it.

i bought it very clean for 500$ with a case at GC since then they have gone up in price but if you can find a clean one for under 600 jump on it. theyre awesome guitars.

 

[rupe]

A '76 Custom that I scored to flip back in '91...turned out to be a keeper

 

[FourT6and2]

Blackba-what is the "Norlin era"? I find mixed opinions when doing a google search.

It was an era of Gibsons history (late 1969- January1986) when they were owned by the Norlin Co. Similar to what Fender went thru with CBS.

Darth Juszkiewicz bought them in '86.

Ohhhh, I see...I guess this qualifies...

LOVE IT! Silverburst ftw More pictures please.

 

[IntenseJim]

71 Goldtop and a walnut finish ES 335

They play and sound great. Norlin is just hit or miss like Gibson is today, in some ways.

 

[duesentrieb]

on the right, a '76 LPC

 

[WoodyTone]

1980 Standard, my #1, named Woody -- HEAVY though! And check out that paddle!