Need advice from Gibson Les Paul experts...

[TrueTone500]

Okay... Gibson made Pre-Historic, and continues to make Reissue models. What is the difference between a Pre-Historuc, and a Reissue? Were they both being made at the same time, or did the Pre-Historic predate the Reissues? Does Gibson typically refer to the Pre-Historic as a reissue? I purchased a 1988 Heritage Cherry Sunburst (I love the deeper 1988 cherryburst color) with 50's profile neck. The seller referred to it as a "1959 Pre-Historic Reissue", but I don't know if this is technically correct? This is not counting the "1960" models... Only Pre-History and Reissue.

I spoke with Gibson, and they referred to the serial number as being a "Reissue" that was produced for the European market. It originally sold in England, and then made it back to the USA. I'm wondering if Gibson refers to all of these guitars simply as "reissues"? I can call them back, but I though you guys may have more detailed information.

Here is a link with varying designations...

http://www.lespaulforum.com/slub2/mslub.html

 

[siggy14]

http://forum.gibson.com/index.php?/topi ... historics/

 

[TrueTone500]

http://forum.gibson.com/index.php?/topic/26390-prehistoric-reissues-vs-historics/

Thanks man! That helps, but I still have a few questions. I'm thinking that maybe 1988 or 1989 was the last year for the Pre-Historic, then went to 1960 and Historic Reissue. I will call Gibson again, and see if they can clarify... I'll write down my questions before calling, so I don't forget.

 

[Shawn Lutz]

I'm not an expert but both are excellent guitars and you'll get different answers based on the the owners LOL. I like the R's as its easier to differentiate them from the early pre-historic days and Gibson listened to folks and each year they get closer and closers to the originals they are recreating which are years 54-55-56-57-58 and 59.

what is the serial number? re-issues, in this case being a 59 is considered a R9.

it will have a s/n like this 9 xxxx or 9xxxxx and no Made in USA on the back.

In my biased opinion used Gibson re-issues are the best buys these days. I'd take them over new production models any day of the week. I have 2, a R7 gold top and a BB7 LPC.

 

[siggy14]

Sign up at www.mylespaul.com and I am sure they have a few threads on it, if not ask your question there in the historic area and they will answer pretty quick.

 

[TrueTone500]

I'm not an expert but both are excellent guitars and you'll get different answers based on the the owners LOL. I like the R's as its easier to differentiate them from the early pre-historic days and Gibson listened to folks and each year they get closer and closers to the originals they are recreating which are years 54-55-56-57-58 and 59.

what is the serial number? re-issues, in this case being a 59 is considered a R9.

it will have a s/n like this 9 xxxx or 9xxxxx and no Made in USA on the back.

In my biased opinion used Gibson re-issues are the best buys these days. I'd take them over new production models any day of the week. I have 2, a R7 gold top and a BB7 LPC.

Thank you Shawn. The serial number is 8 0xxx.

I found out from Gibson, that the Pre-Historic LP's use the production year as the first number. Mine is a 1988, hence the 8 0xxx serial number. For the Historic Reissue, they went back to using the 1st digit of the year model.

 

[buckwild]

The latest reissue LPs 2013-14 are just fantastic instruments. Id buy from those years as the update of the truss rod(no plastic sheath)really tends to yield a great tone out of a Les Paul.

 

[TrueTone500]

This is all new to me, but here is what Gibson told me today...

"The 1980's Reissue Les Paul guitars were never categorized as Pre-Historic, nor were they designated 1959. They are 50's era inspired... Only Historic Reissue models hold a specific year designation."

 

[glip22]

This is all new to me, but here is what Gibson told me today...

"The 1980's Reissue Les Paul guitars were never categorized as Pre-Historic, nor were they designated 1959. They are 50's era inspired... Only Historic Reissue models hold a specific year designation."

They do not have the long neck tenon.