Took the plunge on a Gibson Deluxe from MF...

[DonP]

Re: Took the plunge on a Gibson Deluxe from MF...

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I've wanted a deluxe for a long time, can't wait to see how the mini-hums sound!

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Only a Gibson is Good Enough. Congrats - I've always been fearful of the minis - let us know how they sound. Then again, I've always stayed away from the weak 7.5K t-tops, but now that I have an LP Custom with them, they work extremely well-for certain things (70's rock with a Marshall, GnR, The Darkness).

They don't do metal that good, but then again, my metal axes (or even my modern LP's) suck at doing 70's rock.

[86mod5]

Re: Took the plunge on a Gibson Deluxe from MF...

Congrats. I've always been intrigued by the Deluxe and the mini-hums ever since I saw both Pete Townsend and Adrian Smith using them. Let us know how it sounds. These are typically cheaper than the Standard and Classic. Anyone know if there are different construction methods for these vs. the Standard and/or the Classic? DonP?

[DonP]

Re: Took the plunge on a Gibson Deluxe from MF...

I'm not too hip with deluxes, but looking at the pics, it looks similar to modern Standards. The way these special runs work, is that a big dealer (MF, GC, M123, SA) goes to Gibson and says they want to make a special run of axes. They spec it out so that it has some unique features (so that you can't go into SA and buy the GC axe for example). On the special order, they can pull tricks to cut the cost/improve their margin. For example, the infamous GC R0 is a Historic 1960, but with a plaintop (to cut the cost). I doubt these deluxes are less than Standard or Classic quality, but if you really want to know, I know some tricks they could/might pull to lower the cost.

Some questions I'd find out if I were buying:
What is the neck profile (fat or thin)

Do the inlays come in a weird color (ala current Classics)

Is the binding in the cutaway thick ot thin? This is a tough one, because when Deluxes were the norm in the 70's, fat binding in the cutaway was the norm. So, to be historically correct to a Deluxe (and not to a 59 burst), it should have a thick binding.

Also a tough issue would be the hardware. Gibson switched to chrome around 1965, and didn't bring back nickel until the historic stuff started floating around, then all 2002 and newer Standards got nickel. The correct hardware for a Deluxe would be tarnish-resistant chrome.

Is it a mutli-piece back? Not that it matters - what's better, mutlipule pieces of good wood, or one piece or crap?

If I were buying one myself, I personally try to scope out a low-cost vintage deluxe. With the stupid high prices MoJo is commanding these days, it just would seem to be a better investment. Key word being investment - if you buy an older axe (like my recent 1977 Custom) you have to expect issues - mine has heavy play wear, frets are due to be replaced, bridge is collapsed. Funny thing is, I'm afraid to take it to get it worked on.

My 1963 Special needed to have the neck reset into the body - I took it to Dan Erlewine the Great, and he did the most awesome job, new bone nut, perfect fretwork, but it just didn't seem the same to me. 3 years later, I'm finally starting to play it again.

Sorry, got a little OT there.

[gtrbuyer]

Re: Took the plunge on a Gibson Deluxe from MF...

Very nice, I have an older one in which I added Antquity P90's (same size as minihums) and added a Bigsby.

[Bengal65]

Re: Took the plunge on a Gibson Deluxe from MF...

Should be great! Congrats! Just make sure everything is perfect on the one you receive from MF. If it is less than perfect, return it for exchange. It's rare that you can get a sub-standard one, but possible. They just forward the guitar as factory boxed and no one at MF even looks at the guitar. You probably know this already, but I like to let everyone know, cause I've had a few bad guitars sent to me from there. They made good however, no questions asked.

[StukaJU87]

Re: Took the plunge on a Gibson Deluxe from MF...

Ralph, congrats! [img]/images/graemlins/toast.gif[/img] That looks like a beautiful guitar.



Shawn, lose the pickguard, slap a super distortion in the lead spot and add a Mighty Mouse decal. [img]/images/graemlins/wink.gif[/img]

[No Use]

Re: Took the plunge on a Gibson Deluxe from MF...

ahhh man...GAS...mike ness has the coolest Deluxes.

[Ralph E.]

Re: Took the plunge on a Gibson Deluxe from MF...

Ok, got the deluxe, completely blown away!

I read all the negative reviews on the LP forum about these guitars being hit or miss, but have to say I got lucky. The guitar looks great, set up great, and sounds great. No issues whatsoever! Total bargain IMO for 1499 shipped.

[charvelguy]

Re: Took the plunge on a Gibson Deluxe from MF...

I think MF is hit or miss myself. It seems Gibson may send out some overstock that didn't quite meet standards for other outlets thru the mass internet outlet. If you get one that happens to be substandard, they are really good about honoring their return policy so you can also send it back within 45 days. Sometimes that is a hassle. I really wanted a Gold top a few years back when they started offering the reissues and they sold them for like 1300 then so the price increases haven't been to bad over the years.

I think the Deluxe and the minihum combo sounds very tight.
The mini hums are a nice mix between P-90's and a std humbucker. Looks killer, glad you got one you can fall in love with.

[Ripley7t]

Re: Took the plunge on a Gibson Deluxe from MF...

Looks like a keeper. I was really looking at these, but I need the money for a good Amp. Congrats.

[speed monkey]

Ok, got the deluxe, completely blown away!

I read all the negative reviews on the LP forum about these guitars being hit or miss, but have to say I got lucky. The guitar looks great, set up great, and sounds great. No issues whatsoever! Total bargain IMO for 1499 shipped.

Ralph -

Can you give us your 30 day review on this guitar? Got a chance to play an older Deluxe with the mini's in it for the first time and have to admit I was pretty blown away by the tone....

Update the masses, please

Steve E

[DonP]

Ditto-I'd like to hear how the mini-hums are hanging as well.