What flaws should I look for in a Vintage(used) guitar?

Question

there's a Les Paul I want that sounds awesome but it's used, I didn't buy it then and there because I knew I wasn't going to give a proper assessment , especially being so excited for it..

It's a 1979 Gibson Les Paul Custom, sounds fine and everything seems to be seated right.. anything I should look for ? or that i should ask the sales guy?

Answer 1

Look for indications of it being played, such as wearing of the varnish at the neck where common chords are held, fine scratch marks that the pick would make on the pickguard and above the strings, and faded colors where the arm rests. Are the tuning knobs still intact? What about the back of it--any signs of belt-buckle scratching?

If a 1979 Gibson Les Paul Custom has none of these you can judge that:

1. It was seldom played and is truly a great buy or
2. It had been re-surfaced, giving it an appearance of like-new.

Of course, the asking price will determine how much you want it.

Answer 2

Sales guys are usually less than honest with you. Late 70s Les Pauls are usually VERY heavy so they're not among the most desired guitars. If the neck is fairly straight and nothing has been changed on the guitar (pickups, tuners, etc) and you can get it at a good price, go for it - IF you like the way it feels & sounds. Be aware that ANY modification lowers the value. Also, check Vintage Guitar magazine's Price Guide (usually available in local librarys) and check out the magazine for more tips. vguitar.com Good luck!

Answer 3

First do a fret check by playing every fret as well as a bend check (bend every fret...i had a used sg that had a choppy bend on many frets and i needed a whole new setup). Center your nose at the top of the body and close one eye and hold out the neck to see if its straight. After that it should be fine, but asking the sales guy will always help too.