Gibson ES-Les Paul CME Floor Model

**rpguitar** · 02-08-2018, 01:14 PM

You guys are offering good advice, which is probably how I'll proceed. It can't help that these guitars were all made in '15 and '16 and have been sitting around Lord knows where, probably in dry conditions.

I got a range of repair prices from $50 for the simplest one-spot tweak to $175 for a full level and setup, so I'm gonna work from there. This particular guitar was priced $100 less than the other ES LP color, which makes me wonder a bit.

I will say once again that the guitar design, MHS pickups, and fit and finish are really great - this could easily be set up with flats and even a wood saddle (!) for a dedicated jazz instrument. I'm not planning to do that as for me it would be a default non-jazz guitar, but the possibility is intriguing. It has a sweet semi-hollow vibe going for it.

**BigMikeinNJ** · 02-08-2018, 01:47 PM

Great thread, great story on your amp guy being so on it and fast...

RP, I hope the guitar stabilizes quickly. Being in River Fores we share similar weather, you get mine a day or so later - it's rauined a but there... It's tough on wood. I just got my '40 L5 and love it but I'm giving it lots of humidity and love. I am sure a competent tech will straighten it out for you and CME seems flexible. Good luck...

Big

**rpguitar** · 02-09-2018, 07:53 AM

The guitar is pretty much done stabilizing, but the fret situation remains. I discussed it with the customer support folks. They are very quick to reply via the Reverb messaging page, almost like texting. I'm going to have the guitar worked on next week or soon after, pending my tech's workload, and CME will pay for at least part of the repair, depending on cost (worked out between us).

I'll post again when complete just to wrap things up.

**73Fender** · 02-10-2018, 11:52 AM

Congrats it's beautiful. You're lucky living close to CME. You could
have a side gig checking out guitars for us remote buyers haha.

QUOTE=rolijen;842227]I was also wondering why they seemed to sit. The answer for me was to go see them in person. Last Saturday, I went to CME and checked out a few ES-LPs. My skepticism quickly melted away as I demo’d one with a Princeton Reverb in one of CME’s demo booths. I wanted the MHS pickups but no Bigsby, so ended up getting the faded lightburst. The Studio version is dirt cheap but has no binding, a stencil logo and doesn’t come with MHS buckers. Even so, the cheaper model does come with ‘57 classics so I’ll bet it’s fantastic as well.

At the top of the food chain is the bourbon burst with a Bigsby. If you’re into Chet, that would be a dream guitar. That one and my model sound very Chetty. I’m getting wonderful PAF tone and resonance that just isn’t there in a solid LP.

Im a former skeptic turned believer. Have a great day!

Roli[/QUOTE]

**rolijen** · 02-10-2018, 12:12 PM

Originally Posted by 73Fender

Congrats it's beautiful. You're lucky living close to CME. You could
have a side gig checking out guitars for us remote buyers haha.

It so happens that I'll be in Chicago again this coming Friday on business. I'm planning on dropping by CME later in the day. If anyone is looking at a particular guitar and wants a hands on inspection, PM me.

Have a great weekend!

Roli