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It was years before I realized that Gibson generally didn't use quartersawn back plates for their 17" and 18" carved backplates. Mark's observations above make sense - Gibson was a volume producer and a business. As well, the backs on these instruments have fared remarkably well over time, suggesting that they used very well-seasoned wood.
It makes me wonder why they did go to quartersawn back plates, which started in the '70s - perhaps the well-seasoned wood was no longer available, or too expensive. Or perhaps they were having some issues with the wood, which would result in costly warranty claims. Or the change in ownership resulted in some changes in wood supply lines. IDK.
The plain/silky stuff from the Norlin years is quartersawn, and really nicely done. My guess is that it's Acer Saccharum (eastern hard maple), and that it was replaced with the figured, quartersawn Acer Macrophyllum (western Big Leaf Maple), that Gibson has been using since then, in order to make the guitars look fancier.Last edited by Hammertone; 07-26-2020 at 08:15 PM.
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07-26-2020 02:09 PM
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Sorry if the thread is drifting, but it is very interesting to learn about maple backs while we wait for the next pictures of Nick’s Campellone. I attached a picture of the back of my ‘53 L5. I always assumed it was quarter sawn and book matched. Is that not correct?
Keith
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Not quartered Keith.
Almost all the carved Gibson backs before the late 70s were flat sawn.
The same applies for archtops by other makers as well until D'Angelico started using quartered maple in the 60s.
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Originally Posted by wintermoon
Keith
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And here is another Campellone Special that I tried to buy, but I procrastinated for one day and someone else beat me to it.
Keith
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Originally Posted by wintermoon
Last edited by Hammertone; 07-26-2020 at 11:46 PM.
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Originally Posted by Hammertone
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Originally Posted by floatingpickup
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I never imagined that if I owned an L5 that something could make me feel like I really didn't own guitar royalty... these Campellone threads are really stirring me up in the wrongest kind of way!
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Originally Posted by lawson-stone
Campellone Deluxe (mounted pickup)
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Body complete
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[QUOTE=vinnyv1k;1051106]Body complete [/QUOTE
Vinny,
Thank You Kindly, for keeping up appearances with this beauty!!
back on track
Nick71
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Originally Posted by Hammertone
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Originally Posted by Nick71
Interestingly, while Gibson used LOTS of blister maple in the past, nowadays it's REALLY hard to come by.
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Originally Posted by Hammertone
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Did some say blister?
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Originally Posted by MCampellone
But, back to the guitar you are building. Moving on to happy thoughts, I look forward to more photo evidence of its loveliness. Sunburst finish of some sort?
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Originally Posted by Hammertone
This 16" non-cut will be getting the antique natural finish - should look nice!
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On to the neck
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Beautiful ! Still no dust in sight , just a beautiful oil rubbed work bench acting as a backdrop to upcoming enjoyment.
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Originally Posted by vinnyv1k
Thank you Vinny and Mark C. for the update.Last edited by Nick71; 07-31-2020 at 04:40 PM.
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That workbench by itself looks like it should be a guitar. It’s beautiful!
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Originally Posted by MCampellone
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Originally Posted by Hammertone
Keith
Ibanez archtop with 0.010 Thomastik strings and...
Today, 05:27 AM in The Builder's Bench