BenTobith
Member
- Joined
- Feb 10, 2020
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- 62
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Curious what the fine folks think: If you could get a gently used Gibson Custom Shop VOS '61 reissue for ~$1,000 more than a brand new 2020 Gibson USA '61 Reissue, is it worth the extra $1,000?
As far as I can gather, the key differences would be:
With regards to the pickups, I think that could come down to personal preference for the most part. The caps seem to actually favor USA models, as Orange drops are maintenance-free and more reliable in the long run.
So unless I'm missing something (which I could be), the main difference is in the body construction and neck joint design.
What do you think? Obviously, "worth" can be subjective, too. But are there clear, objective advantages that justify the expense? (I'm not trying to knock the CS models, by the way. I'm honestly deliberating internally between these options.)
As far as I can gather, the key differences would be:
- NUT: Nylon/Bone (CS) vs. Graph Tech (USA)
- BODY: One-piece Mahogany (CS) vs. Two-piece Mahogany (USA)
- PICKUPS: Custombucker Alnico-III non-potted (CS) vs. 61R/61T Alnico-V potted (USA)
- CAPS: Paper in oil Bumblebee (CS) vs. Orange drop (USA)
- TUNING MACHINES: Vintage push-in bushings (CS) vs. Modern screw bushings (USA)
- JOINT: Long neck tenon and heel (CS) vs. Short neck tenon (USA)
- COSMETICS: VOS aging, historic spec pickguard and truss rod cover (CS) vs. No aging, plain truss rod cover (USA)
- CASE: Custom Shop case (CS) vs. Gibson USA case (USA)
With regards to the pickups, I think that could come down to personal preference for the most part. The caps seem to actually favor USA models, as Orange drops are maintenance-free and more reliable in the long run.
So unless I'm missing something (which I could be), the main difference is in the body construction and neck joint design.
What do you think? Obviously, "worth" can be subjective, too. But are there clear, objective advantages that justify the expense? (I'm not trying to knock the CS models, by the way. I'm honestly deliberating internally between these options.)