🎸 The Once And Future Guitar

Lo and behold, presenting to you, the Epiphone Les Paul 1960 Tribute Plus in Vintage Sunburst. With genuine Gibson '57 Classic pickups and push/pull coil taps, this wonderfully built masterpiece is not a force to be reckoned with. ☢

Damn what a sexy guitar finish

Back in November 2015, as referenced in this post, I originally wanted to buy this guitar as my first Les Paul. I did a crazy ton of research (6 months worth) before making my decision to obtain it. Unfortunately, Swee Lee messed around with me and ended up offering a Gibson 50's Tribute instead. Of course, I happily accepted that Gibson and this Epiphone Tribute Plus is a thing of my past. 😊

The seller actually changed the truss rod cover to a Slash truss rod cover, which I fell in love with at first sight. 😍

Recently, after getting my first month's pay, I tried my best to resist the temptation of spending my money. But I failed, and here I am, with a new guitar in my arms. I was scrolling through Carousell and I chanced upon this guitar being on sale for $520 used. From the pictures provided, it is in mint condition and the metal hardware is still shiny. I cannot believe my eyes. For $700 used, this guitar is already a steal. And yet this crazy fellow is going at $520!!! 😱 😱 😱

Of course I went for it. Got released from work a little early on Wednesday so I took the time to find the seller at his office at Old Toh Tuck Road. It was a little isolated but nowhere I can't go. I tested out the guitar in front of him and it was all good. The hardcase and straplocks are intact too. Deal was smooth and I was on my way home with the guitar before I know it. 🎸

🔥🔥🔥

The vintage sunburst really shines when the natural sunlight is reflected off it. The binding isn't really in the cream colour but a light yellowish tint, which is a perfect blend with the sunburst. The Gibson 57 Classic pickups are solid opponents to my 490R/498T Gibson pickups on my Gibson Studio. They sound warmer and quieter, which makes softer playing stand out. The pickups alone costs as much as the guitar body itself. The 1957 Classic and Classic+ are highly sought after pickups in the Gibson world, making this guitar a real value for the money. 🤑

The push/pull coil tap function is still as handy as I first researched it to be. Although subtle, the single coil difference can be heard especially when playing clean. The slim taper neck needs some getting used to, but it's a comfortable neck to me nonetheless. The fretboard itself is still pretty full of life, not a single wear and tear can be seen. The Slash truss rod cover? Awesome! 🎩 😎

I still haven't really sit down and compare both Les Pauls I own, but I got a feeling it's gonna be a tough fight. With that in mind, I do not really feel like letting go either one. But if the time comes, I just have to make the tough call. This guitar retails at Swee Lee for $839, so me selling it away even at $700 would still be profit. 💰

Until then, I would very much love to spam this Epiphone Tribute Plus while I still can. I would really wanna record a few covers with it. 😋

Now back to work...

Edwin Ang
17th May 2017

***Update: This Epiphone Tribute Plus is no longer with me. It has been sold for $480 on 28th October 2017.