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Upgrade Plastics Comparision Thread

Joined
Jan 2, 2023
Messages
90
Gibson has lightened and un-pinked their plastics a handful of times in the last decade. At least twice since 2016, so yes. Even the current Philadelphia Luthier ones will likely be lighter than a 2016 Historic. The last revision (late 2023 or 2024) may have involved new tooling for the molding, as well. Those very recent ones, you can't get outside of Gibson Custom guitars and their aftermarket support, presently.
Thank you! 👍
 

Dave P

Well-known member
Joined
Oct 13, 2001
Messages
976
Would they be a shade or two lighter than a ring on a 2016 Historic? I was going to order them in "Vintage white" but they look too actual white compared to what i see in the BOTB book?
Obviously old Burst's plastics are all different due to darkening/aging over the years but none look actual white to me? They look very light cream and i was hoping Phillys cream ring was that shade?
The white rings are very white. You could age them. The cream rings are the same color as the cream butyrate humbucker bobbins they sell. They aren't 100% accurate, but for $17 they are good for the price.
 
Joined
Jan 2, 2023
Messages
90
The white rings are very white. You could age them. The cream rings are the same color as the cream butyrate humbucker bobbins they sell. They aren't 100% accurate, but for $17 they are good for the price.
Thank you for the info👍 I will just go with the cream butyrate rings for $17. I cannot see paying $150 for 100% replica rings right now. maybe later on i will.
 

mooser

New member
Joined
Jul 12, 2015
Messages
15
Nice!! The dimples really make a difference. I'll have to A/B them with the MTM ones I have but at first glance they look great at a fraction of the price.
 

Brian H

Member
Joined
Dec 19, 2002
Messages
726
Exactly! 6 knobs for $58 shipped. They do have a funky smell to them that’s hard to describe. But I’m very happy with ‘em.
 

mooser

New member
Joined
Jul 12, 2015
Messages
15
I recognize that Special you did such a bang up job refinishing. Looks like a MTM pickguard to me.
 

Brian H

Member
Joined
Dec 19, 2002
Messages
726
I recognize that Special you did such a bang up job refinishing. Looks like a MTM pickguard to me.
Thanks so much!! It’s actually the stock ‘22 USA pickguard, lightly aged by playing and a bit of browning/yellowing around the bevel.
 
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Brian H

Member
Joined
Dec 19, 2002
Messages
726
Couple more of the gold ones from Philadelphia Luthier.

IMG_9190.jpeg
IMG_2024-03-22-175845.jpg

I think the top knobs are Allparts, bottom/installed are Phil:
IMG_2024-03-22-185236.jpg
 
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dnabbet2

Active member
Joined
May 31, 2017
Messages
211
I haven't read the whole thread, so I apologise if this has already been addressed, but does anyone make accurate reproductions of the alnico staple pickup with the small circles in the top of the cover?

The photo's Zhivago's from the Beauty of the Black Beauty thread.

1711429997858.png
 
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