Orville Les Paul model heel caps used in neck to body joints

Freebird

Would I be correct stating that: only the top end Les Paul Reissues (manufactured close to 1959 Gibson specs during the late 1992 to early 1995 time period) do not utilize heel caps, and that most (if not all) of the rest of the ObG and Orville Les Paul model guitars utilize a heel cap in their neck to body joint construction?

soundcreation · Guitar God Joined: 02 Sep 2008 Posts: 341

well...I know my 89 by gibson g serial number terrada made, has one.

Mono · Posted: Sat Nov 13, 2010 9:48 pm Post subject:

Are we talking about that anamalous darkburst that cropped up a few days ago and that sold?

I think it must be an '88 ObG Standard and I guess they didn't have enough mahogany in that day, so used a heel-cap...

Freebird · Posted: Sat Nov 13, 2010 10:21 pm Post subject:

I just wondering in general, not about any specific guitar.

Mono · Posted: Sun Nov 14, 2010 7:25 am Post subject:

Well, apart from that one I mentioned, I had not seen a heel-cap on any ObGs before then. And I don't think they regularly appear on Orvilles either..

Freebird · Posted: Sun Nov 14, 2010 11:26 am Post subject:

Here's one of the few that I've come across that doesn't have the heel cap:

http://imageevent.com/chingo123/october2010/orvillelpsflame5502

Most look something like this:

http://cgi.ebay.com/Orville-Gibson-Les-Paul-Standard-Flametop-MIJ-Superb-/160504611168?pt=UK_Musical_Instruments_Guitars_CV&hash=item255ed20160

or this:

http://cgi.ebay.com/Orville-Gibson-Les-Paul-standerd-LPS-Q-Quilted-Maple-/120645598477?pt=Guitar&hash=item1c1709bd0d

or this:

http://imageevent.com/chingo123/november2010/orvillelpssb5578

Seems to me that the heel cap is a cost saving measure -in the neck construction a smaller piece of wood can be used for the neck - just add the cap to the neck before inserting into the body. Is the use of the heel cap a function of Fujigen or Terada manufacture? I'm not sure if it really makes any difference in the strength of the joint or the performance of the guitar.

Freebird · Posted: Sun Nov 14, 2010 1:12 pm Post subject:

Based on my review of numerous incredibly informative posts by Japanstrat, I would conclude that it is rare to find a neck heel cap on a Fujigen made ObG or Orville Les Paul. That said, I also conclude that it is much more usual, and very common, to find a neck heel cap on a Terada made ObG or Orville Les Paul. Thank you Japanstrat.

3pupLPC · Guitar God Joined: 15 Mar 2008 Posts: 501 Location: NJ USA

I just sold a '93 Terada made OBG REISSUE (FEB binding, etc) with a heelcap.
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"In all you ways acknowledge Him, and He will direct your path..." Prov. 3:6

Joop

Hi,

For what it's worth, I have never seen a Fujigen Orville or by Gibson with the heel joint, only on Terrada guitars. I have just read that I am not the only one to think so...

Greetz,

Joop

scooticus · Posted: Mon Dec 06, 2010 1:13 pm Post subject:

My '95 Orville (not OBG) LPS goldtop, Fujigen build, has no heel cap.
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Axchisler · Posted: Wed Dec 08, 2010 3:45 am Post subject:

My 94 OBG has no heel cap, for that matter neither do my Tokai LS100 or LS230, fyi.

Freebird · Posted: Wed Dec 08, 2010 9:41 am Post subject:

Axchisler · Posted: Wed Dec 08, 2010 11:06 pm Post subject:

Fujigen

Ibnose · Power chords are my friend Joined: 01 Dec 2006 Posts: 34

I have a '96 fuji-gen orville goldtop, it has a 2 piece seam-centred back and no heel cap. Most of the Terada made ObGs that I have seen have the heel cap and 3 piece backs.