I live almost walking distance from Tony Z's old workshop. His guitars often used to pop up locally in the 70s and 80s. Honestly I couldn't afford a metal front in a local 2nd hand shop for £250 in 1982. That's my one that got away...
I remember looking at one of the Gibson SG Customs at Eugene's Guitars in south Dallas when they were first released (1987-88). Was quite an eye catcher. I don't believe those were "Custom Shop", just a reissue until 1991 when they put out the 30th Anniversary model. Sweet guitar!
The Ace Fraley guitar may be out of range for most of us at $18,000, but the lawsuit era copies of the exact guitar are actually better quality and still affordable. Made in Japan guitars like Tokai, Aria Pro ii and Greco’s QC was and is still outstanding. I have a 1980 Aria Pro ii Ace Fraley model and I would put it up against any Gibson of the same era. And they’re still affordable at anywhere from $800 to $1800. My Gibson Standards and Customs (including Murphy Labs) sit in their cases while I play and gig with my Tokai, Aria Pro ii and Greco Les Pauls. No longer a fanboy of Gibson.
Yeah man I have a 78 Greco EG500 & I love it! I was just watching a video from Norm's the other day about a 79 Gibson Les Paul Standard & it had a three piece neck! Which is what this Greco has. I've owned everything from a Studio, to a Special, to a 98 Heritage Cherry sunburst AAA flametop Les Paul & that guitar was beautiful. But then I got a Tokai Love Rock with an "Open book headstock" in the same finish & it blew my mind the difference in price vs. quality. Sorry but I gotta say, Gibson, Shmibson. If it's one thing they most certainly don't have in mind, it's the average person!
If the metal top of that guitar was made in the 1990s it is all hand work and not laser etched. That top represents possibly 80 or more man-hours of careful work. Voted "Best Lawyer"......... All I'll say about that is "When You Need a Lawyer, You Need a Lawyer".
@@jonathanhudak2059 indeed yes, it reminds me of the work done to custom firearms. Sharp tools and a very steady hand, very much the same skill-set as a Surgeon.
The one shiny guitar may have been a Gibson stab at making a Veleno like instrument. Mark Farner had one or two and played them during the 'Shining On' period. Probably still has one,,
Trogly now, “I really don’t want to spend that money, not worth it to me…” Trogly in 2 months, “I’m kicking myself for not buying it. It is the greatest guitar since…well, that last time this happened”
The portion about the hot one whose serial number had been rubbed off motivated me to take out my own Les Paul and check the back of the headstock just to be sure it had its own serial number. It does, but one still wonders what could have happened if it were also hot. It's 2023, and I've had it since 2018. Chances are, the cops would have come knocking if it was stolen also.
Does anybody know what happened to the Les Paul that Gibson built for Malcolm Young back in the 90s? I saw a picture of it in "The Les Paul Book" but nothing else
The Zamiatis has that inlay on the 12th fret that I swear I've seen elsewhere. He must've been Gibson's lawyer during the lawsuits. Would seem right if he was since the suits were about other companies copying their guitars.
That Ace Frehley model doesn't seem to be from the first 300, and I'll tell you why: no pearloid tuners and the truss rod cover should be chrome plated, along with the covers on the back.
Hi - I live in Atlanta and went and looked and and played the guitar. Believe it or not, the top was cheap plastic. The whole guitar felt cheap, but the plastic top was a major turn off.
That first Elegant guitar from 97 with the "Natural" flame top is beautiful! I don't care for the headstock at all. But 6500? Typical Gibson shit. You'd think for that kind of money the qc would be amazing, it never has been. I've picked up a brand new Les Paul, bend the g string & it pops out of the saddle! Not to mention the filler around the inlays! They have had periods when it was better than others but still, for that kind of money the qc should not be, questionable!
The ace frehley guitar is unreal. Love to have it but I've had one of the early ones with pick guard. I let a collector pry it from my hands in 2003 for 18,000
I want that guitar and I want it now!! The Custom Shop banners in mother of pearl are just freaking beautiful!! I'm going to have to sell my soul and get the money to buy one of those, AND I WANT IT NOW!! That Joel Katz guitar was something else, I looked him up and he is a really successful lawyer, wow, to accomplish something in life, what a concept. Great show Austin, keep em coming. Take care.
The more & less drastic "Open book" head stocks I've never understood either. What you get more drastic for more money? Sounds like Gibson to me! Foreign PRS qc is better than Gibson qc?! I don't know man, something doesn't seem right about that. . . . . . . oh yeah, the money!!
Yeah man, seeing all the guitars you have, I can't say you lost out, on this one. It was made for a wealthy prominent lawyer. . . . . . . well, that explains that! I don't know man, I'd take that 97 Elegant Natural flame top, ANY DAY over this kinda Zemaitis looking Gibson!
zamaitis sounds like a skin condition! Interesting on the Black Les Paul with the scrubbed serial number as well as the Chinese knock off Les Paul Custom wannabe fetching $3,600! I hope if it sold that that person gets their money back! The 91 SG Custom at $3,000 wasn't a bad price
gifted to a lawyer probably out of appreciation for helping in some lawsuit, and gave him a lawsuit waiting to happen!! Maybe lied him a lot, wanted him for another lawsuit LOL
That is not an Ace Budokhan, it's his 1st signature model of the 300. The Budokhan has custom shop block inlays and a pick guard.
Howdy James good catch!
The Les *Saul*
It’s all good man.
Winning comment.
Normally I put in a lot of effort trying to get the top comment on videos, but I’m not even gonna attempt to top this. Kudos to you.
Took me a second.
Perfection!
Les Saul, More Paul
I knew i recognized this style and the name before. Zemaitis Guitars were the inspiration for Dutch flamenco player Teye and his custom built guitars.
They should make a custom Les Paul with a baseball design called the Les Play Ball.
I live almost walking distance from Tony Z's old workshop. His guitars often used to pop up locally in the 70s and 80s. Honestly I couldn't afford a metal front in a local 2nd hand shop for £250 in 1982. That's my one that got away...
-Eh he seems like a nice guy
-He’s the man trying to acquire your fathers business and all you can say is- Meh, he seems like a nice guy!?!?!?
I remember looking at one of the Gibson SG Customs at Eugene's Guitars in south Dallas when they were first released (1987-88). Was quite an eye catcher. I don't believe those were "Custom Shop", just a reissue until 1991 when they put out the 30th Anniversary model. Sweet guitar!
The Zemitis looked amazing.
The Ace Fraley guitar may be out of range for most of us at $18,000, but the lawsuit era copies of the exact guitar are actually better quality and still affordable. Made in Japan guitars like Tokai, Aria Pro ii and Greco’s QC was and is still outstanding. I have a 1980 Aria Pro ii Ace Fraley model and I would put it up against any Gibson of the same era. And they’re still affordable at anywhere from $800 to $1800. My Gibson Standards and Customs (including Murphy Labs) sit in their cases while I play and gig with my Tokai, Aria Pro ii and Greco Les Pauls. No longer a fanboy of Gibson.
Yeah man I have a 78 Greco EG500 & I love it! I was just watching a video from Norm's the other day about a 79 Gibson Les Paul Standard & it had a three piece neck! Which is what this Greco has. I've owned everything from a Studio, to a Special, to a 98 Heritage Cherry sunburst AAA flametop Les Paul & that guitar was beautiful. But then I got a Tokai Love Rock with an "Open book headstock" in the same finish & it blew my mind the difference in price vs. quality. Sorry but I gotta say, Gibson, Shmibson. If it's one thing they most certainly don't have in mind, it's the average person!
If the metal top of that guitar was made in the 1990s it is all hand work and not laser etched.
That top represents possibly 80 or more man-hours of careful work.
Voted "Best Lawyer".........
All I'll say about that is "When You Need a Lawyer, You Need a Lawyer".
Howdy HK, very true probably all done by hand, very impressive
@@jonathanhudak2059 indeed yes, it reminds me of the work done to custom firearms.
Sharp tools and a very steady hand, very much the same skill-set as a Surgeon.
The one shiny guitar may have been a Gibson stab at making a Veleno like instrument. Mark Farner had one or two and played them during the 'Shining On' period. Probably still has one,,
13:57 .. much love..
I can't afford an Ace Frehley Gibson Les Paul, but it is tempting to get an Ace Frehley Chibson.
That's looks like a hand engraved top. Laser would be way more uniform. Plus, it's a one-off. My dad custom engraved firearms back in the day.
Trogly now, “I really don’t want to spend that money, not worth it to me…”
Trogly in 2 months, “I’m kicking myself for not buying it. It is the greatest guitar since…well, that last time this happened”
The portion about the hot one whose serial number had been rubbed off motivated me to take out my own Les Paul and check the back of the headstock just to be sure it had its own serial number. It does, but one still wonders what could have happened if it were also hot. It's 2023, and I've had it since 2018. Chances are, the cops would have come knocking if it was stolen also.
What’s the serial number say
That I worry too much, @@bmark7951. HA!
Does anybody know what happened to the Les Paul that Gibson built for Malcolm Young back in the 90s? I saw a picture of it in "The Les Paul Book" but nothing else
Johnny winter still my dream guitR
Reminds me of something used by Sonny Landreth.
The Zamiatis has that inlay on the 12th fret that I swear I've seen elsewhere. He must've been Gibson's lawyer during the lawsuits. Would seem right if he was since the suits were about other companies copying their guitars.
That Ace Frehley model doesn't seem to be from the first 300, and I'll tell you why: no pearloid tuners and the truss rod cover should be chrome plated, along with the covers on the back.
The 61/91 SG Les Paul in TV yellow with 3 humbuckers is my favorite Gibson of all time. It's so ugly it's gorgeous!
Ugly??? I will admit the mustard yellow color on that guitar is not my favorite but other than that I like it. 3 pickup SG Customs are the bomb!
@@jonathanhudak2059 I could have bought a used one in 1994 for $900. I've regretted not buying it ever since.
Hi - I live in Atlanta and went and looked and and played the guitar. Believe it or not, the top was cheap plastic. The whole guitar felt cheap, but the plastic top was a major turn off.
1:23 I did not brace myself and I fell on the floor
Can you please review a pearly gates!!??
That first Elegant guitar from 97 with the "Natural" flame top is beautiful! I don't care for the headstock at all. But 6500? Typical Gibson shit. You'd think for that kind of money the qc would be amazing, it never has been. I've picked up a brand new Les Paul, bend the g string & it pops out of the saddle! Not to mention the filler around the inlays! They have had periods when it was better than others but still, for that kind of money the qc should not be, questionable!
Blues lawyer hahahaha!!!😂😂😂 hysterical!!!
Good Country and Western guitar
Dang,I had nice white studio back in the 90s didn't realize they'd hold value
The Zemaitis Touch.
I think à Gibson \Zemaitis law suit would almost cancel,each other out.
Props for phoenix Wright appearance
Ramble on.
Anybody else think their ring doorbell went halfway through this video??
Hello fellow guitar heads
What’s up some random dude???
@@mertmunson1417 what’s up
The ace frehley guitar is unreal. Love to have it but I've had one of the early ones with pick guard. I let a collector pry it from my hands in 2003 for 18,000
I would have paid lots for that one
That is hand engraving BTW
I saw that but I didn’t think it was real.
cool ! GIbson the Hypocrites!
Les Paul - classic...
Doesn’t anyone PLAY guitars anymore????
Period piece? Piece. Ugh that word.
A Gibson that KINDA looks like a Zemaitis? Why? Well, at least it has dot inlays! (Less filler)
Wallmart
Holy cow it’s hideous. I love it
I want that guitar and I want it now!! The Custom Shop banners in mother of pearl are just freaking beautiful!! I'm going to have to sell my soul and get the money to buy one of those, AND I WANT IT NOW!! That Joel Katz guitar was something else, I looked him up and he is a really successful lawyer, wow, to accomplish something in life, what a concept. Great show Austin, keep em coming. Take care.
✌️
Peace Peace Hector
@@sgt.grinch3299 ✌️
Great show! Thanks Austin!
Thanks for the video. I watch every night
Trog, you are slipping, those were museum worthy.
Yo
Well done Grant, you earned a Silver medal.
@@sgt.grinch3299 thanks sgt. Hope alls been well!
👍
Greetings Andy
The more & less drastic "Open book" head stocks I've never understood either. What you get more drastic for more money? Sounds like Gibson to me! Foreign PRS qc is better than Gibson qc?! I don't know man, something doesn't seem right about that. . . . . . . oh yeah, the money!!
Aww you mentioned blues lawyer and that's what the guitar community thinks of you dude!! Amazing coincidence
Gibson Laws Paul
Not my best
Buyers premiums are dumb... and the process needs to be done with...
They do it to make the price more attractive...
Yeah man, seeing all the guitars you have, I can't say you lost out, on this one. It was made for a wealthy prominent lawyer. . . . . . . well, that explains that! I don't know man, I'd take that 97 Elegant Natural flame top, ANY DAY over this kinda Zemaitis looking Gibson!
🤘
Gf
🎉you won 🍪 🍪 🍪
Congratulations on climbing to the summit of the Mole Hill and earning a Gold Medal Scott. 20 hours late.
Fake ones might be used for money laundering
zamaitis sounds like a skin condition! Interesting on the Black Les Paul with the scrubbed serial number as well as the Chinese knock off Les Paul Custom wannabe fetching $3,600! I hope if it sold that that person gets their money back! The 91 SG Custom at $3,000 wasn't a bad price
Z is for 20 hours late.
gifted to a lawyer probably out of appreciation for helping in some lawsuit, and gave him a lawsuit waiting to happen!! Maybe lied him a lot, wanted him for another lawsuit LOL
*Liked
Zemaintis should have sued 😂
Lol. No sht!
Katz... lawyer... in the entertainment industry... copying... hmmmmm...
that guitar is cursed in every way. use it for fire wood
Shame people are still selling chibsons as original. It's total thievery
What up everyone??
What's up James?
@@jonathanhudak2059 All good. You?
early af what up trogly bless you bro keep rockin in the free world
Free world ain’t so free anymore, unfortunately.
It’s a turd
finally first comment hahahahaha
You made the podium and earned a Bronze Medal.
Zemaites wanna be lol
Its the ultimate generic boring blues riff guitar.
As you said tacky as hell guitar. Lawyer has 0 taste in guitars. I'll bet Paul Stanley would smash this guitar on stage gladly
And Paul Stanley knows taste!
Za-may-tis 🙂
👍👏
So was this when the custom shop decided that lawyers would be their primary customers and when did dentists get in on the game?