Has anyone seen, tried or bought one of this new 2011 range of Gibson solids- (Les Paul and SG model versions) called '50's or '60's Tribute series or some such?
They appear to be genuine Gibsons, being sold here by Gibson dealers, and they are stamped Made in the USA on the back of the headstock.
They have virtually no 'finish' as such- just what looks like one rough coat of flat paint over the wood, with no filling of grain etc...
The prices here in Australia are around $AUS 1,100-1,300, about 650 pounds sterling equivalent, which is even less than the other similar 'faded' finish SG models, although these faded models have humbuckers, whereas the Tribute models have what look like P-90s.
Just curious, as I prefer Fender style guitars, I had a Gibson ES 125TDC with P-90's about 40 years ago, but haven't been able to afford one since!
Is there a catch here, or are they good value for genuine Gibsons?