Apart from the old black and white ad on Flyguitars, I don't think I've ever seen pictures of the very early model with the oval cream coloured pickup.
(http://img-cdn.jg.jugem.jp/b92/1282454/20111002_2084010.jpg)
(http://img-cdn.jg.jugem.jp/b92/1282454/20111002_2084024.jpg)
(http://img-cdn.jg.jugem.jp/b92/1282454/20111002_2084025.jpg)
(http://img-cdn.jg.jugem.jp/b92/1282454/20111002_2084012.jpg)
(http://img-cdn.jg.jugem.jp/b92/1282454/20111002_2084023.jpg)
Unfortunately I can't read Japanese, but here's the site
http://045to105.jugem.jp/?eid=270
That IS quite a find Rob. I only ever recall seeing an LP Signature guitar with oval pickups but unfortunately never saved any pics of it.
This is a Google Translation of the intro Makes as much sense to me as the characters
"Now, what was or not." Continued will keep in a little place.
"Initial type?" And it will you and try to reform the difference of "Unit 2".
The biggest difference is the fact that of course Pick up.
Early type of PU I is believed to familiar existing type that was used in the "Les Paul Bass," "Triumph" has been diverted. However, this also means that "humbucking" "low-impedance", the flow was changed to soap bar type that has been newly designed for the "LPS" while inheriting, and. Compared the difference in the sound, you'll blame chord towards the new design PU is stretched well modern impression ... Nanoha sound missing (laughs). The initial type There is also anxiety to the neck "of Thomas stick flat", in the Unit 2 by had stretched "D'Addario of round 045-100", which unlike natural .... To compare, it does not say anything at the moment of the "PU yada".
LOL - "Thomas stick flat"
I was going to try a make a pass at reading the Japanese - maybe tomorrow
I wonder if the fretboard is ebony. It looks much darker than the fretboard of the other LP Sig.
OOO white pickup. Love it! Great find!
Just quickly glancing through the text, this person acquired it through an online auction. He doesn't really know much about it, other than it may be the earliest version. He explains some of the differences, but though knowledgable, I don't think he has any more knowledge than the Gibson experts here!
The pickup obviously has the dimensions of the Les Paul Recording guitar pickup.
At least we can be sure about that now. ;)
Beautiful...
Sadly, nowhere in that translation was the phrase "$250 US or best offer".
I think like it even better than the production model.
I never noticed that both output jacks were together on the original, but the proof is in the pudding!
(http://i999.photobucket.com/albums/af119/Grog_03/LPSigBroch_zpscnjpiypb.jpg) (http://s999.photobucket.com/user/Grog_03/media/LPSigBroch_zpscnjpiypb.jpg.html)
Great find!
It sure looks like ebony, however I've seen a lot of different shades of rosewood, from very light to very dark. Gibson used some ebony on more luxurious guitars, so why not.
You live and learn.