The Steve Clark of Def Leppard Guitar | 1980 Gibson Les Paul XR-1 Goldburst | Review and Demo
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- Опубликовано: 9 ноя 2024
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Steve Clark was a very influential guitar player that inspired many people to pick up and learn guitar. He was the lead guitarist in Def Leppard until his untimely death. He was well known for playing Les Pauls and one that he is most noted for besides the 3 pickup white les Paul custom is his XR-1. Now I’m not review his personal XR-1, but I am reviewing a very early version of the XR-1 Series. I also discuss the differences between the XR-1, XR-2, and XR-III (XR-3)
I actually didn’t know Steven used this guitar until after I had purchased this guitar. That made it much cooler, but I initially sought this one out for its Goldburst finish. This was a very shortly lived finish in the early 80s that Gibson did. Most guitars finished in this color were sent back under warranty to be refinished because the metal flake in this guitar’s finish cause the finish to ‘orange peel.’ This means, instead of a nice smooth, glossy feel, it is textured like the outside of an Orange Fruit.
After playing some Def Leppard that I hastily learned right before recording, I felt a strange bond to this guitar. Def Leppard had some great hits and it was fun to get to try this one out!
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Episode Guide:
XR Series History 0:59 | Tone Demo 9:52 | Final Thoughts 12:14 | Condition Overview 13:20 | Blacklight Test 18:14
When I purchased this guitar, I didn't know Steve used one of these. After learning a few Def Leppard songs, I felt a real bond with this guitar. Making this video also reminded me of my loss of the most gorgeous XR-2
I know I'm a couple of years late to this video, but it hit home to me. Steve Clark is the reason I got into rock music. I know hes not most peoples influence, but he was mine and it led me to listen to so much more. Def Leppard was awesome with Steve.
He means a hell of alot to me...I was 18 when he died...January 1991...
Def Leppard is not the same without Steve. I'm glad the band is still together, touring and playing. Their music has a different feel without Steve's input. Steve did some of the song writing and many guitar riffs from what I heard. The band's resilience over the years is nothing short of amazing with all they have been through.
Major Lepp fan here. Steve is one of my all time idols. Always appreciate when Steve gets the love he deserves!
If I recall correctly XR stands for Extended Range due to the split coils. I’ve owned 3 of these beasts. Bought two in estate sales in Florida in the early 90’s and one in a pawnshop. All of them were 80’s serial numbered. One thing to note on the Customs with Gold burst. They typically had a thicker coat of clear on them which prevented the orange peel feel. I love the gold burst (i love gold tops) which is why I bought the 3 that I did. Still own one and play it regularly. I didnt know till much later that Steve Clark played these. Regardless they howl and have incredible sustain and tone. Great video once again.
Extended Range sounds good. I'm curious why they kept that name for the XR-III since they did away with the coil split then...
Did you check if any of the pots were possibly push/pull to accomplish the same effect?
Also, discussing the XR models numbering, perhaps the Roman numeral being used was because it didn’t quite belong with the two previous XR models, but was included because it was the same team of R+D/engineers/luthiers that designed it. It was simply the third of 3 designs made by one team/R and D session and they preferred that all models from that development session should be united under one model series for simplicity, but the third had a Roman numeral to offer a subtle way to differentiate it from the other two models.
Huge fan of Steve Clark. He played heavy guitars, and very low when strapped. Great video!
Very nice guitar. Sounds amazing. And Clark was Def Leppard. He was amazing! 👍
Steve loved this guitar. He used it specially when he played "Switch". He had certain songs when he'd light up a smoke as he liked to look cool, and jesus christ "The Riffmaster" was a rock star who did ooze cool. This was used in the "Pyromania" era. Steve signed with Gibson in the mid 80's, while Collen signed with Grover Jackson, and is their main ambassador today. Where Steve's actual XR-1 is I know not. When he passed he owned around 70 guitars, his family, band members and ex girlfriend have some, and his Dean [the red one] is on display publicly. One of the most criminally under rated guitarists in history.
I think I read somewhere that he was still using it on the Hysteria tour after installing a Kahler bridge.
Thank you for what you wrote. I'm 49 and I was very hurt when I found out how Steve died...when pyromania came out I had the British flag shorts and shirt..I was 10. I really want to replicate this guitar. I am disabled so me buying it in its version above I just dont have 1200$ since its basically a studio anyway, I was thinking perhaps I could find a good epiphone studio, but I'd like the neck to be bound too..
My main guitar now is an ibanez rg that has emg 81 S 85 and it's got a 24 v mod.. love it...but vs these, it's way hotter.. sometimes that's fantastic.. sometimes it too much..
D
The Crazy Train joke made my day X3
Me too!
Screammmin Steven Clark!!! R.I.P. awesome review man.
Steve Clark was a tone man the best
My first Gibson was this very guitar in this very color, given to me by my then wife as a wedding present. Had no idea who Steve Clark was at the time, saw a Def Leppard video on MTV, and saw it, and exclaimed loudly how this 'Def Leppard Guy' had the exact same guitar as me. I judge all later Les Pauls by that XR1, and so far the only thing even close has been a 2004 Epiphone Les Paul Classic Quilt-Top in Trans Blue that I still kick myself for parting with. Thanks for the guitar memory lane trip for me...same exact guitar...
Nope, them tuners are stock, pretty sure. That's what mine had, I always thought they were Schallers, but I could be mishtooken...
Mat Harris....this "Def Leppard guy" created some of the most iconic and mesmerising melodies, harmonies, hooks, bends and riffs in history. He was a genius who was the complete package. The primary song writer, his guitar parts still today cannot be replicated, even the great Vivian openly, humbly admits he cannot play specific Steve created songs, "Gods of War" one such song, an epic song like "Too Late For Love", and so many more. If you want to understand the incalculable loss of this genius, look at Leppard's lack of real success since Steve passed away. The last record he put down guitar parts, and penned lyrics was "Adrenalize". His best mate Collen had to go into the studio and re record the exact same parts again. It had such an emotional effect on him he's said "it was like playing to a ghost". Steven Maynard "The Riffmaster" Clark remains one of the most gifted and influential artists in rock.
@@williambroadstreet3353 You should have your own channel. In Phil’s auto biography he also mentions that he almost quits Def Leppard. Trying to play and think like Steve, was the most demanding task of his life. Phil also came out stronger and a better songwriter/guitar player out of it. In my humble opinion, the ghost of Steve Clark came back to inspire Vivian and Phil years later when recording Euphoria. To me, Euphoria is the logical progression that should have followed Hysteria. Mutt Lange produced it as well. Must have felt like a reunion for the band and the spirit of Steve “Steaming “ Clark.
Great video! You don't see many of these around. It took me back to the 80's seeing this guitar. I remember him playing this guitar in the Rock Of Ages video. Thanks for sharing!
I have a 1981 XR1 that is solid black. I have never seen another one like it. I have owned it since it was brand new so I know it has never been refinished. Thanks for the video. I love mine.
Your playing and your tone has improved a lot dude! Keep it up!
I still have one of these that I've had since the nineties and I play it every day
I just acquired a 1982 Gibson Les Paul XR-1 it is a case queen and is in phenomenal condition!
I owned a Gold burst XR-1 and loved it, long before I saw any Def Leppard videos. It was my first real Les Paul.
It died in a house fire in 1998 along with my natural finish, maple board Gibson L6-S. I bought them for less than $150 each.
:-(
The finish on the 'cleanest example' Goldburst @ 7:49 is quite stunning. Though we don't see the flake, the fade is done so tastefully that the gradient offers much to the imagination. Lovely finish. Skilled painter
Oh, I got such a guitar and under the tone block, under the paint there was a seal on 17 dec, 1980, My guitar was in a depressing condition and therefore the master restored it. But she has a very gorgeous sound! Just a gorgeous sound that is rarely found on Gibson guitars!
That goldburst finish on Customs looks absolutely gorgeus !
Good informative video. I have owned an XR-1 since about 1988- mine is serialized as a 1981. What's really different about it is: it's CANDY APPLE RED! In looking at its finish, I do not believe it's a refinish- no telltale overspray of missed points. I have the same tuners. I also added a pick guard like the guitar in your video. It IS heavy- I'm not a professional so I don't have it hanging on me for long periods. I recently contacted Gibson to see if they have any records on why it's candy apple.
Hey small thing but I appreciate the extra effort put in when it came to the tone demo- even just that little overdubbed thing took the whole review up a notch- keep it up (if you feel it's worth it of course haha)
I'm slowly learning what works and what doesn't when it comes to the tone demos. After re-editing my 'guitar battle' videos, I think my tone demos are going to become a lot better now from the ideas they've given me. Thanks for the feedback!
Awesome to hear! And no problem on the feedback- There are plenty of people ready to tell you when you goof- not so many to say good job when you do!
Bought mine for 300 dollars in 1989. Was my back up for gigs for years. Its a killer.
I have that same guitar, but mine never had a pick guard on it. Mine is an '82. Good to see em getting some exposure!
4:59 OMG I'm still laughing. Made my day better😂
This is the les Paul that’s like a bit more futuristic and 80s looking I love it!
The "I-I-I" at 5:00 was very clever! CRAZY TRAIN! LOLZ
Rare indeed. I still have my XR1 from new. Frickin heavy for sure.. Love the sound and a fast player. My finish is a red burst. Originol tuners are Grovers and they didn't come with pick guards.
I still have my ‘81 XR1 from new as well. Cherry burst, no pick guard. Heavy. Sustain for days.
Excellent review as normal. Great spilt screen demo. Thanks!
Awesome review as always! I completely understand the feeling of playing a guitar an idol has owned/used live. I own an Ibanez Herman Li (Dragonforce) EGEN8 he played on the Maximum Overload Tour. Defiantly my crown jewel out of my collection :)
Hahahahahh I’m 45 yrs old. That def leppard guitar is right up my alley. Also a Steve Clarke fan. As I drank like him. For far too long. I want that guitar
Those XR-2s looked super cool, splitable mini humbuckers & maple top. Nice.
I know this is an older video, but I recently picked up one of these, in Silverburst. I'm not sure how unusual that finish is. Mine is a 1982 model. I don't think that the switch is for coil "split", but I think its for coil tap. I say this because if it was a split, there would be single-coil hum. There isn't, which tells me that the switch "taps", or removes some of the windings from the output. Tapped, the output is about 7.5k ohm, which is perfect. I use the switch for leads, since I don't need the 15k output of the Dirty Fingers. So it's like having a boost switch on board.
I like it. I like simplified versions of many of their models...and I love their "gold burst".
Orange peel is something dealt with in many industries, auto comes to mind. It can usually be buffed smooth. They must have had a bad case of it.
I totally look forward to your videos, especially as a I am home recovering from back surgery
Keep up the great work👍🏻👍🏻
I love the late 70’s, early 80’s Les Pauls.
I personally owned a nice 1978 “The Paul”, great sounding guitar, but would not stay in tune
PS
There is an XR2 on eBay as we speak!! A nice sunburst!!
Steve Clark. “Great tone on Another Hit and Run”!
Beautifull guitar for a beautifull guitarrist: Steve Clark, Gibson's Prince...Rest in Peace. 🎸💕🎸💕 🌷
XR means "Extended Range", I heard years back it was actually and employee who made the guitar for himself and someone decided they liked it and it was then put out, in low numbers as well. I saw one in Walnut before, maybe a custom order XR1 but still was cool. I sold a couple of these over the years, I have a buddy who has one with a HS repair, great guitars. Steal for the money.
I think XR means experimental research. The RD series meant research and development. I'd rock it, but would need trapezoid or block inlays. Yeah I'd go ahead and have luthier with a laser engraver put trapezoids in it. Might be messing up its value, but I it looks like a keeper/player and I like the finish and it would be mine to do what I want.
Honestly, I don't think you'd hurt the value that badly. I had a Studio Custom that someone had done block inlays on. As a player's grade guitar, I found it made it more desirable on the 2nd hand market
my mom bought me one just like this in 1982,,freshman In high school..best present I ever got ,got stole three years later ,bummer..still hurts to this day,, even more when I see steve play one on the def leopard vedioes....
Thanks for this info. Very informative. Love coil tap.
OK but have you seen Steve Clark's custom les pauls with the 3 humbucker set and kahler tremolo, not my style but they look damn cool lol
Before this video no... however, now I understand the appeal of a 3pu White Custom
Steve didn't just use a White Custom,he also had a Black Custom as well.
I've wanted one of those since I saw him play it. Dream guitar. It's too bad Gibson won't release a limited number of those but it's probably not a signature series they figure they'd do well on.... I'd buy one!
I've got the tobacco burst /81 XR-1 looks almost identical except your gold is slightly darker and a tinge browner on mine. It doesn't have the pick guard, which I find adds little to it anyway and the only thing I've had to replace is the coil-splitter switch. The reason I'm commenting is you said you think the tuners have been replaced. Well they look identical (on both sides) to the original tuners I've got. Maybe one of yours was loose for a while before the owner re-tightened it.
When you do the road to the Les Paul Studio, you should cover the history of the studio as well and how the line may have changed over the years.
I dig goldburst!they're pretty rad.they have their own lookin vibe and sound classic Gibson.
The Gibson 2018 Les Paul faded has the same tone wood spec as the XR-1. Maple neck, rosewood fingerboard, mahogany body with maple top.
You should definitely do that road to the studio video also that would be really cool !!!!!
Congratulations on finding one of Clarkies monsters
Not much of a def Leppard fan but I'll rock a les Paul anyday
The three bass notes got you the like. Absolutely BRILLIANT!!! LOL Awesome
I've wanted one of these for a bit. I don't necessarily care about a rare or perfect finish. They just don't seem to show up often.
I would Rock it but Im not impressed with this one. I love Steve Clark and think he should be always ranked in the top 20 Rock guitarist of all time. That finish is kind of ugly to me, Does it have the high frets like a studio has? I had a studio and I didnt like the high frets. Man if it does and Steve was able to play it like he did live my respect really went up for him. I did some research and cant find anything about what XR means, but on the threads I did find there was not too much discussion, its obviously a rare Les Paul! I agree with what you said at the end, playing Def Leppard songs on it probably made you feel closer to Steve Clark, especially since he died so young.
Ron Just Ron hi. I am the current owner of this guitar, and it actually has small and wide frets. It's really comfortable to play
Hi Divyansh Pal - I was more speaking of the height of each fret bar not the size of the space between the bars. Mine seemed to have very high ones and even the studio I have now the frets seem to be higher as you get past the 12th fret, probably just because of the closeness of the frets actually. Thanks for the response though!
Interesting finish and history lesson. I'd hate the orange peel finish. I bet that finish was cool when it was new. Thanks for sharing!
8:09 now that's a big control cavity.
I have an all original identical guitar and the tuners are the same unbranded ones as yours. There is no pick guard or holes for one. My Gold burst finish is till fairly good too.
Very cool man! Thank you for the info
You upped your playing game on this one Trog! I have the Marshall jvm1c it's awesome. Have you checked the price for the 50th anniversary 1 watt marshalls? Going up
Peace
Where would you get one and how much would it cost? Great vid btw
Love this guitar....want one...
I got a XR-2 For cheap had a twisted neck i was going to fix then a guy offered me more that 2x what I had in it so i let it go. It did not play well but it had a great sound I did like the mini humbuckers. It did weigh about 11lb
I would say it stands for eXperimental Run -1.
My dad used to have one of these back in about 2010. I asked him what the colour was and he called it “sunburnt sunburst”. Have no idea about the guitars whereabouts now though lol
I have a 2013 60s Tribute Les Paul that looks exactly like this
They don't show up very often, that's a good sign.
I think this model has thicker body than studio or other gibson.
The sound is awesome i prefer heavy guitars.
Id love that guitar ! Too bad it is sold already !
awwwww....And here i was imagining that the opening tune could have been a bluegrass rendition of *Bringin on the Heartbreak*
The soundtrack to this 45 yr-ole' phart's youth! ;o)
@3:02 LOL "a rEaLlY NiCe fLaMe mApLe"
Interesting guitar & almost looks like a coffee/ameretto kinda color on the back with how it looks in the video.
The color is called "Tobacco Sunburst".
2Legit 2BReal No, it's a goldburst
I used those kind of box cutters while working at Wal-Mart, produce ftw!
ruclips.net/video/Zn9OSGFhkQQ/видео.html
Goldburst! Knew it!
"Tobacco Sunburst", at least that's what it was called at the time.
It's Goldburst. Like a goldtop with black edges. Watch at 6:20.
Xylophone Replacement-1 from the same people who brought you the 'Lectric Tuba
Bravo🔊《☆》RIP CLARKIE♡:*:♡ 🌴
I honestly laughed for like 30 seconds straight after that little Crazy Train joke you did
I'm glad you enjoyed! haha
Hi Austin! This model kinda remind me the Les Paul Halcyon Bill Kelliher signature (Mastodon). I think they produced 400 copies of those guitars. I had the chance to own a Golden Axe (400ex as well), the other Kelliher model signature coming in an Explorer shape with the same beautiful golburst. Unfortunatelly I heard Bill with quite unsatisfied with his signature (and so did I, the finition, for a limited run was quite "meeh" :P) eventhough this colour is just gorgeous :) Did you ever had the opportunity to put your hand on one? Cheers :D Love your channel btw!
I haven't owned one, but I did see one at sweetwater back when they were new
Love bites sounded great
funny how the outer front finish looks dark brownish, and if you zoom in even like total black
I love your Photoshop skills ahahahah
Top Level Stuff right there! haha
Question- I don't recall you reviewing LP Trad's or the LP Trad Pro models... Do you not care for these particular models? Just Curious....
Here is the most current one I've reviewed. ruclips.net/video/oFYWCoY76ro/видео.html
I've had 3. They are great guitars, but the market for them isn't very good when it comes to making a decent margin on them.
and why is that? the margin issue?
I can usually sell them around $1400-$1600. That means, the MOST I could pay is $1100 and you can't buy that many for that price! haha
Do you have a XR 3 to do a video of I would love to see it ???
Have you ever heard of a Gibson AGL,It looks like a LES PAUL and it has a pre amp built into it.
1981 was the last year before weight relief. My XR-1 weighs 10 pounds.
What do you think of the gold Burst sg that’s on reverb at the moment and have you ever seen or owned one?
If I'm honest... it doesn't look very good. Too fat of a burst on it, but that is the first Goldburst The SG I've seen. I did a would you rock or not on a Silverburst one. Towards the end of the run of the Firebrand/TheSGLP line ups they did some funky colors.
I've owned The SGs/Firebrands. They are good guitars if you want an SG with a standard feeling neck
Hi Trilogy my name is Syn I have a question First of all I own Ephiphone les Paul custom Left handed I’m planning to buy an hard case ,Do you think this lefty guitar will fit in to regular les Paul hard case ? Thanks
I believe most cases are universal
Could you do review of a Les Paul Axcess Custom Figured Top W/ Ebony Fingerboard Gloss Bengal Burst.
You should do a Gibson invader there is some one a gison USA in Nashville is Selling a 1984 one for 900. That's were I work
A+ photoshop skills!
“I I I” That was hilarious.
I didn't really see much accurate DL riffs, although something similar
There is a push for authentication, love that!
Keep up to period push, bud!
What's with the utility knife in your pocket?
What is the song your playing at 10:28? I hear it in a lot of your videos and I want to learn it
I made that one up awhile ago - perhaps one day I will tab it out since this comment seems to pop up from time to time. It is all basically the same chord shape.
bar x79787 strummed a few times then ad your pinky to make x79787(10). Then I just shift the shape down a string. I hope this helps!
I'm thinking of doing this to a epiphone studio...
I don't know why,I hate def Leppard but I love this guitar.
What amps are you using?
Good theory on xr1 name I could see why someone would want one not ugly or fancy. kind of a def lep thing who doesn't love them. not offensive looking tailpiece truss rod cover is the ugliest part of the guitar. splitting the coils isn't my thing hate extra toggles! being a fender guy I would just play a fender for single coil mode instead. love the paint color the real def Leppard one seems dull in the video too like you said it would.
It's a nice guitar.
So you ask for people to guess the color in the comments when you have the color in the TITLE of the video!! That reminds me of when one of my high school teacher’s forgot to cover or erase the chalkboard that had all the answers to a test written on it as they did a last minute review with the class before issuing the test. Everyone passed.
Great video. Maybe spend $20 and get a set of strap locks. Keep jamming ✌🏼
I have the identical guitar
Yo man, I own this exact same guitar lmao. Bought it from CME
Yup, and they bought it from me haha. Enjoy it!
Those are called "DIRTY FINGERS" pickups with an S not dirty finger! My dad had a Les Paul custom that had these in it. I wired it together for him after my asshole brother stripped it and practically ruined it. It was SILVERBURST with an aftermarket Floyd Rose tremolo. My dad and I replaced the wood, and clearcoated it. What an awsome sound that guitar made after we fixed it. DON'T SELL THIS GUITAR! Somewhere I read that Steve Clarks' Les Paul had a small ding by the selector switch with replacement machine heads. If you have his guitar that would be amazing! I don't know the serial number, or what happened to his guitars when he died, but someone has them somewhere.
His family got most of them but his fiance at the time Janie Dean sold a couple of his rarities off not long after he died. His ex-gf Lorelei has a few as well but she has had those since before he died.
Extended Range