The Guitar Magazine – September 2019

ABOVE The Richrath has

never needed any headstock

repairs and was never drilled

for Grover or Schaller tuners

LEFT The Richrath’s serial

number is all present and

correct on the back of

the headstock

LEFT BOTTOM The tuner

with the darker button is

a replacement, but it’s an

earlier ’53-’56 no-line Kluson

There’s a slight curve, but the string radius remains
good and the strings are always where your pick or
fingers expect – unlike some vintage Gibsons.
We suspect the Richrath has seen more sunshine
than smoky bars, because although it’s unblemished,
the top has almost faded into an ‘unburst’. There’s
still a hint of extra darkness around the edges of the
deep amber lacquer, though and the vivid original
cherry red survives as a pickguard-shaped shadow.
The retreated sunburst reveals even more of
the outrageous flame and mineral streaks in the
bookmatched maple. It has an almost holographic
appearance, and when the light hits it at the right
angle, the effect is breathtaking.

PLUGGED IN
Having played numerous sunburst Les Pauls from
the golden era, we’ve learned that the reality can
differ from the widely held fantasy. Some fondly
imagine that 1950s Bursts exemplify the raw power,
endless sustain and sheer grit of the ultimate rock
guitar. Not all Bursts are created equal, but the
Richrath ticks those boxes better than most.
It’s certainly on the heavier end of the late-
50s spectrum, although it’s relatively lightweight

VINTAGE BENCH TEST

GUITAR MAGAZINE 61