It isn't necessary to be devotees of Frehley or Frampton to enjoy a triple Les Paul. New affordable ones have very underwhelming pick-ups, proper ones are grotesquely expensive. There is a little known relatively affordable alternative option to have a proper vintage guitar, in the right spec, honest aging and patina because it has earned it for nearly 50 years, and sounding just like it should.
 
Both Matsumoku and Fujigen began making triple pick-up model in 1977 - most Aria Pro II models had the 3V1T configuration and most Fujigen models had the all important 5 leaf selector switch and the traditional late 50s middle and bridge tone. This one is traditional and has just been recommissioned to replace the consumable components that had reached the end of their useful life. New pots and a new Gibson OEM switch now govern these Maxon U-1000 pick-ups - probably the most appropriate version the PAF copies for this guitar. It is creamy smooth and growly as need be; that middle position loses a lot of the muddiness of the twin pick-up version. More focus on the treble, but still warm and authentic.
 
This one has been very busy - many of our finest vintage offerings have been busy and we think this is a great indicator of a great guitar. This is no exception - weathered, a chip or two, discoloured plastics, a bit of neck binding shrinkage - all adding to the aesthetic but not having any effect on the performance.
 
It is always amusing to check the asking prices for original vintage Gibsons; slightly scary to see how much a new one will cost. Epiphone will offer much cheaper alternatives but by the time the necessary upgrades to get it sounding right are funded, this one will still be cheaper.
 
With the recent passing of Ace Frehley, triples are likely to have a period of popularity and price hikes. No such cynical behaviour here - this one remains the ultimate value option.
 
It comes with its original fitted case