My MIJ 03 LS70f is the non pip version. I have seen LS70's on the web earlier and later with the pip modification. Is the any reason or pattern to this?
The pip or nipple in the open book headstock denotes an export model to some overseas countries such as the UK. This get's around the licencing issues as for Gibsons it's the headstock that's patented.
Ah I see. So my LS was not intended for the UK market and may well have been imported from Japan. I know about that time some friends were importing instruments (Fender Japan) from Ishibashi music. Ta!
Ahhhh. It's a measure of my ignorance that I didn't know that the Gibbo headstock shape was patented - given the widely repro'd bodyshape I've never understood why non Gibbos sometimes have terrible headstock designs. Particularly why the classic shape isn't on Larry Corsa's own LPs. Now I see.
Thanks for asking the question, BH and thanks for the info, DWW.