1978 Gibson Les Paul Custom (SOLD)

Introduced in 1953, the Gibson Les Paul Custom was the first variation on the Les Paul design. Originally finished in black with a solid mahogany body, extra binding and 'staple top' pickups, the Custom now carries a carved maple top, a variety of finishes and optionally has a third, middle pickup. Hardware is available in either gold or nickel.

This example dates to January 7, 1978 and was built at the historic Gibson Kalamazoo plant. It is in very good condition and is mostly orginal - the bridge has been changed, likely due to corrosion. As well, the stop tailpiece appears to have been updated, probably for the same reason. The pickup covers show the expected wear to the gold plating.

Many Les Paul Customs are finished in solid colours, with black being the most common. However, other finishes have been available like this lovely tobacco sunburst. The finish is in good condition with minor wear, and has naturally sunk.

At the time, Gibson used a medium wide yet fairly low fretwire. At some points this led to these instruments being marketed as the 'Fretless Wonder'. These frets aren't quite that low. There is minor wear, and the guitar is quite playable as is.

The neck, characteristic of this period, is three-piece maple with a volute at the head, and an ebony fingerboard with mother of pearl for the position markers and headstock inlay.

The original black Gibson hardshell case is included.