1979 Gibson Les Paul Pro Deluxe “Old Black” Style – Possible Kid’s Guitar Japan Mod – Firebird Pickup / Original P-90 / Ebony Board This is a very unique 1979 Gibson Les Paul Pro Deluxe, modified in the style of Neil Young’s legendary “Old Black.” The guitar features the original front P-90 pickup, fitted with a metal cover. The rear pickup is a Gibson Firebird pickup, marked with patent number 2737842. This pickup combination gives the guitar a very distinctive voice, different from a standard Les Paul Pro Deluxe. It has an ebony fingerboard and a 3-piece maple neck, which make the neck feel very solid, stable, and strong. Combined with the black finish, Bigsby vibrato, metal pickguard, and unusual pickup layout, the guitar has a powerful “Old Black” inspired presence. The modification is believed to possibly be related to Kid’s Guitar in Japan. I found information online that Kid’s Guitar offered Gibson “Old Black” style modified guitars during that period, but I do not have documentation to confirm this specific guitar was modified by them. For that reason, it is listed as a possible Kid’s Guitar Japan modification, not as a guaranteed attribution. The guitar also features West German Schaller tuners, a plated brass pickguard, an aluminum back control cover, Bigsby vibrato, and a Gibson hard case. There are visible signs of modification, age, and use, including screw holes, routing/modification marks, finish wear, and normal vintage wear. The control cavity and pickup routes show evidence of past work. Please check all photos carefully, as they are an important part of the description. This is not a stock Les Paul Pro Deluxe. It is a heavily modified vintage Gibson with a very cool and individual character. It should be especially appealing to Neil Young / Old Black fans, vintage Gibson collectors, and players looking for a one-of-a-kind 1970s Les Paul with serious attitude. Specifications / Features: 1979 Gibson Les Paul Pro Deluxe Made in USA Black finish Ebony fingerboard Strong 3-piece maple neck “Old Black” style modification Possibly modified by Kid’s Guitar Japan, but not confirmed Front pickup: original P-90 pickup with metal cover Rear pickup: Gibson Firebird pickup, patent number 2737842 Bigsby vibrato West German Schaller tuners Plated brass pickguard Aluminum back control cover Gibson hard case included Modified vintage condition with age-related wear and modification marks This is a rare and very special vintage Gibson Les Paul with a strong visual identity and a unique sound. Please review the photos carefully and feel free to ask any questions before purchasing. By “Kid’s Guitar,” I am referring to Kid’s Guitar, a well-known custom guitar workshop founded by master builder Hiroshi Kido in Tokyo, Japan. During the 1980s, Kid’s Guitar earned a reputation among musicians and guitar dealers for producing handmade instruments and replicas of exceptional quality—often regarded as being equal to or even better than the originals. Their guitars were used by well-known artists including Lenny Kravitz and Brian May. Some of their most famous creations include the BM Special associated with Brian May, recreations of Eric Clapton’s psychedelic SG from the Cream era, and custom Flying V models that were used by Lenny Kravitz as stage guitars. In addition to building guitars, Kid’s Guitar was also known for modifying vintage Gibson instruments. The modifications found on this Les Paul—including the overall concept and hardware choices—strongly remind me of the type of work associated with Kid’s Guitar and the Japanese “Old Black” style modifications that were popular at the time. However, I do not have official documentation proving that this particular guitar was modified by Kid’s Guitar, so I cannot claim it as a confirmed Kid’s Guitar instrument. It is simply my opinion based on its features and the period in which the modifications were carried out.