1974 Gibson Les Paul Custom – Original Alpine White – Early 1974 – Rare No Anniversary Inlay – Vintage

Price: $7,850 USD

For sale is my 1974 Gibson Les Paul Custom in original Alpine White, an early-production example from Gibson’s 20th Anniversary year.

What makes this particular guitar especially interesting is that it does not have the 20th Anniversary inscription at the 15th fret, unlike the majority of Les Paul Customs produced during the anniversary year.

This is still a genuine 1974 20th Anniversary-year Les Paul Custom, but it is one of the early examples produced without the commemorative fretboard inlay.

Randy Rhoads / Steve Jones Connection

One of the most desirable aspects of these early Alpine White Customs is their association with legendary guitarists Randy Rhoads and Steve Jones of the Sex Pistols.

Both guitarists famously played Alpine White Les Paul Customs from this era, and their individual guitars also lacked the 20th Anniversary fretboard inscription.

This guitar is not represented as having belonged to either musician. The connection is the same distinctive year, colour, and non-anniversary-inlay appearance that collectors associate with these iconic players.

Originality and Specifications

• Original factory Alpine White finish, beautifully aged to a vintage cream colour
• Original Gibson pickups
• Original electronics, including CTS potentiometers dated 137-74-08, confirming the eighth week of 1974
• Original vintage hardware
• Early 1974 production without the 20th Anniversary fretboard inscription
• Three-piece mahogany neck
• Approximately 10 lbs
• Original Gibson hardshell case

The guitar has the genuine patina, checking, marks, and wear you would expect from an instrument that is now over 50 years old. It has not been refinished or artificially aged.

Condition and Repairs

Full disclosure: The guitar has had a headstock break that was professionally repaired. The repair is visible and is reflected in the asking price.

It has also been refretted with larger, more playable fretwire rather than the original low-profile Gibson “fretless wonder” frets. The original fret-end binding nibs were removed during the refret.

The guitar retains its original finish, pickups, electronics, and vintage character.

Original Case and Interesting History

Included is its original vintage Gibson hardshell case, which has “The Subterraneans” stencilled on it.

Interestingly, The Subterraneans was also the name of an early band associated with Glenn Frey before his Eagles years. This is an interesting historical coincidence, although no direct connection or provenance is being claimed.

Final Thoughts

Early 1974 Alpine White Les Paul Customs without the anniversary fretboard inscription are an interesting variation from Gibson’s 20th Anniversary production year.

With its original finish, original pickups, correctly dated 1974 electronics, and original case, this guitar offers plenty of genuine vintage Gibson character. Only missing the factory a b r bridge gone long ago

The repaired headstock and refret have been disclosed and factored into the price, making it an opportunity for someone looking for an original 1974 Alpine White Custom without paying the premium typically associated with an unrepaired example.

Asking $7,850 US