Up for sale, a 1988 Gibson Showcase Edition Pre-Historic Les Paul Standard Goldtop in collector-grade condition and in perfect working order, complete with the original hardshell case and factory paperwork. A run limited to an advertised 200 units, the Showcase Edition model replicates 1956 Les Paul spec with a Goldtop gloss nitro lacquer finish, ABR-1 + stoptail hardware configuration, and a pair of prototypical hum-cancelling P-90s (preceding the P-100 in their design). And while a number of the Showcase Edition models had a pickguard signed by Les Paul himself, this example has an unsigned guard.
Preceding the introduction of Gibson's Custom Shop, this "Pre-Historic" model is emblematic of Gibson's best. This Showcase Edition model weighs 9lbs 7oz, and traditional tonewoods include a two-piece maple top with a '50s-centric deep dish carve, a mahogany body and a one-piece mahogany neck with a slender, fast-feeling profile carve. The pickups deliver plenty of P-90 bark and glassy detail, more midrange forward and aggressive in the bridge position and fatter at the neck. We've had this Showcase Edition Les Paul Standard dialed in here at Mike & Mike's Guitar Bar with 10-46 strings, low action and accurate intonation.
Neck Specs:
- Wood: Mahogany
- Shape: Slender C, full shoulders, measuring .825” 1st fret, .960” 12th fret
- Fretboard: Rosewood, flared trapezoid inlay
- Frets: Medium jumbo, no wear
- Scale Length: 24 3/4”
- Nut: 1 11/16”, bone (upgraded)
- Tuners: Gibson Deluxe, greened tulip buttons
- Serialization: Serial stamp translates to ‘88 build date, “Showcase Edition” decal on back of peghead
Body Specs:
- Wood: Maple, Mahogany
- Pickups: Hum-cancelling P-90 x2
- Harness: Untouched solder, CTS pots date to 18th week of 1988
- Hardware: ABR-1 bridge, stopbar, metal jack plate (nickel-plated)
- Plastics: amber bonnet knobs, cream pickguard, pickup covers and switch tip
The Goldtop gloss nitro lacquer finish is extremely clean, with wear limited to a few shallow finish scratches and scuffs central to the waist, and just a few additional minor marks on the body edges. The top presents extremely cleanly, and the gloss on the neck profile is smooth, with a bit of "bleed" from oil in the tuning machines on the back of the peghead.
The original brown Gibson-branded hardshell case is included, along with a couple pieces of factory paperwork.
This item is sold As-Described
This item is sold As-Described and cannot be returned unless it arrives in a condition different from how it was described or photographed. Items must be returned in original, as-shipped condition with all original packaging.Learn More.
| Listed | 2 months ago |
|---|---|
| Condition | Excellent (Used) Excellent items are almost entirely free from blemishes and other visual defects and have been played or used with the utmost care.Learn more |
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