Gibson Les Paul Custom Ebony — 1980 — Tim Shaw Pickups

I’m selling this beautiful 1980 Gibson Les Paul Custom, finished in Ebony and fitted with its original Tim Shaw pickups.

Tim Shaw pickups are among the most highly regarded Gibson pickups from this era, often considered some of the closest Gibson came to recreating the spirit and character of the original PAFs during this period.

The guitar is in very good overall condition, fully playable and professionally set up, with some cosmetic marks and a number of maintenance-related modifications carried out over the years. It remains a fantastic vintage Les Paul Custom with plenty of character and a particularly open, dynamic sound.

Condition & modifications

• Headstock binding: the binding has lifted over a few centimetres, as shown in the photos.
  Important: the headstock itself has NEVER been damaged, broken, repaired or reglued. The binding is the only part affected.
• Frets: the guitar was refretted approximately ten years ago. The current frets are in excellent condition (9.5/10). The refret was carried out by renowned French luthier Yves Ghirotto in Annecy, who carefully preserved the original nibs, maintaining the guitar’s original appearance.
• Electronics: the original 350k pots were replaced with 500k pots, which allow the pickups to open up and deliver a more dynamic, articulate sound. The volume and tone knobs were also replaced with Witch Hat knobs.
  The original pots and knobs are included with the guitar.
• Bridge: replaced for playability reasons with an identical genuine Gibson replacement bridge. The original bridge is also included.
• Pickup surrounds: the original surrounds had developed cracks and were replaced with new equivalents. The original surrounds are included and remain usable.
• Nut: replaced with a bone nut.
• Case: the case is not original to the guitar. It is, however, a very nice Gator case with the iconic pink lining, reminiscent of the classic Gibson cases of the era.

A genuine vintage Les Paul with history

This is obviously not a museum piece that has spent its life in a case: it has been played, maintained and improved over the years. The modifications are clearly documented, and the original parts have been kept and are included whenever available.

Most importantly, the guitar is currently fully functional, properly set up and ready to play.

With its Tim Shaw pickups, professional refret by a respected luthier, preserved nibs and the original replacement parts included, this is a very interesting opportunity for anyone looking for a genuine vintage Gibson Les Paul Custom from 1980, with the feel, character and sound of the era.

In-person sale preferred but I can consider shipping. Please contact me first.