Up for sale is an exceptional, early-era 2002 Gibson Custom Shop Les Paul Class 5 finished in the rare and highly coveted Tangerine Burst over a spectacular 5A (AAAAA) figured maple top.

Crafted in 2002 during the celebrated golden era of the Gibson Custom, Art & Historic division under General Manager Rick Gembar, the Class 5 was designed to represent the apex of figured maple tops while featuring Custom Shop weight relief/chambering for superior resonance and ergonomic comfort.

This guitar features a stunning, vibrant Tangerine Burst finish—a rare limited-run custom color from the early 2000s that beautifully showcases the 3D chevron flame and quilt figuring. Best of all, it remains a true collector's package: it includes the original 2002 Guitar Center store purchase receipt, documenting its provenance from day one alongside the original Custom Art & Historic Certificate of Authenticity (COA) folder and original hardshell case.

Key Highlights & Provenance:

• Historic Era & Rare Custom Color: Handbuilt in 2002 under Rick Gembar in Nashville, TN, finished in the rare and eye-catching Tangerine Burst.
• 5A Figured Maple Top: Deep, three-dimensional flame figuring with immense movement and optical depth under high-gloss nitrocellulose lacquer.
• Complete Provenance: Includes the original 2002 Guitar Center purchase receipt, original Certificate of Authenticity (COA), and factory case candy.
• Electronics & Tone: Equipped with Gibson BurstBucker humbuckers delivering articulate highs, woody midrange growl, and classic PAF-style bloom.
• Weight & Resonance: Solid, punchy Les Paul tone weighing in at 9 lbs 0.9 oz (4.11 kg) on the digital scale.
• Package: Comes with the original Gibson Custom black hardshell case with maroon/purple plush lining and silk shroud

Complete Specifications:

General

• Brand: Gibson Custom Shop
• Model: Les Paul Class 5 (Custom, Art & Historic Division)
• Year: 2002
• Serial Number: CS 20238
• Weight: 9 lbs 0.9 oz / 4.11 kg (Actual digital scale weight)
• Country of Origin: United States (Nashville, TN)

Body & Finish

• Top Wood: Carved 5A (AAAAA) Highly Figured Flame Maple
• Back Wood: Solid 1-Piece Mahogany (Class 5 Chambered / Weight Relieved)
• Finish: Rare Tangerine Burst (Gloss Nitrocellulose Lacquer)
• Binding: Single-ply Cream Binding

Neck & Fingerboard

• Neck Wood: 1-Piece Mahogany
• Neck Profile: 1960 Slim Taper "C"
• Fingerboard: Premium Dark Rosewood
• Radius: 12"
• Frets: 22 Medium Jumbo Frets
• Inlays: Pearloid Trapezoid Inlays
• Nut Width: 1.687"

Hardware & Electronics

• Neck Pickup: Gibson Custom BurstBucker 2 Humbucker
• Bridge Pickup: Gibson Custom BurstBucker 3 Humbucker
• Controls: 2 Volume, 2 Tone, 3-Way Switchcraft Toggle Switch
• Knobs: Gold Top Hat Knobs w/ Dial Pointers
• Bridge: ABR-1 Tune-O-Matic Bridge w/ Stopbar Tailpiece (Nickel)
• Tuners: Vintage Gibson Deluxe Green Key Tuners

Included Accessories

• Original 2002 Guitar Center Purchase Receipt
• Original Gibson Custom, Art & Historic Certificate of Authenticity (COA)
• Original Gibson Custom Hardshell Case (Black exterior / Purple interior with shroud)