1996 Gibson Les Paul Classic Premium Plus – Figured Flame Maple Top – Cherry Red – Gold Hardware

Serial Number: 6 0179

Includes Gibson Hardshell Case

Absolutely gorgeous 1996 Gibson Les Paul Classic featuring a highly figured flame maple top, rich translucent Cherry Red finish and gold hardware.

Serial number 6 0179 follows Gibson's reissue-style serial numbering used on 1989–1999 Les Paul Classics, dating this guitar to 1996.

This is a particularly striking example from the desirable '90s era of Les Paul Classic production. The carved maple top displays strong figuring across virtually the entire face of the guitar, with excellent depth and movement depending on the viewing angle.

The level of figuring and overall presentation are consistent with Gibson's Premium Plus examples from this period. Because we do not have original factory paperwork specifically identifying the grade of this individual top, we are describing it based on the instrument itself rather than making an unsupported claim regarding an exact AAA/AAAA factory designation.

CONSTRUCTION & FEATURES:

• 1996 Gibson Les Paul Classic

• Serial #6 0179

• Highly figured/flamed carved maple top

• Mahogany body

• Mahogany neck

• Bound rosewood fingerboard

• Pearl trapezoid inlays

• Slim '60s-style neck profile

• 22 frets

• Dual humbuckers with gold covers

• Gold hardware

• Gibson Deluxe gold tuning machines with keystone buttons

• Tune-o-matic bridge

• Stopbar tailpiece

• Cream pickup rings and pickguard

• Cream switch tip and selector ring

• 3-way pickup selector

• Dual volume / dual tone controls

• Gold reflector-style control knobs

• "Classic" truss rod cover

• Gibson hardshell case included

CONDITION:

Very good overall condition and a particularly attractive example for a guitar approaching 30 years old.

The figured top presents beautifully and retains a deep, glossy appearance. There are normal light scratches, handling marks and finish swirls consistent with careful use.

The mahogany back shows some scattered scratches and small impressions, including a few more noticeable marks that have been photographed closely for full disclosure. There are additional minor signs of handling and use throughout, but nothing that takes away from the overall appearance of the guitar.

The gold hardware remains quite attractive and has developed some normal age-related patina and wear.

The rosewood fingerboard is clean and the frets show normal evidence of play. The guitar presents as a well-kept vintage-era Gibson rather than an abused instrument.

The gold Gibson Deluxe tuners with keystone buttons are a particularly nice complement to the gold bridge, tailpiece, pickup covers and control hardware.

WEIGHT & NECK MEASUREMENTS:

• Weight: 9.13 lbs

• Nut width: 1.66"

• Neck depth at nut: .81"

• Width at 12th fret: 2.05"

• Neck depth at 12th fret: .89"

The neck has the slim, fast profile associated with the Les Paul Classic, measuring just .81" deep at the nut and gradually increasing to .89" at the 12th fret. Combined with the 1.66" nut width, it has a noticeably sleek feel compared with many fuller-profile Les Pauls.

At 9.13 lbs, this is also a very reasonable weight for a full-size carved-top Les Paul and feels substantial without being exceptionally heavy.

Visually, the star of the show is unquestionably the maple top. The flame figuring extends throughout the carved top and changes dramatically under different lighting and viewing angles. Combined with the translucent red finish, cream plastics and aged gold hardware, it has an exceptionally classy late-'50s-inspired appearance.

The Les Paul Classic was Gibson's production model aimed at capturing the feel and aesthetics of a 1960-era Les Paul, particularly through its slimmer neck profile and vintage-inspired appointments. The '90s examples have developed a strong following of their own, and a highly figured example like this stands out immediately.

Includes the pictured Gibson hardshell case.

Please examine all photographs carefully, including the detailed photos of the back and cosmetic wear, as they are an important part of the condition description.

Professionally packed for safe shipment.

Please feel free to reach out with any questions.