Here for sale we have a modified Gibson Les Paul Custom Electric Guitar in Ebony finish. Made in the USA in 1989, a set-neck construction is employed, and comprises a solid Mahogany body with carved Maple top, Mahogany neck and 22 fret Ebony fingerboard. The body is double bound with multi-strip purfling to the top and back, as well as neck and headstock binding. The headstock features the split diamond Mother-of Pearl inlay and purfling to match the body. Gold hardware is fitted including an aftermarket Kahler tremolo system and locking nut, as well as a set of Gibson tuning machines with Keystone buttons. A pair of Bill Lawrence-designed 'Circuit Board' humbucking pickups are installed, and are wired to the traditional Les Paul controls with a 3-Way toggle switch and independent volume and tone controls. 

The Mahogany neck plays fantastically well, with a profile which might be described as a moderately-sized 'C' shape. This fills the hand nicely for a substantial yet articulate grip across the register. The profile is unmistakably 'Les Paul', lending itself very well to rock and blues licks just as well as it does chunky riffs and rhythm playing. The Ebony fingerboard has a tight grain and dark appearance, and in conjunction with the Mother of Pearl inlays and overall look of the instrument ensures a luxurious playing experience. The familiar lines of the Les Paul body are as comfortable in the arms as ever, whilst the reassuring weight of this guitar at 10.85lbs provides an authentically vintage feel. 

The pair of Bill Lawrence-designed 'Circuit Board' humbucking pickups installed in this  guitar are well-regarded amongst players for their high fidelity sound, marrying the aggressiveness of the also Lawrence-designed L-500 with the precision of the '57 Classic. Certainly the pickups deliver the inimitable Les Paul tone, with plenty of roundness, articulation and power in the neck position which easily pushes your lead and solo tones to the front of the mix. The bridge position is of course brighter, and can handle some serious gain for a filthy, saturated tone on those rock rhythm parts and riffs. The controls are very responsive, allowing you to dynamically control your tone whilst playing, and the Kahler tremolo system brings a whole new dynamic to the typically hard-tail nature of a Les Paul allowing for shredding acrobatics. An instrument which plays beautifully, sounds fantastic and at 37 years old carries an authentic and inspiring vintage vibe. 

Brand- Gibson

Model- Les Paul Custom

Finish- Ebony

Year- 1989

Made In- USA

Body- Mahogany

Top - Carved Maple

Neck- Mahogany

Fingerboard- Ebony

Fingerboard Radius- 12"

Frets- 22

Scale Length- 24.75"

Nut Width- 1.71"

Pickups- 2x Bill Lawrence Designed Gibson 'The Original/'Circuit Board' Humbuckers; HB-R (Neck), HB-L (Bridge)

Controls- 3-Way Toggle Switch, Neck Volume, Neck Tone, Bridge Volume, Bridge Tone

Luthier Report

Our ID: 1160926242211

Weight: 10.85lbs  

Serial: 811099585

Aesthetic Condition:

Headstock: Overall very good condition. The front face demonstrates mild checking of the finish throughout, this is common with nitrocellulose finishes on a guitar of this age. The two top tips demonstrate mild indentation of the finish which has exposed the wood at the corners. All aspects of the headstock display light to moderate scratching which can be seen under direct light, the most apparent scratching is located to the front face.

Neck: Overall very good condition. The rear of the neck demonstrates light to mild indentation throughout the register, the most apparent being located behind the 5th fret where the wood has been exposed. Light scratching is also present to the rear of the neck, these can not be felt in the playing position and can be seen under direct light. The fingerboard demonstrates light scratching throughout the register, not felt under the fingers.

Body: Overall very good condition. All aspects of the body display light to mild scratching and indentation, the most apparent indentations are located to the bass side edges where the lacquer finish has been lightly pierced not exposing the wood beneath. The most apparent scratching is located to the center of the rear face and is consistent with buckle rash from previous use; these can be seen under direct light. All binding demonstrates consistent discoloration throughout, with light lacquer cracking visible where the binding meets the body, as is typical for an instrument of this age. Light 'blooming' of the finish is apparent to the front face bass side lower bout, this is common with nitrocellulose finishes on a guitar of this age.

Condition of Frets:

The frets demonstrate moderate signs of use, not affecting playability. Denting and flattening of the frets is apparent throughout the register.  There is moderate material remaining for any fret work the new owner may wish to perform.

Current Set Up:

Truss Rod:  Fully functional. Truss rod tool (5/16" socket) not included.

Hardware: Overall very good condition. Light to moderate tarnishing and oxidation is present to all aspects of the metal hardware. A Kahler tremolo system has been installed previously along with a locking nut. A previous owner has cut the truss rod cover to fit the locking nut, with this truss rod cover material missing.  Mild fine scratching is present to the pickguard. Tremolo arm included.

Structural: No concerns or issues to note.

Height of the string from the 12th Fret-1.5mm - Bass 2mm

Please be aware that the action on a guitar may move slightly in transit and this measurement is the current height.

Strings on Guitar - 10-46

For the installation of the Kahler system wood has been removed, this has been done to a professional standard.

Electrics: Fully functional.

Case & Accessories

Overall good condition and fully functional. A previous owner has applied various stickers to the lid of the case, with this moderate oxidation is present to the latches whilst moderate scratching to the tolex is present throughout. 

Please be aware that for international buyers import fees are not included in our postage and packaging cost, this only covers the cost of the guitar being sent to you. Import fees will be charged by Customs upon the guitar's arrival in the recipient country. Due to Brexit, this also applies to EU buyers. We advise checking the total import cost with Customs as this is not information we are able to accurately provide.