2012 Gibson Les Paul R7 Custom Shop 1957 Historic Reissue Goldtop Near Mint VOS w/ ohsc

Up for sale, a 2012 Gibson Les Paul Goldtop 1957 Custom Shop Historic reissue R7 in exceptional, near mint condition and in perfect working order. This extremely well kept, collector-grade instrument is from Gibson's top of the line "VOS" series and comes complete with every single hangtag, in addition to the original certificate of authenticity. Well balanced and acoustically resonant at 9lbs 2oz, this Les Paul is an absolute powerhouse, with a particularly chunky baseball bat C shaped neck profile that adds significant body to the tone. The nitro lacquer goldtop is flawless in terms of cosmetic condition, and the classic combination of a carved maple top and solid mahogany body has never sounded better. The Burstbucker PAFs deliver a tone that is extremely dynamic and nuanced, with rich harmonic content and clarity across the tonal spectrum. The bridge pickup rings out like a bell, with great top end cut, while the neck pickup is smooth and detailed, perfect for complex Jazz voicings or singing lead lines. Professionally setup here at Mike & Mike's Guitar Bar, this Les Paul is strung with fresh 10-46 strings and features low, slinky action and solid intonation.

This instrument is 100% original, aside from a couple key upgrades to improve and dial in playability for optimal tone and responsiveness. Done via Mike Lull Guitar Works, this Les Paul has received the Plek setup and fret leveling treatment, in addition to receiving a hand carved bone nut and TonePros locking Nashville Tune-o-Matic bridge and new bridge inserts. The result is a guitar that plays with incredible precision, and has an acoustic resonance that is unparalleled. The bone nut adds sustain and improves string to string clarity, while the locking bridge (the top locks to the posts via two low profile allen screws) also improves sustain and ensures stability. The upgrades and setup work cost just shy of $600, with receipts included with the instrument. We can confidently say you won't find a better playing and feeling R7!

The neck has the aforementioned substantial "baseball bat" C shaped profile, that fills the palm and chords comfortably. A neck this size really benefits the tone of the guitar, as the majority of the string is resonating above this portion of the instrument, and with a good piece of quartersawn mahogany like we have here, the resonance and power is undeniable. The shoulders of the profile are quite generous, and the binding is the perfect shade of yellowed creme. The rosewood fretboard is a particularly stripey piece of wood, with lighter streaks and dark chocolate colored veins running down the entire board, which is inlaid with pearloid trapezoids. The stock fretwire shows virtually no wear, with perfectly rounded crowns and no buzzing or dead spots. The headstock has all of the hallmarks of a true '50s instrument, with the thin holly veneer, 17 degree angle, and Gibson Deluxe tuning machines that perfectly mirror the look of vintage Klusons.

All of the electronics work as they should, with the original Burstbucker pickups, pots, and Bumblebee tone caps. The hardware is essentially mint, with the kind of faint patina on the nickel that Gibson applies at the factory to the pickup covers, Nashville bridge and tailpiece. Even the original Custom Shop sticker is still present on the rear switch plate!

Cosmetically, this is a stunning and well cared for instrument, with great color in the nitro lacquer shade of gold on the top and a medium brown mahogany back. The back shines like glass, with barely a scratch or nick on the instrument. We'll conservatively call this guitar "near mint," and one could easily find a guitar with more wear for sale new on a showroom floor.

The original hardshell case, hangtags, and handwritten Gibson certificate of authenticity are included.