The vintage reserve at Pristine Auctions is  proud to present this beautiful 1969 Gibson Les Paul Custom In Ebony Serial Number 543732. This incredible instrument is owned by Tom Verano from the Band - The Glass Prism - which also went by the names Shenandoah, and El Caminoes.  The Glass Prism was the first band to make it out of northeast PA and were signed to RCA Victor Records from 1969-1971.  The Glass Prism released two major albums Poe Through the Glass Prism and On Joy and Sorrow.  Interestingly the album Poe Through the Glass Prism which was released in 1969 featured lyrics by Edgar Allen Poe was labeled a rock opera and was the third concept album to ever have been released. Poe Through the Glass Prism was personally Produced and Engineered  by Les Paul at his recording studio in Mahwah, New Jersey, in June of 1969.  RCA had their own studios but elected to have this album produced with Les Paul, the legendary inventor of the electric guitar and many studio recording devices and techniques.  This album is the only one produced by Les Paul at his home studio for an artist other than himself or Mary Ford.   Part of the provenance of this guitar includes the fact that Tom is the only guitarist, other than Les Paul, to use a Les Paul Custom at that studio and be engineered and produced by Les Paul himself.  Tom also used this guitar on many other recordings including the album On Joy And Sorrow on RCA in 1970, Resurrection and Shenandoah Sessions '73 on Debra Records in 2011.  It was also the only guitar Tom used for every live performance, show, and concert with The Glass Prism from 1969 until recently.  Tom used this guitar exclusively.

The  guitar itself is absolutely beautiful and amazing.  The serial number puts it to early 1969 right after the initial run of 433 1968 Les Paul Customs were released.  It still has all of the highly desirable 1968 features including  a one piece neck and body, a long neck tenon, and does not have a volute. This instrument has been played, and toured since 1969 and it is in Good Used condition accordingly. This awesome axe is mostly original.. the Neck Pickup is Original and reads 7.3K. The Bridge pickup  has been replaced with a vintage 1980's Duncan '59 and Reads 8K. The original Bridge Pickup has been lost.  The Original Pickups Covers are included in the Sale.   The back plate appears to be after market.  Three of the pots are original and date to the 50th week of 1968.  The bridge tone pot dates to 1974. The original bridge has been removed and is included with the sale.  The original thumb wheels  are lost.   There has been some traces of  re-clear applied to a few parts of the back  of the neck.  The body appears to have been buffed at one time many years ago.  This instrument presents nice and clean and everything that was done to it was done to make it look as nice as possible for the stage over the years.  This guitar sounds so amazing. It has a very warm vintage sound with perfect EQ balance .

This instrument was just professionally set up with D'Addario NYXL 10 Gauge Electric Guitar strings and plays effortlessly up and down the neck. The tone that comes out of this instrument is almost surreal. The pickups pair well together and this thing just oozes vintage tone.  The 'Fretless Wonder" Frets do show considerable wear. Although it could technically use a re-fret, its still plays well with a very fast feel. The neck is literally perfect, and the truss rod works as it should.   Will  ship professionally packed and fully insured. It will ship in a SKB Les Paul Flight Case to ensure safety.  The Original Hard shell case from 1969 comes with the sale, is still in very good condition,  and will ship out separately.    

   We are a small boutique musical instruments dealership located right outside of Scranton PA.  We sell New, Used, and Vintage Gear.   At this time, Pristine Auctions is not accepting any international bids or sales. Thank you very much for looking at our item, and please feel free to look at my other items listed. Pristine Auctions is committed to customer satisfaction so please feel free to contact us at any time with any questions you might have!