A rare, short-run Gibson Les Paul Studio Custom from the early 1980s, presented in the highly desirable Tobacco Sunburst nitrocellulose lacquer finish. Built during the celebrated “Good Wood” era, this exceptionally preserved 40-year-old instrument is a superb player’s guitar and an outstanding vintage investment.

Key Features:

• Highly limited early-80s production run
• Original Tim Shaw-designed PAF humbuckers
• Classic non-weight-relieved Mahogany/Maple body
• Solid carved Maple top, Mahogany neck
• Rosewood fretboard with original frets (light wear)
• Original CTS pots and gold hardware (light patina)
• Kluson Deluxe tulip tuners
• Factory Tobacco Sunburst nitro finish – rich gloss, no rash
• Vintage Gibson USA Protector “Chainsaw” hard case included
• Weight: approx. 8.6 lbs

Tone & Feel:

This model features the classic tone-wood combination: solid (non-chambered) Mahogany body with a carved Maple top and Mahogany neck. The result? Warmth, depth, and sustain, with sparkling clarity on top.

Equipped with a matched pair of Tim Shaw-era PAFs, this Les Paul offers medium-output vintage clarity, with articulate note separation and responsive dynamics. It excels in both clean and overdriven settings, growly and bright, or thick and punchy with just the flip of a switch.

The neck profile offers a perfect middle ground between '50s and '60s styles, starting slender at the nut and rounding out with substantial shoulder up the neck. It plays fast and smooth with a fresh setup, low action, and hybrid 10-46 strings installed.

Condition:

This instrument has been lightly played and lovingly maintained, showing only minimal wear:

• Top: Glossy, with minor polishing swirls
• Back & Sides: No buckle rash, only light lacquer marks and small handling imperfections
• Hardware: Original gold plating with natural aging
• Frets: Original factory frets with light play wear
• Electronics: Fully functional – recently serviced by independent luthier
• Neck & Truss Rod: Fully adjustable and stable
• Setup: Fresh strings, fretboard cleaned, optimal relief & action set (adjustable to taste)

Included:

• Original Gibson USA Chainsaw (Protector) case all latches working
• Original plastic parts and hardware intact
• Set up to professional playability specs

A Rare Opportunity

Clean examples of these rare Studio Customs are increasingly hard to find, particularly with Tim Shaw pickups, original parts, and in collector grade condition. Built with high-grade tone-woods and premium appointments, this Les Paul Studio Custom model now occupies a unique niche between Standard models and early Custom Shop-level instruments.

Collectors, investors, and pro players have begun to recognise the value of these early ‘80s Gibson models, prices have continued to rise year-on-year as demand grows and supply dwindles.

Not just a stunning vintage Les Paul, this is a genuine piece of Gibson history, and a very sound investment piece!

Delivery Conditions: This guitar will be carefully packed before being despatched using the best couriers and shall be fully insured by a separate dedicated transit insurance policy for the purchase amount.  Please contact us for specific courier / insurance rates to your destination.

CCG T&C's apply at all times - see shop policies.