Up for sale is a rare and exceptional piece of Gibson history: a 1996 Custom Shop Les Paul Classic in a stunning Cherry Red finish (aka Wine Red and Translucent Red).

While the standard production Classics of the mid-90s are highly regarded, the Custom Shop versions from this "Good Wood Era" (roughly 1994–1998) were a distinct step up. This specific model features an all-mahogany body construction, offering a warmer, more resonant, and mid-focused tonal character compared to the maple-capped versions.

Key Custom Shop Appointments:

Deep Dish Carve: Unlike the standard USA production line, this Custom Shop model features the more pronounced, "deep dish" top carve, historically accurate to the contours found on the high-end Historic Reissue series.

’57 Classic Pickups: This guitar comes factory-equipped with Gibson ’57 Classic humbuckers. These are uncovered with "Zebra" bobbins, providing vintage PAF-style warmth and clarity—a significant upgrade over the high-output ceramic pickups found on standard Classics.

Premium Tonewoods: Sourced from the Custom Shop’s choice reserves, utilizing premium, lightweight mahogany for both the back and the carved top.

Custom Shop Aesthetics: Includes the "Custom Shop" decal on the back of the headstock and a blank truss rod cover.

The neck features the iconic slim-taper '60s profile—fast, comfortable, and effortless to play. This guitar features the sought after Gibson TP-6 Bridge that was installed at Motor City Guitars when the guitar was purchased new from there in 1996. The original jack plate was also swapped.

Specifications:

Year: 1996

Model: Les Paul Classic Custom Shop

Finish: Translucent Red

Body Material: Carved Mahogany Top on Mahogany Back

Neck Profile: Slim Taper '60s

Fingerboard: Rosewood with Trapezoid Inlays

Pickups: Gibson '57 Classics (Zebra Bobbins)

This guitar includes the original case with pink lining. The case closes and funchtions. The part of the handle the holds the two pieces together (see photos)

This guitar was recently set up with D'Addario 10's. The frets have plenty of life on them and were just polished. The fretboard was thoroughly cleaned and treated.

Please check the photos and the YouTube video (below) for the exact physical condition. The headstock top has the typical delamination look. Plenty of nicks and scratches throughout. But nothing that impacts playing and nothing structural. I am quite confident that the physical condition falls within what Reverb describes as "Very Good". Though please watch the video and reach out with any questions.

Reach out with any questions. I am happy to answer them.

Purchase with confidence. I am a top rated seller. I will quickly and carefully ship this guitar to you. It will be fully insured.

The Ypsi Guitars' Promise

I have personally inspected and professionally set up this instrument. I have done so in a way that I feel best caters to a potential buyer. It may not be the perfect setup for how you intend to play this guitar and I understand that. Though I assure you, I am proud of how this guitar is playing.

I have not tried to mislead you in anyway. I have not cut any corners. I am more about building relationships with fellow musicians than I am wanting to make a quick buck at someone else's expense. I only list items that I am happy. Please do not hesitate to ask for more information or pictures. I am here to help! I want you to be confident in the guitar that you are purchasing.