For sale is my 2011 Gibson Custom Shop ’57 Les Paul Goldtop Reissue R7 VOS Dark Back, purchased new by me in 2011. This is an exceptionally lightweight example at 7 lb 11.7 oz on my scale, listed as 7 lb 12 oz.

This is not a case-queen or display-only Les Paul. It is a true player’s Custom Shop R7 Goldtop — lightweight, resonant, naturally aged, and authentically road-worn from years of real music. It has been used in live performances and studio settings, and it has the kind of broken-in feel that only comes from an instrument that has actually been played, cared for, and trusted.

The guitar is all original, with no modifications, no repairs, and no structural issues. It includes the original Gibson Custom hardshell case, COA, hang tags, case candy, warranty paperwork, and related original materials shown in the photos.

The action is currently set low, smooth, and very comfortable, which is how I prefer it. It plays easily up and down the neck, with minimal fret wear and plenty of fret life remaining. Of course, action and setup are personal preferences and can be easily adjusted by the next owner to suit their playing style.

The VOS-aged nickel hardware has developed honest natural patina, and the guitar has real-world cosmetic wear consistent with an authentically road-worn player’s instrument. The back shows light surface swirling/buckle rash and normal play wear. There is a small cosmetic finish chip near the back/side edge by the neck heel, and there is some finish wear/chipping along the back edge of the headstock. These areas are shown clearly in the photos. They are cosmetic only.

There are no cracks, breaks, headstock repairs, neck repairs, heel repairs, or structural repairs.

This guitar has a lot of character, a lot of history, and a lot of music left in it. The combination of being a 2011 Custom Shop R7 Goldtop, Dark Back, one-owner, fully documented, all original, road-worn naturally through real use, and under 8 pounds makes it a very special example. It needs someone who appreciates it for what it is: not an artificially reliced guitar, not an abused guitar, but an authentic player’s Les Paul with great tone, great feel, and a story. It has the feel of a comfortable, broken-in glove and will fit you like one.

Highlights:

• 2011 Gibson Custom Shop ’57 Les Paul Goldtop Reissue R7 VOS
• Dark Back
• Purchased new by me in 2011
• Exceptionally lightweight: 7 lb 11.7 oz / 7 lb 12 oz
• No modifications
• No cracks, breaks, headstock repair, or structural repair
• Original Gibson Custom COA included
• Original hardshell case included
• Hang tags, case candy, and paperwork included
• Low, smooth, comfortable action
• Minimal fret wear
• Original VOS-aged nickel hardware with natural patina
• Authentically road-worn from real live and studio use
• Very good player’s condition with honest cosmetic wear shown clearly in photos

Condition:

I would describe the guitar as Very Good overall. It has honest cosmetic wear from real use, including light back wear/swirling, buckle rash, a small finish chip near the back/side edge by the neck heel, and finish wear/chipping along the back edge of the headstock. The top is very clean overall, with some small surface marks visible on close inspection. Please review the photos carefully, as I have tried to document the condition honestly.

Again, the wear is cosmetic only. The guitar is solid, original, structurally sound, and plays beautifully.

Included:

• Guitar
• Original Gibson Custom hardshell case
• Gibson Custom COA
• Hang tags
• Case candy
• Warranty/purchase paperwork and related original materials shown in photos

This will be packed carefully and shipped securely.