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The Les Paul Forum

Want to talk about Les Pauls? The Les Paul Discussion Board is a great place to ask questions or exchange information about all Gibson Les Paul guitars. Related Article: MEET THE DONZI CLASSIC LES PAUL

77 thoughts on “The Les Paul Forum”

  1. Mid 90s les paul identity
    Anonymous

    I am seeking help from anyone who may be able to help with the identity of my epiphone les paul guitar. I got it for my 15th birthday originally thinking it was a misprint cause I couldn’t tell weather it was a quilt, or flame top. It came with some features that has intrigued me over the years, such as; vintage kluxon tuners, a metal Crome jackplate that has a sticker on the inside that says “made in japan”, it Originally came with pickups that were solid blocks of epoxy poured into the covers. But the biggest thing is it’s finish and appearance. It has hung on my wall since I was 15 and I can’t put it up cause it’s just breathtaking literally. It’s serial number is displayed via white box sticker on back of headstock just behind epiphome numbering. 1061158, 1061158. It once said made in korea at bitten of headstock but I scratched it out. It’s specs are mahogony body, mahogony neck with binding, also has 3 screw t rod cover says gibson. Epiphome is displayed perfect horizontal on clipped edges headstock. Color is vintage cherryburst I think, top is deff not aaa grade. But is clearly striped side to side deffinatly a flametop! Has trapaZoids, and just the most beautiful finish, that’s just as pretty today witch is 18 years later btw. I believe that it is a very limited run model really. someone once told me that this one factory, or maye two would of nowhere produce a small limited amount of 10-20 particular les pauls, and did so often. I believe it to be one of them. I just wish it had a name is all. I wish I knew the model they were trying to copy with its creation. Thanks in advance, and have a blessed les day! 🙂

  2. Who Played a 2008 Les Paul Florentine Goldtop
    Alex Wright

    Hi I am trying to find if anybody famous owned or Played a GIBSON LP295 FLORENTINE LES PAUL GOLDTOP GUITAR OF THE MONTH 2008 please

    regards

    Alex

  3. Help on Les Paul Studio 2000
    Bryce Smith

    Hello,
    Im looking to buy this guitar

    http://cgi.ebay.com/Gibson-Les-Paul-Studio-Transparent-Emerald-Green-2000_W0QQitemZ110417536594QQcategoryZ2384QQcmdZViewItemQQ_trksidZp4340.m215QQ_trkparmsZalgo%3DSICDD%26its%3DI%252BC%252BP%252BS%252BIA%26itu%3DUS-BWR%252BUCI%252BUCC%252BIT%252BUA%26otn%3D12%26ps%3D33#ht_500wt_1182

    Its a Gibson Les Paul Studio from the year 2000 (i checked the serial number, 00690406)
    Its a transparent emerald green with gold hardware and dot inlays.
    I was wondering how much this guitar is worth, and how much i should spend on it.
    Is it decent? What pickups does it have?

    I need help soon because the auction ends.

    Bryce

  4. F/S: Gibson Custom Shop 1968 Les Paul.$1900USD,Fender Americ
    Martin Lucas

    We are leading company in distribution of musicians instruments wordwide,our service is unlimited to put smile on the face of buyers worldwide we will be very happy if you can give us a try which will convince you.

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    GUITAR:
    Gibson Custom Shop 1968 Les Paul………….$1900USD
    Gibson Custom Shop 1960 Les Paul VOS………….$900USD
    Gibson HD.6X-PRO Guitar—$2500USD
    Gibson Custom L4 CES Archtop Electric Guitar—$2200USD
    Gibson Custom Lee Ritenour ES335 Vintage—$1,500USD
    Gibson Historic 1959 Les Paul Electric—$3,000USD
    Gibson Legends 1942 J-45 Acoustic Guitar Vintage Sunburst–$3,300USD
    Gibson Les Paul Vintage Mahogany Electric—$350USD
    Gibson Les Paul Classic Electric Guitar—$800USD
    Gibson Custom Shop Class 5 Les Paul Electric—$1,000USD
    Fender American Deluxe Jazz 3-tone……..$480USD
    Fender Classic Series ’50s…………………$389usd
    Fender Yngwie Malmsteen…………………..$500usd
    Martin D-28 Authentic 1937…………$6200USD
    Fender American Deluxe Jazz 3-tone…..$550usd
    Martin 000-28 EC Eric Clapton Signature…….$900usd
    Martin D-16GT Dreadnought Acoustic Guitar…..$380usd
    Martin 000-15 Auditorium Acoustic…………..$230usd
    Martin 000-18 Golden Era 1937…………………$1000usd
    Martin D-16GT Dreadnought………………………$330usd
    Martin OM-21 Special Acoustic…………………$800usd
    Martin HD-28VE Acoustic-Electric Guitar……..$1200usd
    Epiphone G-1275 Custom Double-Neck Electric Guitar….$350usd
    Peavey
    Bandit 112 TransTube Guitar………………………..$120usd
    Traben Bootsy Star Electric Bass Guitar…………………..$$650usd
    Schecter Synyster Standard Electric……………………….$320usd
    DiPinto Galaxie 4 Electric Guitar Pink……………………$220usd
    Dean Dimebag Razorback Two-Tone Electric Guitar….�400euro
    Dean Dave Mustaine VMNT Angel of Deth Electric Guitar……..480euro
    Dean Dave Mustaine V USA Limited Signature Electric Guitar…………�1100euro
    Dean Dimebag Razorback Slime Bumblebee Electric Guitar…..400euro
    Dean Dimebag Dixie Rebel Electric Guitar…………………….�320euro
    Dean The Dean From Hell CFH Electric Guitar………..�300euro
    Dean Razorback V 255 Electric Guitar……�450euro
    Dean Dime Shadow ML Electric Guitar……..�200euro
    Dean Razorback 7 255 7-String Electric Guitar………….500euro
    Dean Razorback DB Electric Guitar…..�150euro

    GUITAR
    Yamaha AE 2000 Jazz Guitar 1978 The Prototype—$1400
    Yamaha AEX 1500 Electric Guitar Natural—$950
    Yamaha AES920—$1000
    Yamaha GC41—-$2000
    Yamaha CJ32—-$1900
    Yamaha LJ26—-$2300
    Yamaha BBNE2—$1800

    PIANO
    Yamaha YDP223 88 Key Weighted Action Digital Piano with Bench—$1250
    Yamaha YPG525 Portable Grand Home Digital Piano—-$299
    Yamaha YDP323 Home Digital Piano—$870
    Yamaha U1 48 inch Professional Upright Piano—$2000
    Yamaha CP300 Piano—$1500
    Yamaha CP33 Piano—$890
    Yamaha YAS82Z Custom Z Eb Alto Saxophone===$650usd

  5. Les Paul manufacture date
    Alan Beattie

    Can anyone tell me what year CBA-811-1053-500K AI pots were used in Les Pauls? I am trying to date a modified LP which was sold as a ’68 but as the binding follows the maple cap, I believe it might be earlier.
    Thanks,
    Alan.

  6. Les Paul Custom 2p-90 Antique @Thomann
    Frederik Parton

    Hello everyone!!!
    Has anyone got some information about the Les Paul custom 2P-90 Antique which is sold @ http://www.thomann.de at the moment? The deal is 1698 €, which seems pretty chaep to me, compared to other Customs. I would be greatful for any coment.
    Frederik

  7. autogriph by les paul detriot 1975
    glen m Jagodzinski

    In 1975 at a music store called geallnellis just out side of detriot(southfeild) les paul autographed guitar show do I get to talk to les paul about this he played my guitar for about 15 min. he was introducing the les paulferizer(like multitrack echoplex)would like to talk to les to get letter of the evite

    1. Re: vandergraffics pinstriping on my les paul.any info?
      Tim Brokamp

      : I have bought a sweet les paul standard at our local music store. I have never seen anything like it. I am hoping someone could tell me something to as it’s origin or if there are any more of them.it has a natural medium dark finish with custom pinstriping with vandergraffics 06 on the lower front of it.this guitar looks like it was done at a hotrod shop.the owner of the store said it was a socalcustoms piece, but I have no idea.please help…..moe

      Vandergraffics is a Lafayette, Indiana graphics shop, and is also now known as Pyramid Sign & Design. Bob Vandergraff is the owner. The phone number is 765-447-4174. Hope thishelps.

    2. Re: This popular thread has been given its own page :... moe
      moe

      I have bought a sweet les paul standard at our local music store. I have never seen anything like it. I am hoping someone could tell me something to as it’s origin or if there are any more of them.it has a natural medium dark finish with custom pinstriping with vandergraffics 06 on the lower front of it.this guitar looks like it was done at a hotrod shop.the owner of the store said it was a socalcustoms piece, but I have no idea.please help…..moe

  8. stolen guitar
    christi

    My sons Les Paul left handed sunburst was stolen from Purdue University 2 years ago from Hammond, Indiana Purdue University. I am just putting this out on the net as I have done many times in the past to see if we can find this guitar. It was stolen from the battle of the bands from Purdue University Calumet It is a shame that fellow band memebers would go to this level to steal from a fellow music maker. Not to mention how heart broken he was at the time but how pissed off I was not tomention that I still am. THis is what gives musicians a bad name.

  9. 60's R0 Les Paul Reissue Value
    tom1263

    Looks like I’m getting an R0 Reissue Cheery Sunburst Flametop. Anyone with experience or opinions? Worth? ETC…

    1. Re: 60's R0 Les Paul Reissue Value
      welshaxe

      : Looks like I’m getting an R0 Reissue Cheery Sunburst Flametop. Anyone with experience or opinions? Worth? ETC…

      My 2003 model cost me £2200 GBP and it’s awesome

  10. Tribute to Les Paul
    Marty Vaught

    In honor of Les Paul,the man and the guitar, I ask you to visit my website:tallshipwoodworking.com to see my re-creations of this beautiful guitar. Thanks

  11. ringing strings
    ray

    Hi
    Wonder if anyone can help
    I’ve just bought my first solid body (les paul studio)
    Is it ‘normal’ to need to plam mute the strings to prevent them ringing when playing notes on frets 1 to 10 on high E string
    At first I thought it was harmonics but it is ‘just’ other strings ringinging in ‘sympathy’
    Since all saddles are on the same bridge I could understand it but I would appreciate any expert comments

    Thanks

  12. 1987 les paul custom (custom lite or trimline)
    rpicker

    All I need to know is, that if anyone ever heard of a 1987 les paul custom lite or trimline,
    I checked with the factory and it was built in april 28 1987 15th in line ,how ever when i talked to customer service greg he said he would have to get back to me, that was 4 days ago, and still no reply
    description: black or ebony,looks just like a 1957 lpc, except for the interphase switch on the bottom where the four controls are located. instead of four controls there are three, and it is thinner than the lps and has no white trim wrapping on the back side of the body,only the top. gold trim on the two pick ups and bridge,and gold grover tuners
    please tell me i dont have a piece of junk

    1. Re: 1987 les paul custom (custom lite or trimline)
      Don from Tacoma Washington

      :
      : All I need to know is, that if anyone ever heard of a 1987 les paul custom lite or trimline,
      : I checked with the factory and it was built in april 28 1987 15th in line ,how ever when i talked to customer service greg he said he would have to get back to me, that was 4 days ago, and still no reply
      : description: black or ebony,looks just like a 1957 lpc, except for the interphase switch on the bottom where the four controls are located. instead of four controls there are three, and it is thinner than the lps and has no white trim wrapping on the back side of the body,only the top. gold trim on the two pick ups and bridge,and gold grover tuners
      : please tell me i dont have a piece of junk

      1. Re: 1987 les paul custom (custom lite or trimline)
        james Daniels

        : :
        : : All I need to know is, that if anyone ever heard of a 1987 les paul custom lite or trimline,
        : : I checked with the factory and it was built in april 28 1987 15th in line ,how ever when i talked to customer service greg he said he would have to get back to me, that was 4 days ago, and still no reply
        : : description: black or ebony,looks just like a 1957 lpc, except for the interphase switch on the bottom where the four controls are located. instead of four controls there are three, and it is thinner than the lps and has no white trim wrapping on the back side of the body,only the top. gold trim on the two pick ups and bridge,and gold grover tuners
        : : please tell me i dont have a piece of junk

        I have the same exact axe. I absolutely love it. I am a studio musician..and do a lot of in studio recording,(track work). Although I do play a lot of keybords, & some harp, and Bass tracks., I always look forward to cutting guitar tracks..and my Les Paul Custom Thinline or lite as it is called is the perfect tool for guitar track recording. I wet track through a zoom, line 6, or an old Arion DS 4 EFX unit, or a combo of them. I can create fantasic tracks and then create spacial or unique sounds with addition mixing effects on board the recording equipment. It all starts with the Les Paul and the Clean delivery into the effects units. Noisless is the key word..nothing but clean guitar sound. To me that is quality. The amount of time it takes to complete a full track sometimes more than 2 tracks depending on the Guitar work needed, can be extended by punch ins. The quality sound of this guitar compared to the weight of any other Custom is value in terms of studio time efficiency. I am in my 50’s tracking time takes a toll on my energy level. I absolutely love this Les Paul Custom model..it has become sort of a Family heirloom..with my kids already vieing for it..after I go to the big studio in the sky. I lost the product manual or discription manual for it some years ago..I would like to either download another or purchase one. Do yoy know how I can get this done? THE PINK Les Paul Thinline Custom with the 3 knobs. I wish I knew more about it. No my friend it is definitely not a piece of Junk..I would never get rid of mine. I think that this Custom Les Paul model is a treasure..that will gain prominence as the years go by. By the way I bought mine brand new in 1987 at Paulus Music in Jacksonville Florida..the same place that outfitted the Almand Brothers, 38 special, and some of the Lynard Skinyard Boys

        1. Re: 1987 les paul custom (custom lite or trimline)
          Mike Les PAUL CUSTOM LITE 1987

          I have a "metallic Sunset" ’87 Les Paul Custom Lite – exactly as described by you both, only my guitar has chrome hardware as opposed to GOLD… Love this baby 🙂

          : : : All I need to know is, that if anyone ever heard of a 1987 les paul custom lite or trimline,
          : : : I checked with the factory and it was built in april 28 1987 15th in line ,how ever when i talked to customer service greg he said he would have to get back to me, that was 4 days ago, and still no reply
          : : : description: black or ebony,looks just like a 1957 lpc, except for the interphase switch on the bottom where the four controls are located. instead of four controls there are three, and it is thinner than the lps and has no white trim wrapping on the back side of the body,only the top. gold trim on the two pick ups and bridge,and gold grover tuners
          : : : please tell me i dont have a piece of junk

          :
          : I have the same exact axe. I absolutely love it. I am a studio musician..and do a lot of in studio recording,(track work). Although I do play a lot of keybords, & some harp, and Bass tracks., I always look forward to cutting guitar tracks..and my Les Paul Custom Thinline or lite as it is called is the perfect tool for guitar track recording. I wet track through a zoom, line 6, or an old Arion DS 4 EFX unit, or a combo of them. I can create fantasic tracks and then create spacial or unique sounds with addition mixing effects on board the recording equipment. It all starts with the Les Paul and the Clean delivery into the effects units. Noisless is the key word..nothing but clean guitar sound. To me that is quality. The amount of time it takes to complete a full track sometimes more than 2 tracks depending on the Guitar work needed, can be extended by punch ins. The quality sound of this guitar compared to the weight of any other Custom is value in terms of studio time efficiency. I am in my 50’s tracking time takes a toll on my energy level. I absolutely love this Les Paul Custom model..it has become sort of a Family heirloom..with my kids already vieing for it..after I go to the big studio in the sky. I lost the product manual or discription manual for it some years ago..I would like to either download another or purchase one. Do yoy know how I can get this done? THE PINK Les Paul Thinline Custom with the 3 knobs. I wish I knew more about it. No my friend it is definitely not a piece of Junk..I would never get rid of mine. I think that this Custom Les Paul model is a treasure..that will gain prominence as the years go by. By the way I bought mine brand new in 1987 at Paulus Music in Jacksonville Florida..the same place that outfitted the Almand Brothers, 38 special, and some of the Lynard Skinyard Boys

            1. Re: This popular thread has been given its own page :... Bob Wilkinson
              Bob Wilkinson

              : I have a "metallic Sunset" ’87 Les Paul Custom Lite – exactly as described by you both, only my guitar has chrome hardware as opposed to GOLD… Love this baby 🙂

              :
              : : : : All I need to know is, that if anyone ever heard of a 1987 les paul custom lite or trimline,
              : : : : I checked with the factory and it was built in april 28 1987 15th in line ,how ever when i talked to customer service greg he said he would have to get back to me, that was 4 days ago, and still no reply
              : : : : description: black or ebony,looks just like a 1957 lpc, except for the interphase switch on the bottom where the four controls are located. instead of four controls there are three, and it is thinner than the lps and has no white trim wrapping on the back side of the body,only the top. gold trim on the two pick ups and bridge,and gold grover tuners
              : : : : please tell me i dont have a piece of junk

              : :
              : : I have the same exact axe. I absolutely love it. I am a studio musician..and do a lot of in studio recording,(track work). Although I do play a lot of keybords, & some harp, and Bass tracks., I always look forward to cutting guitar tracks..and my Les Paul Custom Thinline or lite as it is called is the perfect tool for guitar track recording. I wet track through a zoom, line 6, or an old Arion DS 4 EFX unit, or a combo of them. I can create fantasic tracks and then create spacial or unique sounds with addition mixing effects on board the recording equipment. It all starts with the Les Paul and the Clean delivery into the effects units. Noisless is the key word..nothing but clean guitar sound. To me that is quality. The amount of time it takes to complete a full track sometimes more than 2 tracks depending on the Guitar work needed, can be extended by punch ins. The quality sound of this guitar compared to the weight of any other Custom is value in terms of studio time efficiency. I am in my 50’s tracking time takes a toll on my energy level. I absolutely love this Les Paul Custom model..it has become sort of a Family heirloom..with my kids already vieing for it..after I go to the big studio in the sky. I lost the product manual or discription manual for it some years ago..I would like to either download another or purchase one. Do yoy know how I can get this done? THE PINK Les Paul Thinline Custom with the 3 knobs. I wish I knew more about it. No my friend it is definitely not a piece of Junk..I would never get rid of mine. I think that this Custom Les Paul model is a treasure..that will gain prominence as the years go by. By the way I bought mine brand new in 1987 at Paulus Music in Jacksonville Florida..the same place that outfitted the Almand Brothers, 38 special, and some of the Lynard Skinyard Boys

              I purchased a Pink Les Paul Lite whilst on holiday in Orlando from Sam Ash. The serial number dates it 1986 and it is fitted with Gold hardware. As the previous guy mentioned it has 3 control knobs + the single pole to humbucker switch.
              It plays a dream and as I have now retired from playing full time, would consider selling at the right price.

      1. Re: Fitting a scratch plate
        paul delargy

        : <a href="http://photobucket.com/&quot; target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v422/BobbyLee/NewPickguard008.jpg&quot; border="0" alt="Photobucket – Video and Image Hosting"></a>

        Thanks for the photos. I went ahead and fitted the scratchplate in the conventional way. Actually, I did’nt even drill holes – I just forced the screws in. No problem. I have seen similar pick guard mountings. It is a novel approach but I think I will keep my guitar looking old school.

    1. Re: This popular thread has been given its own page :... paul delargy
      paul delargy

      Can anyone give me advice on fitting a Les Paul Standard scratch plate? I bought one last week (HCSB)and I think a sunburst needs a scratch plate to look perfect. I am sure it is an easy job and I want to do it myself but I don’t want to ruin my new guitar.

      Paul

  13. LP Classic vs LP STD
    William

    Hi there!. It is believed that the gibson LP STD is a better guitar than the LP Classic, but I’ve tried both of them and it happens that I prefer the classic!! I’m not an expert, and maybe I’m missing sth. Is the STD unarguably better guitar than the Classic?? is the STD more expensive only because it’s got a name?? Luckily, I can afford both of them, so i would deeply appreciate any information you can give me. Cheers!!

    1. Re: LP Classic vs LP STD
      zepboy

      It all depends on what you are after. The Classic has the ceramic 496R and 500T pickups that scream at whatever sound level your amplifier is on. It is made for rock and roll, period. I play both rock and blues, and the Classic is simply too hot for blues, especially when I am playing rhythm behind someone’s soloing. The downside to the Classic is its wood choice, which accounts for the price difference. The Standard uses grade AA maple for its top; that grade of maple has no knots or whirls. The wood for the Classic is not even graded. My Classic has a number of whirls that are clearly visible against light. Wood choice is not a big issue with solid body guitars, but definitely an issue with acoustic instruments.
      The Standards made after 2004 have the so called BurstBucker pickups. I have an LP Custom fitted with 3 BurstBuckers. The BurstBuckers are more controllable than the ceramic pickups, and they have more flexibility in that they do not scream at lower volume levels. For recording and rhythm work, I prefer guitars fitted with BurstBuckers simply because they don’t get into everybody’s face in the way the ceramics do.

    1. Re: 1972 Black Les Paul Custom
      Michaelblake

      The early 70’s Les Pauls are AWESOME..Don’t listen to the garbage that they were crap..it is not true. Up until late 74 all Gibsons were produced in the original Kalamazoo factory by the original craftsman, modifications were made to the design of the guitar, In most parts for the better..they will argue that and say no..but it’s simply true. The added volute to the neck gave it strength to a weak design, the 3 piece mahagony neck also gave added strength.They changed it to a 3 piece maple neck in 75 wich still made it stronger with a brighter tone. I have a 73 les Paul Custom that absolutely is the best guitar I have EVER played.The guitars are heavy, but that makes it even more awesome in my opinion..the pancake body still delivers incredible tone, choice mahagony and a thin piece of Maple sandwiched in the middle..The Multiple peice maple cap still produces the same tone and is also choice wood… The key is to try the guitar and see if it feels good in your hands. These early 70"s Gibson’s are EXCELLENT quality..don’t be fooled by the legalists. Les Paul himself plays an early 70’s Les Paul recording model as his main axe…would he play it if it was bad?? NO WAY!!

    2. Re: This popular thread has been given its own page :... mike
      mike

      An important question- PLEASE, if anyone who has a lot of Les Paul experience playing and seeing different year Les Pauls, please answer- I’m trying to find out the quality of Pauls from the early and later 70’s. I’ve heard 1972 were not "the best" by one guy. Another said early 70’s were great, but the mid-late 70’s were crap. Another guy said the 70’s had problems, and they started getting a lot better in the 80’s! I’m interested in a 1972 black Custom a guy will sell me. But I’d like to have some background. Thanks- will trade theory info,tips and tricks,electronic advice. write me or answer here. thanx!

  14. les paul vs. laptop
    brian

    for christmas i can get a laptop or a les paul. which should i get. my dad doesnt want to spend the much on a les paul. does anyone know where i can get some cheap ones? gibson, not epiphone.

  15. looking for les paul
    tuscanyrose

    Hi,
    I am in New Jersey, USA and am looking for a mid 1970’s Les Paul Custom in alpine white/cream. Must be in good or better condition.
    Thanks!
    John
    (732) 786 9075
    (732) 492 6452

  16. '57 Custom Shop Historic '57 goldtop reissue question
    Cory

    Can anyone tell me what if any differences there are between a 2005 model of this guitar and a 2000 (Tom Murphy era) version of the same? Second question, did they use the long neck tenon in the 2000 version?

    Thanks in advance, I can’t an answer to these questions…

  17. How old is this Les Paul Custom?
    Mike (via moderator)

    Anybody know how old this axe is?

    Serial #: 6 1393 (Yellow ink, in back of headstock)
    Carved mahogany top
    Single cutaway
    Mahogany back and neck
    One black P-90 pickup in bridge position
    One Alnico V pickup in neck position
    Both pickups have black covers
    Multiple bound top and back
    Peghead appears to have multiple bindings
    Block fingerboard inlays
    Pearl logo
    5-piece diamond peghead inlay
    Low "fretless wonder" frets
    Gold plated parts
    Black finish

    Unusual ‘trapeze’ style tailpiece (flat metal, not round rod), w/metal compensated bridge.
    Bridge raise/lowers via allen screw support posts.

    Current owner purchased it (2nd hand) in 1961-62.

    1. Re: How old is this Les Paul Custom?
      59burst

      :
      : Anybody know how old this axe is?

      : Serial #: 6 1393 (Yellow ink, in back of headstock)
      : Carved mahogany top
      : Single cutaway
      : Mahogany back and neck
      : One black P-90 pickup in bridge position
      : One Alnico V pickup in neck position
      : Both pickups have black covers
      : Multiple bound top and back
      : Peghead appears to have multiple bindings
      : Block fingerboard inlays
      : Pearl logo
      : 5-piece diamond peghead inlay
      : Low "fretless wonder" frets
      : Gold plated parts
      : Black finish

      : Unusual ‘trapeze’ style tailpiece (flat metal, not round rod), w/metal compensated bridge.
      : Bridge raise/lowers via allen screw support posts.

      : Current owner purchased it (2nd hand) in 1961-62.
      Without seeing it, I can’t be positive but the serial number indicates 1956.

  18. Help with Scratch Plate
    Fred Mora

    hey. i was wondering with a epiphone les Paul can you take the scratch plate off . if you can that whould be verry help full thnx plz Wb soon htnx.
    fred

  19. aging a Les Paul
    tony gilas

    Where can I find Do It Yourself instructions or a guide to create
    lacquer checking and age the hardware on my Les Paul? ( naturally I’ll practice on some lacquered wood blocks and chrome spare parts)
    Respectable shops want to charge $ 250- $600 for light checking and hardware aging.

    Thanks,
    TOny

  20. 1977 Les Paul Custom
    FrettinFreddie

    I have a 1977 Les Paul Custom . Color is Natural. This guitar is the 3 pick up model.It’s in need of refretting and refinishing. Is it a good idea to refinish and refret? Or should i just leave it as is. I can’t seem to find any info on the 3 pick up Natural Les Paul Customs.

    1. refin and re-fret
      bill

      hi,Refretting is fine if you can’t crown em.If it’s got neck binding it becomes a big job.Refinishing will probably decrease the value.I had a 3 pickup lp but it was the SG bodied guitar.Don’t know about the single cuts

  21. need help buying
    zook

    hey all,
    i would like to purchase a les paul for my gurlfriend, who is currently playing an 87 les paul. i wanted something vintage and earlier than what she has. i know the 50’s and 60’s ones are great, but a bit pricey. lookin to keep it under 3,000$. i realiz there are good years and perhaps less good years for these types of things, and i am not completely schooled in what is what here. i do know she is interested in the black beauty models. are all the 70’s vintage black beauties similar? earlier or later better? good price? also, and forgive my ignorance here, but i have seen some of the earlier (late 50’s) black beauties, with the crazy wammy bar, unlike todays wammy bars. are these available on the 70’s ones as well, or if not, can one buy an older one and attach it to a 70’s model?

    any input would be a great help, as i’m sort of doing this blindly, and it’s a bit of a surprise gift so i need to steer around her. if it helps to know, most of her bands music is sort of 60’s psych rock influenced.

    thanks,
    zook

    1. Haha!!!! Haha!!!! A les
      Anonymous

      Haha!!!! Haha!!!! A les paul for your girlfriend?! Dude!.. Don’t do that to us. It just isn’t right. Get her something small with like one pickup. It’s customary for biggeners to get shit for there first guitar. Then, IF, they actually have the patience and are seriously willing to learn to play on a piece of shit, they might actually have what it takes, then when they play a real good guitar, theyll think they’ve died and gone to hevan and won’t put it down!. At least, that’s how we were taught. My first guitar was a norma, it looked like something prince would play! Pos! Now there worth about $700.

    2. hi,man.Pre 69,s seem to be more valuable because of the Norlin purchase in tue end of 68,start of 69.I had a 50,s model W/ a Bigsby,don’t kmow if it was factory or added later.In the 60,s they weren’t rare,just expensive compared to everything else.somebody stole it in 68.I bought a Goldtop / P-90,s and a black Custom w/paf,s.I’ve still got em.I love the thinline necks started in the 60,s.The 50,s were a lot rounder C-shape.You may be able to find a 60,s,and if you use hers for a trade,you can definitely find something.Good Luck.That guy above with the 5 digit number,I’m pretty sure it’s a 56.As far as the tailpiece goes,odball stuff was’nt unusual.They experimented a lot,and mom and pop stores could call Kalamazoo and special order stupp.Very valuable guitar,friend.Congratulations

      1. yeah,man.You can buy a Bigsby tailpiece that fits a Les Paul without drilling holes.They anchor from the straphanger,and have felt pads on the part that rests on the guitar.absolutely no damage.They even send you a longer strapholder screw.Chrome or gold,about $150,$170.They seem to unbalance the gguitar,though.A couple of hours osed to kill me.Go to ebay,Bigsby B-70 tremolo.Their will be a bunch.Have fun.Nice present

    1. Re: Gibson Les Paul Vari-Tone 12 String?
      tony gilas

      Jeff,

      Drop me an email. I may have some info for you, and I could
      be interested in purchasing your 12 string if you had an interest in selling it. Thanks.

    2. Re: This popular thread has been given its own page :... Jeff Moses
      Jeff Moses

      Hi all,
      I have a Black 1981 Gibson (not Epi) Les Paul Custom Vari-Tone 12 String. I cannot find any info on this thing anywhere. Gibson has no records of building it but one senior gentlman in the shop said than he remembered building one 12 string with Vari-Tone control behind the tail piece and he thought he remembered it being a custom order the lead guitarist of Genesis. This is the real thing, a true Gibson, not an Epiphone or some knock off. The serial number is 82991520 12 1190. I can supply pics if anyone has any idea of where I can find info about this axe. I think it may be one of a kind as Gibson has guessed. If anyone has or has ever seen any live concert photos of Genesis in the early 80’s in which Mike Rutherford has one one these strapped on, please let me know. Thanks all, Jeff

      1. Les Pauls with vari-tone
        Gary Mayo

        These things do crop up once in a while. I have a ’77 les paul six string with vari-tone from the factory that I can’t find any information on. Please let me know if you get a source for info.
        gary

  22. Help on les paul florentine
    Marco

    Hi

    could someone help me to find a on line shop where I can buy gold pick up covers for my les paul florentine (plus) ?
    Unfortunately I live in Italy and it’s not easy to find them here.

    mail me

    bye
    Marco

    1. Florentine parts
      Bill

      crazy parts in Hanover,Germany.They’ve got great stuff.www.crazyparts.com or something like that.They are ebay alot.Look up headstock veneers on e-bay and you’ll find em.Or headstock overlay.Beautiful guitars,man.Good Luck

  23. les paul neck repair
    Chris

    I got an early seventies les paul standard with a warped neck. down around the tenth to about the sixteenth fret the high end portion of the fretboard bows in. any idea how much effort and money it would be to straighten it?

    1. Re: les paul - 5 of 1952
      Jo Mama

      Hey, your guitar is a piece of crap. Just like you are, you dirty Mexican. Glad I could help.

      : hello,
      : can i get any info on this guitar. we have one but would like to find its value, etc.

      : thanks!

  24. hello forum…i happened here by shopping ebay for a les paul…maybe some could give me an opinion….i am a for fun guitar player…moving past rhythm guitar and now trying to learn lead…i want to play a gibson les paul but would like input (if you all don’t mind) as to the better choice…a standard type les paul or a DC. I’m not really interested in collecting it…just playing it (trying to learn 70’s & 80’s type rock lead)(yes i’m an old dude reliving my past)….any help would be greatly appreciated….thanks.

  25. Les Paul Classic
    Dale Swann

    Why is the bridge different on the classic than on the Standard?
    Is the construction of the classic near the Standard I own both
    and it appears that the standard is a better piece of wood.
    The standard I have is a 1980 and I just bought the classic.
    The reason I ask is the classic was much less expensive, however the
    sales person said that when he asked his gibson rep why he said beacuse
    we can sell it cheaper.

    any takers

    Thanks

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