Music

The Les Paul Custom was introduced in 1954 as an upscale option to Gibson's standard Les Paul. This new model featured a high gloss black finish, gold trim, mahogany body, ebony fretboard, a dedicated bridge and stoptail and a split-diamond headstock inlay. According to Tony Bacon's definitive reference book "50 Years of the Gibson Les Paul", in 1974 it occurred to Gibson that it had been 20 years since the first Les Paul Custom had appeared so they celebrated by issuing a special model clearly identified by a "Twentieth Anniversary" pearl inlay at the 15th fret. This would be Gibson's first-ever ‘anniversary’ model. Serial # 398768 was acquired in 2023 from the widow of the (purported) original owner. CONDITION: Arguably as nice as one would hope to find, this guitar is is a virtual 'closet queen', exceptionally clean and original with remarkably little wear for its age. The original nitrocellulose black lacquer shows little more than light surface scratches without any material checking or finish cracks. The original Gold plating on the metal parts is in unusually good condition, showing very little oxidization or expected wear. The frets appear to be original and show little wear. ORIGINALITY: The guitar appears to be entirely original save for two items: The "witchhat" knobs which are correct Gibson replacement versions and one of the pots has been replaced (Note: Sale includes the removed original date-coded pot "can"). Also, the sale includes the guitar's original case in very good condition. DATE CODES: - Serial Number: #398768 (and "Made in USA") is stamped on the back of the headstock though it takes some effort to see under the thick ebony paint. Given Gibson's confusing serial numbering system going back decades, research only narrows the year model of this guitar to a 1974 or very early 1975 model. (Note: Early in 1975, Gibson switched to an all-new chronological serial number system which utilized decals instead of stamping). - Potentiometers: The four original pots (three on the guitar and one in the case) are all date coded "7437" for the 37th week (ie. early September) of 1974. - Pickups: Matching pickups are both stamped "PAT. NO. 2,737,842". PLAYERS: Twentieth Anniversary Les Pauls were played by Lindsay Buckingham, the Sex Pistols' Steve Jones and, perhaps most famously, Randy Rhoads who used his while in the band Quiet Riot but also at his audition for Ozzie AND, later, to record two of the "Top 50 Guitar Solos of All Time"*: Mr. Crowley and Crazy Train. Hard to imagine how this rare and collector-grade example will not continue to appreciate in value. Certainly it will be a cornerstone, if not centerpiece, for serious collection.

The Gibson Les Paul is a solid body electric guitar that was first sold by the Gibson Guitar Corporation in 1952. With its distinctive tone and solid construction, it has become an iconic model in the music world.