Gibson Les Paul Custom Lite Model Solid Body Electric Guitar (1987), made in Nashville, TN, serial # 81967358, Tobacco sunburst top, natural back and sides finish, mahogany body with maple cap; mahogany neck with ebony fingerboard, original brown tolex hard shell case.
From the vantage point of nearly 40(!) years on this 1987 Gibson Les Paul Custom Lite seems like one of those great ideas that happen at Gibson from time to time but never really catch on. After years of customers and dealers petitioning for a lighter Les Paul than the average '70s/80s models, Gibson responded with this very clever solution. The Les Paul Custom Lite offers a dramatically slimmed body depth and an additional Fender-like belly cut on the back for added comfort. The mahogany body retains the carved maple top and most of the sound and familiar layout of the traditional Custom, but with a lot less bulk and weight.
This first-year '87 Custom Lite carries a relatively rare tobacco sunburst finish; most were issued in the traditional "Black Beauty" livery. This one also features late examples of the Tim Shaw PAF-style Humbucking pickups, which were being discontinued at Gibson at the time; this is the last year they normally appear. Another oddity of this model is a coil tap switch instead of one of the tone knobs, a useful if generally unfamiliar feature for a Les Paul. As is typical for a Custom there is all-gold hardware, multi ply binding everywhere with the single bound, pearl block inlaid ebony fingerboard, and elaborate pearl inlayed headstock.
A minor oddity of this particular guitar is two "Made in USA stamps" on back of the headstock; well, the one above the serial number actually just says "Made In"! This model was sadly short lived, with the specs changing starting in 1988 and then discontinued in 1990. This is a lovely and rare example, a cool example of Gibson's sometimes underappreciated creativity and a very fine playing if quirky Les Paul variation, especially appreciated by anyone with an ageing shoulder!
Overall length is 39 1/4 in. (99.7 cm.), 13 in. (33 cm.) wide at lower bout, and 1 1/4 in. (3.2 cm.) in depth, measured at side of rim. Scale length is 24 3/4 in. (629 mm.). Width of nut is 1 11/16 in. (43 mm.)., 8.5 lbs.
This is a very clean and original guitar, looking not much player over nearly four decades. The only repair is to a typical crack in the neck pickup mounting ring, common in this period where it flexes over the body. There are some light scuffs and dings to the finish but no really serious wear. The switch tip is a replacement; a brass one is included in the case pocket as well. This is a cool sounding and playing guitar, a nifty "slim twist" on the Custom formula in the original specially fitted HSC. Excellent Condition.
