{"product_id":"gibson-les-paul-custom-solid-body-electric-guitar-1978-13334","title":"Gibson Les Paul Custom Solid Body Electric Guitar (1978)","description":"Gibson Les Paul Custom Model Solid Body Electric Guitar (1978), made in Kalamazoo, Michigan, serial # 73558561, black lacquer finish, mahogany body with maple cap, laminated maple neck with ebony fingerboard, period black tolex hard shell case. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThis 1978 Ebony-finished Les Paul Custom has the classic features of the model, with a couple of small oddities that set it apart from the crowd. It is stamped \"SECOND\" in large letters across the back of the headstock, marking it as a factory second when new. It also has an added Bigsby tailpiece, fitted non-intrusively with the Vibramate baseplate. While 1950s Customs often had vibratos installed, we rarely see this on a 1970s guitar. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eAnother feature that IS specific to this time is the neck is made of laminated maple instead of the traditional mahogany, mated to the multi-bound maple-capped mahogany solid body. That neck is topped with a bound, pearl block inlaid ebony fingerboard and has a medium \"C\" profile with the typical '70s volute. There is always something superbly classy about a black Les Paul Custom and this lightly worn-in example with an added twang factor is no exception.\u003cbr\u003e \u003cbr\u003eOverall length is 39 1\/4 in. (99.7 cm.), 13 in. (33 cm.) wide at lower bout, and 1 7\/8 in. (4.8 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.)., 10.38 lbs. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThis 47 year old Custom remains relatively clean overall and retains most of its original hardware. The all-original finish shows some scuffing, scratching and pick marks to the top and belt buckle wear into the back. There is odd scratching around all four control knobs, from what we don't know! A small check mark in the top behind the upper rear knob does not extend to the inside of the cavity; it is possible this is the factory flaw that made this guitar a second. There are a few dings and chips mostly to the edges but no large areas of loss. The back of the neck is very clean. The headstock has some edge dings and a couple of old small cigarette burns to the treble side binding. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe added Biggby is installed with the Vibram ate accessory which allows mounting to the guitar without drilling; the entire assembly can easily be removed without notable scarring. The Biggby tail section sits about 3\/8\"off the back rim; as the Vibram ate secures it firmly to the top this is not a functional issue although it looks a bit off. The original stop tailpiece and studs are in the case pocket. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe other hardware shows a few small changes; the knobs are Gibson style but a mismatched set, two black and two gold \"Speed knobs\" that appear to have been there a long time. The strap buttons are black chrome Straploks. The jackplate is a gold metal replacement but all other electronics are original and unaltered with the original patent-stamped Humbucking pickups and a matched set of pots dated the 30th week of 1978. All other hardware appears original as well. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe original frets have been crowned down a bit showing light subsequent wear, the guitar plays very well. It weighs in at 10.38 Lbs. even with the Bigsby, so is far from the heaviest from this era we have seen. This is a cool player, with a different vibe than most late '70s Customs thanks to the Bigsby adding a \"Crazy Horse\" vibe. It resides in a generic period HSC. Overall Excellent - Condition.","brand":"Gibson","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46853692391564,"sku":"13334","price":5500.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0672\/8702\/3756\/files\/01_54e85833-0eed-44d0-a9af-d0d7cf3386e1.jpg?v=1774343161","url":"https:\/\/retrofret.com\/products\/gibson-les-paul-custom-solid-body-electric-guitar-1978-13334","provider":"RetroFret","version":"1.0","type":"link"}