Pricing and availability
We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 1 store. Prices updated .
Store
Reviews
Price
Average Price: $5,995
High-end/Boutique
$400
$1001+
Price Tier
Budget
Standard
High-end
* Product prices and availability are updated by Equipboard every 24hrs and are subject to change. Equipboard may receive compensation for purchases made at participating retailers linked on this site. This compensation does not affect what products or prices are displayed, or the order of prices listed. For more information, please refer to our affiliate disclosure.
Description
Transport yourself back to the golden era of rock with the 1974 Gibson Les Paul Custom, a timeless masterpiece that captures the essence of '70s electric guitar craftsmanship. Revered for its rich history and iconic sound, this guitar is a testament to Gibson's dedication to quality and detail. The 3-piece maple top combined with a unique mahogany/maple/mahogany "pancake" body construction offers unmatched sustain and resonance. The 3-piece mahogany neck, crowned with an ebony fretboard and a neck volute, ensures both durability and a comfortable playing experience.
What truly sets this guitar apart are the Super '74 alnico humbuckers. These pickups have been meticulously recreated to deliver the authentic, era-specific tone that defined mid-'70s rock. Whether you're channeling the energy of a stadium performance or crafting intricate studio pieces, this guitar promises to deliver with precision.
Designed for both collectors and players, the 1974 Gibson Les Paul Custom is more than just an instrument; it's an invitation to relive the magic of an unforgettable musical era. Each guitar comes with a hardshell case and a certificate of authenticity, underscoring its status as a prized addition to any musician's collection.
Key Features:
- Accurate reissue of a 1974 Les Paul Custom
- Mahogany/maple/mahogany "pancake body" with a 3-piece maple top
- Super '74 alnico humbuckers for authentic vintage tone
- 3-piece mahogany neck with an ebony fretboard and neck volute
- Vintage-style details, including witch hat knobs
- Includes hardshell case and certificate of authenticity
Product specs
| Brand | Gibson |
| Model | Les Paul Custom 20th Anniversary |
| Finish | Alpine White, Cherry Sunburst, Ebony, Wine Red |
| Year | 1974 |
| Made In | United States |
| Categories | Solid Body Electric Guitars |
| Body Material | Mahogany |
| Body Shape | Single Cutaway |
| Body Type | Solid Body |
| Bridge/Tailpiece Type | Stop-Bar |
| Color Family | Black, Red, White |
| Finish Pattern | Sunburst |
| Fretboard Material | Ebony |
| Model Family | Gibson Les Paul |
| Model Sub-Family | Gibson Les Paul Custom |
| Neck Construction | Set-Neck |
| Neck Material | Mahogany |
| Number of Frets | 22 |
| Number of Strings | 6-String |
| Pickup Configuration | HH |
| Right / Left Handed | Right Handed |
| Scale Length | 24.75" |
| Series | Gibson Norlin Era |
| Top Material | Maple |
FAQs
-
What is the neck profile like on the 1974 Gibson Les Paul Custom?
-
The 1974 Gibson Les Paul Custom features a '70s-style neck profile, which is typically a bit thicker and rounder than modern slim necks, offering a substantial feel that's favored by many players for its comfort and support during extended playing sessions.
-
What kind of tones can I expect from the 1974 Gibson Les Paul Custom pickups?
-
The 1974 Gibson Les Paul Custom is equipped with dual humbucking pickups, providing a rich, warm tone with plenty of sustain and a smooth, creamy overdrive, making it ideal for rock, blues, and jazz genres.
-
Is the 1974 Gibson Les Paul Custom suitable for beginner guitarists?
-
While the 1974 Gibson Les Paul Custom is a high-quality instrument, its weight and price point may be more suitable for intermediate to advanced players who can fully appreciate its tonal capabilities and craftsmanship.
-
What is the primary wood used in the construction of the 1974 Gibson Les Paul Custom?
-
The 1974 Gibson Les Paul Custom features a mahogany body and neck, providing a warm, resonant tone with excellent sustain, complemented by a maple top for added brightness and clarity.
-
How does the 1974 Gibson Les Paul Custom differ from other Les Paul models?
-
The 1974 Gibson Les Paul Custom is distinguished by its luxurious appointments like an ebony fretboard, gold hardware, and multi-ply binding, delivering a more refined aesthetic and a slightly different tonal character compared to standard models.
Videos
The Trogly's Guitar Show
My Nicest Guitar Find EVER | 1974 Gibson Les Paul Custom 20th Anniversary Natural Flame
Reviews
PROS
-
Epic T-Top pickups provide powerful, clear, and sparkly tones
-
Comfortable neck with smooth volute enhances playability
-
Low action and ultra-low frets create a "fretless wonder" experience
-
Pancake body with solid mahogany neck praised for its feel and sound
-
Stunning visual appeal with lightly figured maple cap and patina
-
Versatile sound suits rock, blues, and jazz genres
-
Durable vintage case in excellent condition
-
Appreciates in value over time, making it a worthwhile investment
CONS
-
Neck issues reported, including lack of straightness and excessive pitch
-
Some guitars may arrive dirty or with inadequate packaging
-
Potential weight variance; buyers should find one that isn't too heavy
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about 1974 Gibson Les Paul Custom.
Build quality
-
Owners highlight the significant weight of the guitar, often around 10 pounds, which can be taxing during extended play.
Source -
Some owners mention the low and smooth frets, which can make playing fluidly and bending strings more challenging.
Source -
The 1974 model's aged lacquer is often highlighted for its unique, surreal appearance, with some guitars transforming from white to a beautifully aged color.
Source -
Original Norlin-era witch hat knobs are highly praised for their aesthetic, with some users desiring exact replicas for their distinct look.
Source
User experience
Comparisons
-
Compared to PRS CE24, the 1974 Les Paul Custom is noted to be much heavier, influencing player comfort and playability preferences.
Source -
A collector notes that the 1974 20th Anniversary model stands out in quality among other Les Paul Customs, citing better materials and craftsmanship compared to other years.
Source
Value and pricing
Setup and maintenance
-
Owners emphasize the importance of refretting, as the original small frets hinder playability for more expressive styles like blues-rock and metal.
Source
Features and functionality
Mods and upgrades
4.5 out of 5
Based on 1 Review and 5 Ratings
197
"Sherry" My 1974 Les Paul Custom in Tobacco Sunburst
My 1974 Les Paul Custom is in Tobacco Sunburst. It is an incredible instrument. I use it for many different genre's, but I mostly focus on Blues and Jazz. The Neck pick up is velvet, incredible thick and smooth and perfect for smooth jazz, crooning blues or getting Clapton's "Woman Tone". When I need this guitar to rock, I plug in my zvex box of rock distortion pedal and I instantly have the classic Les Paul and Marshall combination. This is a guitar I will keep for the rest of my life. I couldn't ask for a better signature axe.
Artist usage
Add artist
In this Live Footage from 1981, Rhoads can be seen with one of his main guitars, a 1974 Alpine White Les Paul Custom. Rhoads would commonly turn down one of the Pickups all the way and use the Toggle-Switch as a Killswitch.
Ace Frehley with KISS-- San Bernardino, California, January 18 1975, this is most likely his Les Paul Deluxe and the lighting on stage is making it appear white. Regardless this is not a Les Paul "Custom" as there is no inlay on the first fret and no diamond logo on the head stock.
In John Fogerty’s interview with Vintage Guitar Magazine, he mentioned that he recorded his self-titled 1975 solo album and his unreleased 1976 album “Hoodoo” with a newer 1974 Gibson Les Paul in tobacco Sunburst(as he retired both of his original CCR 1968 Les Paul Custom Black Beauties after the bands breakup) and a Sunburst 1973 Fender Telecaster(that he picked up for his 1973 first solo album “The Blue Ridge Rangers” and it can be seen on the unreleased 1976 “Hoodoo” album cover photo).
Lindsey Buckingham played a 1974 Gibson Les Paul Custom, notably during the Rumours Tour in 1977. A user-uploaded photo on Tumblr shows a later replacement with different tuners and a slightly more tinted color, suggesting a mid-tour change.
Steve Jones is seen playing a 1974 Gibson Les Paul Custom, previously owned by Sylvain Sylvain of the New York Dolls, in the Sex Pistols' "God Save The Queen" music video on SexPistolsVEVO's YouTube channel.
In this May 10, 2019 Instagram post, Faulkner states:
"As pretty as can be, the @gibsoncustom 74 custom #lespaul in full flight from the other nights showdown in #atlanta. I used it for Spectre and Take these Chains. Sounds and plays amazing RHRF DOTF #judaspriest #firepower @gibsonguitar @gueikian #faulkyeah #eavyfaulkinmetal #gibsonfamily Pics by @sneezyphd"
Tom can be seen playing a white custom Les Paul throughout the video for Somebody Save Me
Genre Usage
Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.
Used With
Based on how musicians on Equipboard use 1974 Gibson Les Paul Custom, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
More Gibson Solid Body Electric Guitars
Accessories & Related Items
Community setups
Similar
Gear Guides
Most Popular Solid Body Electric Guitars
Most Popular Brands
-
Added to Equipboard on by
IitisleeannGear IQ 1371
-