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1978 Gibson Les Paul Custom 25/50 Anniversary Electric Guitar

1978 Gibson Les Paul Custom 25/50 Anniversary Electric Guitar

$4,799.99 Price Tier: High-end

5.0 (2)

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Page last updated Jul 04, 2026

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We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 1 store. Prices updated July 4, 2026.

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5.0 (11)

$4,799.99 16 available Used

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Average Price: $4,800

High-end/Boutique

$400

$1001+

Price Tier

In the Solid Body Electric Guitars category, 1978 Gibson Les Paul Custom 25/50 Anniversary Electric Guitar is priced in the High-end/Boutique range. This premium gear is built to very high standards and offers premium features.

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Description

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The 1978 Gibson Les Paul Custom 25/50 Anniversary Electric Guitar is a true testament to artistry and innovation, celebrating 25 years of the iconic Les Paul design and 50 years of Les Paul’s illustrious career. This vintage masterpiece is not just a musical instrument; it’s a piece of history that offers an unparalleled playing experience. Crafted with precision, it boasts some of the most luxurious features ever seen on a Les Paul, making it a prized possession for any guitarist.

From its coil-tapping capabilities that offer a versatile tonal palette to the fine-tuning tailpiece ensuring perfect pitch, every detail has been meticulously designed to enhance your sound. The split block inlays and ornate headstock add an aesthetic charm that’s as compelling as its rich, resonant tones. Whether you're a collector, a performer, or a dedicated Les Paul enthusiast, this guitar is a rare find that delivers both in style and substance.

The 1978 Gibson Les Paul Custom 25/50 Anniversary is more than just a guitar; it's a celebration of musical legacy and craftsmanship.

Key Features:

Commemorative 25/50 Anniversary design
Coil-tapping for versatile sound options
Fine-tuning tailpiece for precise intonation
Split block fretboard inlays
Ornate headstock with intricate design
Vintage build with high-quality materials

Product specs

Brand	Gibson
Model	Les Paul 25/50 Anniversary
Finish	Antique Sunburst, Ebony, Natural, Wine Red
Year	1978 - 1980
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, Brown, Red, Tan
Finish Pattern	Sunburst
Fretboard Material	Ebony
Model Family	Gibson Les Paul
Model Sub-Family	Gibson Les Paul Custom
Neck Construction	Set-Neck
Neck Material	Maple
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 makes the 1978 Gibson Les Paul Custom 25/50 Anniversary unique?: This guitar commemorates the 25th anniversary of the Les Paul model and the 50th anniversary of Les Paul's career, featuring a special inlay at the 12th fret and a unique headstock design. It combines classic Les Paul elements with distinctive aesthetics and craftsmanship.
What type of pickups does the 1978 Gibson Les Paul Custom 25/50 Anniversary have?: The guitar is equipped with dual humbucking pickups, providing a rich, warm tone with excellent sustain, suitable for a variety of music genres from rock to blues.
Is the 1978 Gibson Les Paul Custom 25/50 Anniversary suitable for live performances?: Yes, with its solid mahogany body and maple top, this guitar offers excellent resonance and durability, making it a reliable choice for live performances.
How does the neck profile of the 1978 Gibson Les Paul Custom 25/50 Anniversary affect playability?: The guitar features a set-neck construction with a maple neck, offering a comfortable grip and smooth playability, ideal for both rhythm and lead guitarists.
What finish options are available for the 1978 Gibson Les Paul Custom 25/50 Anniversary?: This model is available in several finishes, including Antique Sunburst, Ebony, Natural, and Wine Red, allowing players to choose a style that suits their personal aesthetic preferences.

Videos

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The Trogly's Guitar Show

1978 Gibson Les Paul 25/50 Anniversary Natural

The Trogly's Guitar Show

An Inside Look | 1978 Gibson 25/50 Anniversary Les Paul + Playing Demo

The Trogly's Guitar Show

Trade the Same Model for Another One + Cash? 1978 Gibson Les Paul 25/50 Anniversary Review + Demo

The Trogly's Guitar Show

1978 Gibson Les Paul 25/50 Anniversary Tobacco Sunburst #0057

The Trogly's Guitar Show

Trogly's Guitars: 1978 Gibson Les Paul 25/50 Anniversary Natural

The Trogly's Guitar Show

Reviews

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PROS

Stunning design with a blend of 70s and 80s aesthetics
Unique silver and gold anniversary metal finishing
Versatile sound with split coil mode for rhythm parts
Strong, feedback-resistant pickups with high output
Exceptional build quality with rare materials like 5-piece neck
Collectible value, likely to appreciate over time
Excellent sustain characteristic of Les Paul guitars
Perfect for collectors seeking rare pre-80s limited edition models

CONS

Very heavy, weighing over 5 kg, requiring a large strap
Bassy tone can become muddy if not carefully managed
Out of phase sound may be too tinny without neck pickup
Medium to large frets wear faster with frequent play

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about 1978 Gibson Les Paul Custom 25/50 Anniversary Electric Guitar.

Build quality

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Some owners mention the guitar's tiny flat frets, which may require adjustment for players used to more modern fret sizes.
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The 1981 model is noted for its maple neck and flatter dome top, while the 1987 features a more modern top-carve and weight relief.
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User experience

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Owners of tobacco sunburst models express a strong emotional attachment, often citing it as the best guitar they've ever played.
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Value and pricing

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Several users question the high asking price of $4000, considering it excessive for a Norlin era Gibson, which is often viewed as mediocre.
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It's noted that guitars from the late '80s and early '90s are considered some of the best post-Norlin Gibsons, maintaining high quality before drastic changes occurred later.
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Features and functionality

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The guitar is noted for its heavy body, typical of 70s Gibsons, which some find cumbersome during extended play.
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An '81 model includes unique flip-out cranks in the tuners, adding a distinct feature compared to other models.
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Comparisons

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A few users compare these models unfavorably to 70s Martins and Fenders, indicating that they are not typically sought after by collectors.
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Norlin-era guitars are described as having more aggressive tones with a bit more bite, attributed to maple necks, compared to the rounder sound of newer models.
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Mods and upgrades

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Owners suggest swapping the Shaw pickup to the bridge and the T-Top to the neck for optimal performance, assuming the T-Top has enough lead.
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Critic Reviews

The Gibson Les Paul 25/50 Anniversary Model: "The Most Les"

lespaulforum.com

The 1978 Gibson Les Paul Custom 25/50 Anniversary model charms with its intricate design and unique features like coil tap switching and Series VII pickups, providing a versatile sonic palette. Its craftsmanship, highlighted by a flamed maple neck and ornate inlays, appeals to collectors. However, its hefty weight can be a burden for some players. Despite being marketed as a limited edition, the presence of factory seconds slightly diminishes its exclusivity. Overall, it's a visually striking guitar with historical significance, but its practicality may not suit every guitarist.

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Phil X

Singer, Guitarist

Bon Jovi

Verified via YouTube

"This "Tobacco Sunburst" Kalamazoo made Les Paul Custom "25/50 Anniversary" model weighs 10.30 lbs. Solid mahogany body with highly flamed two-piece, book-matched carved maple top." - Fretted Americana