1988 Gibson Les Paul Custom

$3,650.00 Price Tier: High-end

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Page last updated Jun 30, 2026

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5.0 (33)

$3,650.00 38 available Used

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Average Price: $3,650

High-end/Boutique

$400

$1001+

Price Tier

In the Solid Body Electric Guitars category, 1988 Gibson Les Paul Custom is priced in the High-end/Boutique range. This premium gear is built to very high standards and offers premium features.

Budget

Standard

High-end

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Description

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The 1988 Gibson Les Paul Custom is a quintessential piece of music history, embodying the blend of craftsmanship and innovation that Gibson is renowned for. This solid body electric guitar is a favorite among musicians for its classic design and remarkable tonal versatility. Built with a mahogany body and a maple top, it offers a rich, warm resonance that is iconic in the world of rock and blues. The Les Paul Custom is distinguished by its elegantly bound body, neck, and headstock, adding a touch of sophistication to its robust construction.

Equipped with dual humbucking pickups, this guitar delivers the powerful, sustained sound that has made the Les Paul a staple in countless recordings. The 1988 model, in particular, is celebrated for its unique tonal clarity and sustain, thanks to the period-specific manufacturing techniques that Gibson employed at the time. The ebony fretboard not only enhances playability but also contributes to the guitar’s striking aesthetic.

The 1988 Gibson Les Paul Custom is more than just an instrument; it’s a statement piece that connects the player to a rich musical heritage. Whether you're performing on stage or recording in the studio, this guitar ensures a performance that’s both timeless and inspiring.

Key Features:

Solid mahogany body with a maple top
Dual humbucking pickups for powerful sound
Ebony fretboard with pearl block inlays
Elegant binding on body, neck, and headstock
Manufactured with period-specific techniques for enhanced tonal clarity and sustain

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The Trogly's Guitar Show

Trogly's Guitars: 1988 Gibson Les Paul Custom Wine Red

The Trogly's Guitar Show

1988 Gibson Les Paul Custom

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1988 Gibson Les Paul Custom Black Beauty

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Reviews

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Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about 1988 Gibson Les Paul Custom.

Features and functionality

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The 1988 Les Paul Custom is noted for its original PAF-style pickups from the factory, likely Tim Shaw era or Bill Lawrence "circuit board" pickups.
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The guitar includes a coil tap switch replacing the second tone knob, offering a versatile three-way toggle with two independent volume controls and a master tone.
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The guitar weighs approximately 8.23 lbs, balancing the feel of a classic LP Custom with the reduced weight of a Lite model.
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The lighter body design and comfort are frequently highlighted as superior to traditional Les Pauls.
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Build quality

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A 1988 model in pristine, museum-quality condition was noted for having an unfaded cherry sunburst finish, which is unique and well-preserved for its age.
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The 1988 Les Paul Custom Lite features a slimmer body profile, approximately a third thinner than typical LP Customs, contributing to its unique feel and comfort.
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The metallic sunset color is particularly cherished, with some describing it as reminiscent of strawberry sorbet.
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Value and pricing

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An owner acquired a pristine 1988 Les Paul Custom for approximately $2500 CAD, considered reasonable for its condition.
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Comparisons

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Compared to other models, the 1988 Les Paul Custom features gold hardware, an ebony fretboard, and a slim neck, making it distinct within the Les Paul lineup.
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Compared to Epiphone LP Prophecy Plus, the 1988 Custom Lite is roughly 10% lighter, yet still retains the substantial feel of a traditional LP Custom.
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User experience

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Owners have noted the 1988 Lite's neck profile is a slim 60's style, which is preferred by those with smaller hands and contrasted with the thicker necks of reissues.
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One owner found the frets well-preserved and freshly crowned and polished, despite the guitar's age and heavy use.
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Owners emphasize improved top fret access, making it easier to play compared to a typical Les Paul.
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