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Description

Step back in time with the 1989 Gibson Les Paul Custom, a quintessential piece of musical history that brings vintage charm and legendary sound to your fingertips. Crafted during a pivotal era for rock and blues, this iconic model embodies the timeless appeal and robust build quality Gibson is renowned for. The Les Paul Custom from 1989 is celebrated for its smooth playability and rich, resonant tones that have made it a favorite among professionals and collectors alike.

Equipped with dual humbucking pickups, this solid body electric guitar delivers a powerful and versatile sound, capable of handling everything from crunchy rock riffs to silky smooth jazz chords. The classic mahogany body combined with a maple top ensures a perfect balance of warmth and clarity, while the ebony fingerboard offers a luxurious playing experience. Not only does this instrument excel in performance, but its unique design elements make it a standout piece on any stage or studio setting.

Whether you're a seasoned player or a dedicated collector, the 1989 Gibson Les Paul Custom is a remarkable addition to any guitar arsenal, offering both historical significance and unparalleled sound quality.

Key Features:

  • Dual humbucking pickups for versatile sound
  • Mahogany body with maple top for balanced tone
  • Ebony fingerboard for smooth playability
  • Vintage 1989 model with classic design elements
  • High-quality craftsmanship from Gibson's renowned Custom Shop

Product specs

Brand Gibson
Model Les Paul Custom
Finish Alpine White, Burgundy Mist, Charcoal Metallic, Cherry Sunburst, Ebony, Ferrari Red, Tobacco Sunburst, Wine Red
Year 1986 - 1989
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, 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"
Top Material Maple
Wood Top Style Plain

FAQs

What is the neck profile like on the Gibson Les Paul Custom (1986-1989)?

The Gibson Les Paul Custom from 1986-1989 typically features a rounded neck profile, offering a comfortable grip that suits both rhythm and lead playing styles.

What kind of tones can I expect from the pickups on the Gibson Les Paul Custom (1986-1989)?

The Gibson Les Paul Custom (1986-1989) is equipped with dual humbucker pickups, providing rich, warm tones with a strong midrange presence, making it ideal for rock, blues, and jazz.

Is the Gibson Les Paul Custom (1986-1989) suitable for advanced players?

Yes, the Gibson Les Paul Custom (1986-1989) is designed with professional features, including high-quality tonewoods and craftsmanship, making it an excellent choice for advanced players seeking superior sound and playability.

What materials are used in the construction of the Gibson Les Paul Custom (1986-1989)?

The Gibson Les Paul Custom (1986-1989) features a solid mahogany body with a maple top, a mahogany neck, and an ebony fretboard, contributing to its sustain and tonal depth.

How does the Gibson Les Paul Custom (1986-1989) compare to other Les Paul models?

The Les Paul Custom (1986-1989) is known for its luxurious appointments and superior craftsmanship, offering a more refined aesthetic and tonal sophistication compared to standard Les Paul models.

The Trogly's Guitar Show

The Trogly's Guitar Show

Circuit Board Pickups? 1989 Gibson Les Paul Custom Tobacco Sunburst - Bill Lawrence "The Original"

Video thumbnail for Circuit Board Pickups? 1989 Gibson Les Paul Custom Tobacco Sunburst - Bill Lawrence "The Original" by The Trogly's Guitar Show

Circuit Board Pickups? 1989 Gibson Les Paul Custom Tobacco Sunburst - Bill Lawrence "The Original"

The Trogly's Guitar Show

The Trogly's Guitar Show

Video thumbnail for Gibson Les Paul Custom 1989 - Pickup The Original HB-L HB-R by MrSanSystem

Gibson Les Paul Custom 1989 - Pickup The Original HB-L HB-R

MrSanSystem

MrSanSystem

Video thumbnail for Guitar of the Day: 1989-90 Gibson Les Paul Custom 35th Anniversary | Norman's Rare Guitars by Normans Rare Guitars

Guitar of the Day: 1989-90 Gibson Les Paul Custom 35th Anniversary | Norman's Rare Guitars

Normans Rare Guitars

Normans Rare Guitars

Video thumbnail for 1989 Gibson Les Paul Custom,  Part1 by GregsGuitars

1989 Gibson Les Paul Custom, Part1

GregsGuitars

GregsGuitars

Video thumbnail for Gibson Les Paul Custom, Wine Red, 1989 at The Fellowship of Acoustics by The Fellowship of Acoustics

Gibson Les Paul Custom, Wine Red, 1989 at The Fellowship of Acoustics

The Fellowship of Acoustics

The Fellowship of Acoustics

Video thumbnail for 1989 Gibson Les Paul Custom Black | Peter Frampton Vibe | Review + Demo by The Trogly's Guitar Show

1989 Gibson Les Paul Custom Black | Peter Frampton Vibe | Review + Demo

The Trogly's Guitar Show

The Trogly's Guitar Show

Video thumbnail for 1989 Gibson Les Paul Custom by Replay Guitar Exchange

1989 Gibson Les Paul Custom

Replay Guitar Exchange

Replay Guitar Exchange

Video thumbnail for Mint 1989 Gibson Les Paul Custom | GuitarPoint Vintage Guitars by GuitarPoint

Mint 1989 Gibson Les Paul Custom | GuitarPoint Vintage Guitars

GuitarPoint

GuitarPoint

Reviews

PROS

  • Exceptional tone with warm cleans and clear crunchy distortion

  • Heavy body offers great sustain and classic Les Paul feel

  • Ebony fretboard is smooth and fast for effortless playability

  • High build quality post-1986 acquisition, feels and looks high-end

  • Versatile sound with coil split humbuckers

  • Bill Lawrence pickups provide surprising clarity even with distortion

  • Neck pickup is balanced; bridge pickup offers bite and growl

  • Feels special and inspirational, enhancing the playing experience

  • Vintage appeal with timeless look and craftsmanship

CONS

  • Potential discrepancies in actual condition vs. described condition

  • Headstock wear and tear may not be clearly disclosed

  • Price may not align with condition for collectors

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Gibson Les Paul Custom (1986-1989).

User experience

  • Owners mention that the early Nashville Gibsons, like the late '80s Les Paul Customs, are highly regarded for their superior craftsmanship and quality.

    Source
  • 1979 Les Paul Custom noted for its unusually thin neck, reminiscent of a slim 60s profile but distinct from current models.

    Source
  • One owner compared a Burny Les Paul to a 92 Les Paul Studio, noting minimal difference in feel, highlighting the Burny's quality.

    Source

Comparisons

  • The 1989 Gibson Les Paul Custom is compared favorably to models used by iconic guitarists like Brian Robertson and John Sykes, noted for its similar aesthetic and tonal capabilities.

    Source
  • 2013 model with richlite fretboard cleaned significantly faster post-tour than 2022 model with ebony, highlighting practical maintenance benefits.

    Source
  • Burny guitars are often likened to their Gibson counterparts for playability, though the Burny models are praised for having more character and "mojo," especially in older models.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The guitar in question featured Seymour Duncan Pearly Gates pickups, which are praised for their distinctive tone, although some users speculate other pickup models like the SH-5 Custom and SH-59 might fit similarly.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • This model is linked to playing heavy songs, with mentions of its suitability for riffs like John Sykes' "Cold Sweat," highlighting its appeal for hard rock and metal genres.

    Source
  • Owners praise the 1987-1992 models, suggesting these years for those seeking specific tonal and build characteristics.

    Source

Build quality

  • Richlite fretboards, noted for their uniform dark color, resist finger gunk better than ebony and reduce issues with fret sprout.

    Source
  • Burny Les Paul models from the late '80s often feature mahogany tops for black and white finishes, adding to their lighter weight, around 8.3-4 lbs.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • Saving $500-$1,000 by opting for Richlite over ebony, with some owners unable to distinguish between the two visually.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • Owners suggest replacing knobs with black "Witch Hat" knobs from Telecaster Deluxes for aesthetic and functional improvements.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • It's recommended to inspect inside the pickup and control cavities for wood type confirmation, though some components might require careful handling due to age.

    Source

Critic Reviews

1989 Gibson Les Paul Custom – Tym Guitars Online

tymguitars.com.au

The 1989 Gibson Les Paul Custom shines as a testament to Gibson's late '80s resurgence, characterized by remarkable build quality and superior materials. Despite not being entirely vintage-correct, these guitars captured the essence of Gibson's classic craftsmanship, offering exceptional feel and construction. The review highlights a period of excellence before the advent of the Custom Shop, which diverted resources and talent, leading to a decline. Nonetheless, this model stands out as a high point in Gibson's history, showcasing their commitment to quality over profit during a brief but impactful era.

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