Pricing and availability

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Average Price: $1,427

High-end/Boutique

$400

$1001+

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Budget

Standard

High-end

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Description

Step back in time with the 1997 Gibson Les Paul Classic, a beloved piece that seamlessly marries the vintage charm of the '60s with modern enhancements. This electric guitar is perfect for musicians who crave the robust sound and timeless aesthetic that only a Les Paul can provide. Featuring the iconic single cutaway design, this model is crafted with a mahogany body paired with a maple top, delivering the warm, rich tones that have defined rock music for decades. The rosewood fingerboard ensures a smooth playing experience, while the exposed humbuckers offer a powerful, punchy sound that's ideal for everything from blues to hard rock.

What sets the 1997 Les Paul Classic apart is its versatile tone control, allowing players to effortlessly switch from sharp, biting leads to smooth, mellow rhythms. Whether you're a seasoned performer or an enthusiastic hobbyist, this guitar promises not only reliability but also a piece of musical history in your hands. Its impeccable craftsmanship, combined with enduring design, makes it an essential addition to any guitarist's collection.

Key Features:

  • Mahogany body with maple top
  • Rosewood fingerboard
  • Iconic single cutaway design
  • Exposed humbuckers for dynamic sound
  • Versatile tone control for a wide range of musical styles

Product specs

Brand Gibson
Model Les Paul Classic
Finish Amber, Bullion Gold, Ebony, Heritage Cherry Sunburst, Honey Burst, Lightburst, Vintage Sunburst, Wine Red
Year 1990 - 2008
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, Gold, Red, Yellow
Finish Pattern Sunburst
Finish Style Gloss, Metallic
Fretboard Material Rosewood
Fretboard Radius 12"
Model Family Gibson Les Paul
Model Sub-Family Gibson Les Paul Classic
Neck Construction Set-Neck
Neck Material Mahogany
Number of Frets 22
Number of Strings 6-String
Nut Width 1.6875"
Offset Body Non-Offset Body
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 of the 1997 Gibson Les Paul Classic?

The 1997 Gibson Les Paul Classic features a slim taper neck profile, which provides a fast and comfortable playing experience, ideal for players who prefer a thinner neck.

What type of pickups does the 1997 Gibson Les Paul Classic use?

The 1997 Gibson Les Paul Classic is equipped with 496R and 500T humbucking pickups, known for their high output and ability to deliver powerful rock and metal tones.

Is the 1997 Gibson Les Paul Classic suitable for beginners?

While the 1997 Gibson Les Paul Classic offers excellent playability and sound, its features and price point are generally more suited for intermediate to advanced players who can fully appreciate its capabilities.

How does the 1997 Gibson Les Paul Classic compare to the Les Paul Standard?

The 1997 Les Paul Classic is lighter due to its 9-hole weight relief and features hotter pickups compared to the Standard, making it ideal for players seeking a more aggressive tone.

What finishes are available for the 1997 Gibson Les Paul Classic?

The 1997 Gibson Les Paul Classic is available in several finishes, including Amber, Bullion Gold, Ebony, Heritage Cherry Sunburst, Honey Burst, Lightburst, Vintage Sunburst, and Wine Red.

Fred D.

Fred D.

Gibson Les Paul Classic 1997

Video thumbnail for Gibson Les Paul Classic 1997 by Fred D.

Gibson Les Paul Classic 1997

Fred D.

Fred D.

Video thumbnail for 1997 Gibson Les Paul Classic by GregsGuitars

1997 Gibson Les Paul Classic

GregsGuitars

GregsGuitars

Reviews

PROS

  • Exceptional neck with low action, great for easy note bending

  • Built with an ABR-1 bridge, valued for historic accuracy

  • Aged lacquer finish that remains non-sticky after long play sessions

  • Slim neck suits smaller hands, enhancing playability

  • Excellent sustain and meaty tones admired by seasoned players

  • Highly regarded by collectors over newer Custom Shop models

  • Durable build quality with subtle flame aesthetic

  • Affordable compared to other high-end Les Paul models

  • Offers a classic Les Paul experience without needing a reissue

CONS

  • Factory tool marks noted on fretboard and binding

  • Stock pickups considered mediocre by some owners

  • Heavier weight may not suit all players

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about 1997 Gibson Les Paul Classic.

Mods and upgrades

  • Owners have swapped out ceramic pickups for Seymour Duncan Antiquities, significantly improving tone for specific musical styles.

    Source
  • Users have dipped pickups in wax to reduce microphonic feedback, indicating a common issue with these models.

    Source

Build quality

  • Some models feature celluloid inlays that age to a snot green color, which is considered unattractive by some users.

    Source

User experience

  • While praised for sound, the guitar is noted to be heavy and unbalanced, particularly for those who play sitting down.

    Source

Comparisons

  • A 1992 model is seen as a "poor man's R0," but users acknowledge a gap in quality compared to historic models.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • Early 90s models without "Les Paul Classic" on the headstock are considered the most desirable among enthusiasts.

    Source

5.0 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 2 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
seb_astian

The Main Axe

I bought this guitar in 2012 after getting graduated from high school and it became an irreplaceable part of my sound and life. I've add some little upgrades to it but it was a blast right from the get go.

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Laura Cox uses 1997 Gibson Les Paul Classic

Laura Cox

Guitarist

...
Verified via YouTube

1997 Gibson Les Paul Classic is Cox's main guitar. Cox writes:

I've been playing guitar for 9 years now, and all this time I've been dreaming of a Gibson Les Paul... My dream finally came true a couple of days ago !!! Let me introduce you to my new guitar : a 1997 Gibson Les Paul Classic Plus Honey Burst (with Lollar Pickups of course :) ) I'm totally crazy about it! It looks and sounds amazing, I'm sooo happy and so proud to own a guitar like this one :)"

The guitar was mentioned in 2019 Guitar World interview, where it was used for the recording of the 2019 album "Burning Bright".

See how Sebastian S. Sorrosa uses 1997 Gibson Les Paul Classic

Sebastian S. Sorrosa

Guitarist, Composer

...
Verified via YouTube

This was my first serious guitar and it has been with me for years... I felt in love with this axe from the very first moment

Album Usage

The 1997 Gibson Les Paul Classic has been featured on the following albums:

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 1997 Gibson Les Paul Classic, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

Line 6 Tone Port UX1
Line 6 Tone Port UX1 Audio Interfaces
1

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