Pricing and availability
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Average Price: $8,329
High-end/Boutique
$400
$1001+
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Price History
Based on price data from 4 merchants for "Gibson 1968 Les Paul Custom". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.
* 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
The Gibson 1968 Les Paul Custom is not just a guitar; it's a timeless piece of rock history, meticulously brought back to life by Gibson's Custom Shop. This reissue captures the essence of the original with its authentic '68 medium C mahogany neck profile and iconic solid maple top paired with a mahogany back, ensuring a rich, full-bodied sound. The sleek nitrocellulose lacquer finish not only enhances its vintage charm but also allows the guitar to age gracefully, promising to look and sound better with time.
Equipped with custom '68 humbuckers, this Les Paul delivers the classic PAF humbucker tone that defined an era. The neck pickup offers warm, deep tones perfect for jazz and blues, while the bridge pickup cuts through with bright, punchy sounds, ideal for rock and fusion. The guitar's period-correct long neck tenon ensures unparalleled sustain and resonance, making every note you play linger with clarity and power.
Aesthetic details like the multi-ply binding, mother-of-pearl block inlays, and gold hardware give this guitar its distinguished "tuxedo" appearance. The lightweight aluminum stop tailpiece balances the bite and sustain, while classic Kluson "Waffle Back" tuners and Black Witch Hat knobs complete its vintage look. Whether you're a player or a collector, the Gibson 1968 Les Paul Custom is a must-have for anyone who appreciates the craftsmanship and sound of a true classic.
Key Features:
- Authentic '68 medium C mahogany neck profile
- Solid maple top with mahogany back for rich tone
- Custom '68 humbuckers for classic PAF sound
- Period-correct long neck tenon for exceptional sustain
- Nitrocellulose lacquer finish for vintage aesthetics
- Multi-ply binding and gold hardware
- Lightweight aluminum stop tailpiece for enhanced sustain
- Mother-of-pearl block inlays and Black Witch Hat knobs
Product specs
| Brand | Gibson |
| Model | Les Paul Custom |
| Year | 1968 |
| Made In | United States |
| Categories | Solid Body Electric Guitars |
| Body Shape | Single Cutaway |
| Body Type | Solid Body |
| Bridge/Tailpiece Type | Stop-Bar |
| Color Family | Black |
| Fretboard Material | Ebony |
| Model Family | Gibson Les Paul |
| Model Sub-Family | Gibson Les Paul Custom |
| Neck Construction | Set-Neck |
| Number of Frets | 22 |
| Number of Strings | 6-String |
| Pickup Configuration | HH |
| Right / Left Handed | Right Handed |
FAQs
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What is the neck profile like on the Gibson 1968 Les Paul Custom?
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The Gibson 1968 Les Paul Custom features a rounded mahogany neck profile, providing a comfortable and familiar feel for players, especially those accustomed to vintage guitar neck shapes.
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What kind of tones can I expect from the 1968 Les Paul Custom's pickups?
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The Gibson 1968 Les Paul Custom is equipped with custom humbuckers that deliver warm, versatile tones suitable for a wide range of music genres, from rock to blues and jazz.
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Is the 1968 Les Paul Custom suitable for advanced players?
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Yes, the Gibson 1968 Les Paul Custom is an excellent choice for advanced players, offering high-quality craftsmanship, a rich tonal palette, and a classic design that appeals to experienced musicians.
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What materials are used in the construction of the Gibson 1968 Les Paul Custom?
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The Gibson 1968 Les Paul Custom features a solid maple top with a mahogany back, an ebony fingerboard with mother-of-pearl block inlays, and a nitrocellulose lacquer finish, all contributing to its premium build and sound quality.
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How does the 3-way pickup selector work on the 1968 Les Paul Custom?
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The 3-way pickup selector on the Gibson 1968 Les Paul Custom allows players to easily switch between the neck pickup, bridge pickup, or a combination of both, providing flexible tone options for various playing styles.
Videos
Cream City Music
TONE CHECK: Gibson Custom Shop 1968 Les Paul Custom Demo | No Talking
TONE CHECK: Gibson Custom Shop 1968 Les Paul Custom Demo | No Talking
Cream City Music
1968 Gibson Les Paul Custom Black Beauty Solid Body Electric Guitar up for sale in April 3 Auction
Heritage Auctions
First batch 1968 Gibson Les Paul Custom !
GuitarPoint
Reviews
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Gibson 1968 Les Paul Custom.
Comparisons
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A used Les Paul Classic with gold hardware can mimic 80% of the '68 Custom's aesthetic for significantly less cost.
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The 68 Reissue is noted for using higher quality wood, resulting in a lighter and more resonant guitar compared to the regular Custom with 9-hole weight relief.
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It's been noted that the 1968 Custom is perceived as similar to a 1959 reissue but with a different aesthetic.
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Build quality
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The headstock angle on the '68 Reissue was altered for better tuning stability, addressing a common complaint about older models.
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The 68 Reissue features a yellow-tinted thinner nitro lacquer, which contrasts with the regular Custom's clear nitro lacquer that yellows naturally over time.
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User experience
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After six months of ownership, one user regretted trading the '68 Custom due to its exceptional neck feel and neck pickup tone.
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Aesthetic preferences such as the amber tint on the 68 Reissue's binding and headstock are highly praised for their vintage look.
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Owners report the Murphy Lab Ultra Light relic model as both visually appealing and brighter in tone compared to regular Custom Shop Les Pauls.
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One owner mentioned their guitar weighed 4.3 kg, highlighting the variability in weight among individual units.
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Value and pricing
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The '68 Custom's pricing is seen as excessive given its mass production and minimal spec changes over decades.
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Setup and maintenance
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The guitar is noted for its substantial weight, which could be a consideration for some players.
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Features and functionality
Based on 0 Reviews and 0 Ratings
Artist usage
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In an interview with Vintage Guitar Magazine, Steve Miller confirmed that he used a black 1968 Gibson Les Paul Custom for the recording of his 1969 album "Brave New World."
Henry Vestine was seen using his Gibson 1968 Les Paul Custom during Canned Heat's performance at the Montreux Jazz Festival in 1973, as documented in an image available on Equipboard. This guitar was his main instrument from 1970 until his passing in 1997.
Makoto Ayukawa is confirmed to use a Gibson 1968 Les Paul Custom, which he purchased in 1995. This guitar, bearing the serial number "539458," is distinct from the 1969 model due to its two-piece maple top and one-piece mahogany body back and neck. Ayukawa has stated, "the sound is thicker and more elegant than the main one." This information is validated by an article authored by 福崎敬太 in the ギター・マガジンWEB｜Guitar magazine, as featured in their May 2023 issue.
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 Gibson 1968 Les Paul Custom, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
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