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Description

The Gibson Les Paul KM, affectionately known as the "Kalamazoo," is a superb embodiment of craftsmanship, designed for guitar enthusiasts who appreciate history and performance. Originating from Gibson’s Kalamazoo factory in the late 1970s, this solid body electric guitar showcases the classic Les Paul design with a few unique twists that set it apart. Revered for its unique tone and exceptional build, the Les Paul KM offers a warm, rich sound that has captivated musicians across genres.

Featuring a maple top on a mahogany body, the Les Paul KM provides the perfect balance of resonance and sustain. The guitar is equipped with dual humbucking pickups, delivering a versatile sound palette that ranges from smooth and creamy to sharp and biting. The proprietary wiring ensures a clean signal path, allowing for precise tonal adjustments. The traditional 22-fret rosewood fingerboard offers a comfortable playing experience, whether you’re crafting intricate solos or laying down solid rhythm parts.

A staple in the arsenal of many iconic guitarists, the Gibson Les Paul KM offers a blend of vintage aesthetics and modern playability, making it an ideal choice for both collectors and active musicians.

Key Features:

  • Solid mahogany body with maple top
  • Dual humbucking pickups for versatile sound
  • 22-fret rosewood fingerboard
  • Proprietary wiring system for enhanced signal clarity
  • Classic Les Paul styling with a unique twist from the Kalamazoo era
  • Renowned for its warm, rich tone and sustain

Product specs

Brand Gibson
Model Les Paul KM (Kalamazoo)
Finish Antique Sunburst, Cherry Sunburst, Natural
Year 1979
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 Brown, Red, Tan
Finish Pattern Sunburst
Fretboard Material Rosewood
Model Family Gibson Les Paul
Model Sub-Family Gibson Les Paul KM Kalamazoo
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"
Series Gibson Norlin Era
Top Material Maple

FAQs

What makes the Gibson Les Paul KM (Kalamazoo) unique compared to other Les Paul models?

The Gibson Les Paul KM (Kalamazoo) is notable for its production during the Norlin era at the historic Kalamazoo plant, featuring a distinctive sunburst finish and a combination of mahogany and maple in its construction, which contributes to its unique tonal characteristics.

What type of pickups does the Gibson Les Paul KM (Kalamazoo) have?

The Gibson Les Paul KM (Kalamazoo) is equipped with a dual humbucker (HH) configuration, providing a rich, powerful sound with reduced noise, ideal for rock and blues genres.

Is the Gibson Les Paul KM (Kalamazoo) suitable for advanced players?

Yes, the Gibson Les Paul KM (Kalamazoo) is well-suited for advanced players due to its high-quality construction, classic Les Paul tone, and vintage appeal, making it a desirable choice for experienced musicians seeking a reliable and expressive instrument.

What is the neck profile of the Gibson Les Paul KM (Kalamazoo)?

The Gibson Les Paul KM (Kalamazoo) features a set-neck construction with a comfortable profile that offers smooth playability, catering to both rhythm and lead guitarists.

How does the tone of the Gibson Les Paul KM (Kalamazoo) compare to other Les Pauls?

The Gibson Les Paul KM (Kalamazoo) delivers a warm, resonant tone with a strong midrange presence, thanks to its mahogany body and maple top, making it comparable to other classic Les Paul models while offering its own distinct sound.

The Trogly's Guitar Show

The Trogly's Guitar Show

Robert Baker's Personal Les Paul “Indy” | 1979 Gibson Les Paul KM Tobacco Sunburst | Review + Demo

Video thumbnail for Robert Baker's Personal Les Paul “Indy” | 1979 Gibson Les Paul KM Tobacco Sunburst | Review + Demo by The Trogly's Guitar Show

Robert Baker's Personal Les Paul “Indy” | 1979 Gibson Les Paul KM Tobacco Sunburst | Review + Demo

The Trogly's Guitar Show

The Trogly's Guitar Show

Video thumbnail for Gibson's FAIL of a "Reissue" | 1979 Gibson Les Paul KM Custom Made Plaque Natural Review + Demo by The Trogly's Guitar Show

Gibson's FAIL of a "Reissue" | 1979 Gibson Les Paul KM Custom Made Plaque Natural Review + Demo

The Trogly's Guitar Show

The Trogly's Guitar Show

Video thumbnail for 1979 Gibson Les Paul KM | Inside Look + History by The Trogly's Guitar Show

1979 Gibson Les Paul KM | Inside Look + History

The Trogly's Guitar Show

The Trogly's Guitar Show

Video thumbnail for 1979 Gibson Les Paul KM Model DEMO: What Is This Rare Guitar? by Jamey Arent

1979 Gibson Les Paul KM Model DEMO: What Is This Rare Guitar?

Jamey Arent

Jamey Arent

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Artist usage

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See how Robert Baker uses Gibson Les Paul KM (Kalamazoo)

Robert Baker

Guitarist

...
Verified via YouTube

In this video, Robert Baker goes into detail about the traits and history of his number 1 guitar, a Gibson Les Paul KM (Kalamazoo) from 1979.

Genre Usage

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