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Average Price: $3,000

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$1001+

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Description

The Gibson Les Paul Custom (1970-1985) is a legendary instrument that captures the essence of rock history, celebrated by musicians for its robust craftsmanship and enduring tone. Emerging from the Norlin era, a time marked by both innovation and debate, this guitar offers an authentic slice of musical heritage. Revered for its iconic LP growl, the Les Paul Custom delivers a powerful sound that has been a staple on countless classic tracks.

This guitar is not just about sound; it's a testament to the detailed artistry that has defined Gibson's legacy. With its mahogany body and maple top, it offers a rich, full resonance that is both warm and articulate. The set neck construction ensures sustain for days and a smooth playing experience, while the dual humbucking pickups provide versatile tonal possibilities, from searing leads to mellow, jazzy riffs.

Whether you're a seasoned performer or a passionate collector, the Gibson Les Paul Custom from this era is a guitar that promises both reliability and a touch of rock 'n' roll magic. Its unique character and historical significance make it a prized possession for any musician looking to own a piece of the past with modern playability.

Key Features:

  • Mahogany body with maple top for rich tone
  • Dual humbucking pickups for versatile sound
  • Set neck construction for enhanced sustain
  • Signature LP growl with robust build quality
  • Historically significant model from the Norlin era

Product specs

Brand Gibson
Model Les Paul Custom
Finish Alpine White, Brazilian Rosewood, Candy Apple Red, Cherry, Cherry Sunburst, Ebony, Ferrari Red, Goldburst, Goldtop, Natural, Silver, Silverburst, Tobacco Sunburst, Wine Red
Year 1970 - 1985
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, Silver, Tan, White
Finish Pattern Sunburst
Fretboard Material Ebony, Maple
Fretboard Radius 12"
Model Family Gibson Les Paul
Model Sub-Family Gibson Les Paul Custom
Neck Construction Set-Neck
Neck Material Mahogany, Maple
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"
Series Gibson Norlin Era
Top Material Maple

FAQs

What is the neck profile of the Gibson 1981 Les Paul Custom?

The Gibson 1981 Les Paul Custom features a set-neck construction with a mahogany neck, providing a comfortable and traditional feel with a medium-thick profile, typical of Les Paul models from this era.

What type of pickups does the 1981 Les Paul Custom have?

The 1981 Les Paul Custom is equipped with dual humbucking pickups, offering a rich, full-bodied tone that is versatile for various music genres, particularly rock and blues.

Is the 1981 Gibson Les Paul Custom suitable for advanced players?

Yes, the 1981 Gibson Les Paul Custom is highly regarded among advanced players for its high-quality craftsmanship, classic tone, and playability, making it a favorite for professional use and collectors alike.

How does the Gibson 1981 Les Paul Custom differ from other Les Paul models?

The 1981 Les Paul Custom is distinguished by its luxurious appointments, such as an ebony fretboard and ornate inlays, as well as its robust, heavier body, which contributes to its sustain and tonal depth.

What finish options were available for the 1981 Les Paul Custom?

The 1981 Les Paul Custom came in a variety of finishes, including Alpine White, Ebony, Wine Red, and Silverburst, each contributing to its unique aesthetic appeal.

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Gibson Les Paul Custom (1970-1985).

Setup and maintenance

  • Some owners suggest checking the neck angle to avoid high bridge height, which can affect playability and intonation.

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  • The 1981 Les Paul Custom often has flat frets, potentially requiring a refret, and its action is typically extremely low.

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User experience

  • Owners report a strong emotional connection, likening the guitar to a "holy grail" for those born in or around 1981.

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  • Owners express a deep attachment, with some considering it a "forever home" guitar, indicating long-term satisfaction.

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  • Users report that the 1981 model is highly durable, withstood environmental stress without neck movement, indicating robust build quality.

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  • It's noted that the nitrocellulose finish on vintage Gibsons is distinguishable and adds to the guitar's historical weight, though it doesn't drastically alter playability.

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Build quality

  • Made in Nashville, these guitars typically don't have an ABR-1 bridge, which affects their tonal characteristics.

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  • The 1981 model typically features a 3-piece maple neck with a volute, contributing to a brighter, thinner sound compared to mahogany necks.

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  • The binding and headstock inlays of an actual 1981 model show yellowing with age, indicating authenticity.

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Features and functionality

  • This model often retains original Tim Shaw PAF pickups, which are highly regarded for their vintage tonal quality.

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  • The 1981 Les Paul Custom includes posi-lok strap locks, providing enhanced security for on-stage use.

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  • The 1981 Les Paul Custom often comes with Tim Shaw PAF pickups known for their vintage tone and distinctiveness in sound quality.

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  • The 1981 Les Paul Custom is known for its distinctive "fretless wonder" style, featuring flat, wide frets that offer a unique playing experience.

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Other

  • The 1981 model may have unique tuner features, such as flip-out cranks, which are appreciated by some owners for their utility.

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Mods and upgrades

  • It is recommended to swap positions of Tim Shaw and T Top pickups on the 1987 model for enhanced performance, assuming there's enough lead on the T Top.

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Comparisons

  • The 1981 model is heavier and lacks weight relief, contributing to a more aggressive tone, especially suited for heavy music, compared to the lighter, weight-relieved 1987 model.

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  • Owners note significant variation in Gibson's quality control, resulting in some models sounding superior to Epiphones, while others may not.

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Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Gibson Les Paul Custom (1970-1985), it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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