Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 7 stores. Prices updated .

Sweetwater
5.0 (5)
$6,699.00
Guitar Center
5.0 (2)
$6,199.00
Reverb
5.0 (1)
$4,750.00 10 available Used
Musician's Friend
3.0 (16)
$6,699.00
Thomann
5.0 (1)
$6,333.00 $6,290.00 $43.00 · All time low
Gear4Music
£6,399.00

Average Price: $6,767

High-end/Boutique

$400

$1001+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 4 merchants for "Gibson Custom Shop Special Order '68 Les Paul Custom Reissue". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

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Description

Unlock the essence of vintage rock with the Gibson Custom Shop Special Order '68 Les Paul Custom Reissue. This masterfully crafted electric guitar pays homage to a golden era, boasting a fusion of classic aesthetics and superior sound. The timeless combination of a solid maple top and a mahogany back delivers the signature clarity and warmth that defined iconic rock, jazz, and blues tracks.

The Murphy Lab Ultra-Light Aging process adds a touch of vintage allure, simulating decades of gentle aging with minimal playing wear. This Les Paul is equipped with dual '68 Custom humbuckers, renowned for their powerful and versatile tonal range, reminiscent of the legendary PAF pickups. Whether you're belting out a searing solo or laying down a smooth jazz line, these pickups ensure every note is rich and resonant.

A period-accurate '68 medium C mahogany neck profile provides a comfortable grip, while the ebony fingerboard, adorned with mother-of-pearl block inlays, offers a silky smooth playing experience. The guitar's other vintage appointments include gold Kluson Waffleback tuners, an ABR-1 bridge, and a lightweight aluminum stop tailpiece, all contributing to its robust sustain and classic aesthetic.

Indulge in the tactile elegance and sonic brilliance of a true classic, meticulously revived for the modern musician.

Key Features:

  • Solid maple top with mahogany back
  • '68 medium C mahogany neck with ebony fingerboard
  • Dual '68 Custom humbuckers
  • Murphy Lab Ultra-Light Aged finish
  • Gold hardware and Kluson Waffleback tuners
  • ABR-1 bridge with stop bar tailpiece

Product specs

Number of Strings 6
Left-/Right-handed Right-handed
Body Type Solidbody
Body Shape 1968 Les Paul Custom
Body Material Mahogany
Top Material 2-Piece Maple
Body Finish Nitrocellulose Lacquer, Ultra-Light Aged
Neck Material Mahogany
Neck Shape Authentic '68 Medium C
Neck Joint Set Neck
Radius 12"
Fingerboard Material Ebony
Fingerboard Inlay Mother-of-Pearl Blocks
Number of Frets 22
Fret Type Medium Jumbo
Scale Length 24.75"
Scale Length Type Standard-scale
Nut Width 1.6875"
Nut Material Nylon
Bridge/Tailpiece No-Wire ABR-1 Adjustable Bridge with Stopbar Tailpiece
Tuners Kluson Wafffleback
Neck Pickup '68 Custom Humbucker
Bridge Pickup '68 Custom Humbucker
Controls 2 x volume, 2 x tone
Switching 3-way toggle pickup switch
Strings Gibson, .010-.046
Case/Gig Bag Hardshell Case

FAQs

What is the neck profile of the Gibson Custom Shop '68 Les Paul Custom Reissue?

The neck profile is an Authentic '68 Medium C, providing a comfortable and familiar feel for players who appreciate vintage-style necks.

What kind of pickups does the '68 Les Paul Custom Reissue have?

This guitar features '68 Custom Humbuckers, offering warm, versatile tones suitable for a wide range of musical genres.

Is the Gibson Custom Shop '68 Les Paul Custom Reissue suitable for advanced players?

Yes, this reissue is designed with high-quality materials and craftsmanship, making it ideal for advanced players seeking a premium instrument with vintage appeal.

What materials are used in the body construction of the '68 Les Paul Custom Reissue?

The guitar has a solid mahogany body with a 2-piece maple top, providing a rich, clear tone and classic Les Paul sustain.

Does the Gibson Custom Shop '68 Les Paul Custom Reissue come with a case?

Yes, this guitar includes a hardshell case for protection and easy transport.

Reviews

PROS

  • Exceptionally open and resonant sound enhances chord clarity

  • Faithful visual and tonal recreation of the original 1968 Les Paul

  • Ultra-light aging gives an authentic vintage feel right out of the case

  • Neck design offers unparalleled comfort and playability

  • Weighs exactly 9 pounds, balancing heft with playability

  • Lacquer finish provides a unique, pleasing tactile experience

  • Superior resonance makes it louder unplugged than typical Les Pauls

  • Responsive volume and tone controls enable precise tonal adjustments

  • Delivers classic Les Paul sound with tight lows, rich mids, and smooth highs

  • Inspires unique playing approach compared to other Les Paul models

CONS

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Gibson Custom Shop Special Order '68 Les Paul Custom Reissue.

Build quality

  • The '68 Reissue features a yellow-tinted nitro lacquer and a one-piece solid body with hide-glue construction for enhanced resonance and authenticity.

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  • Early 2000s Custom Shop models are noted for using heavier tailpieces, which can dull the sound compared to current production standards.

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Features and functionality

  • The '68 Reissue includes historic-correct specs like a long neck tenon, ABR-1 bridge, and '68 Custom Humbucker pickups, unlike the standard Custom with short neck tenon and 490R/498T pickups.

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Comparisons

  • The reissue's thin lacquer and premium wood quality create a lighter and more resonant guitar compared to the standard Custom with 9-hole weight relief.

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  • The 2001 '68 Reissue with '57 Classic pickups is preferred by some over later models with Burstbuckers, which are often criticized for their tone.

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  • The '57 Reissue is noted for its chunkier neck profile compared to the slimmer '68, which could be divisive based on personal comfort with thicker necks.

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  • The '57 Reissue is all-mahogany, resulting in a darker tone, while the '68 features a maple cap for a brighter sound.

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  • The '57 Reissue is considered more desirable due to its association with Gibson's golden era.

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User experience

  • Owners of the '68 Reissue praise the amber tint across the entire guitar, including the headstock, for its vintage aesthetic appeal.

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  • One owner struggled with the '57 neck long-term, despite initial comfort, and preferred a model with a skinnier neck such as the goldtop R7.

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Mods and upgrades

  • Some users prefer the sound of '57 Classic pickups over the standard 490 set, suggesting a swap for those seeking a different tonal character.

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  • Owners have replaced the original tailpiece with a Schroeder Original Stopbar for aesthetic and tonal preferences.

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Setup and maintenance

  • A specific owner uses a 14-68 string gauge, tuning in custom Drop B, highlighting the guitar's adaptability to heavier strings and lower tunings.

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Value and pricing

  • Market value for early 2000s models is generally lower due to perceived lower quality and fewer historical spec updates compared to more recent reissues.

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Critic Reviews

The Gibson Custom Shop 1968 Les Paul Custom Reissue: An Early 2000's S | Tone Wolf

tonewolf.com

Gibson's Custom Shop '68 Les Paul Custom Reissue is a sensational sleeper, with a maple top and long neck tenon that deliver a tone rivaling its 50's counterparts. While it's not a perfect vintage replica, and the aesthetics diverge with options like a Triburst finish, this model shines with its robust sound and historical nods. The neck might be a "baseball bat" for some, but its accuracy to the era's specs makes it a must-have for enthusiasts seeking that era's unique tonal qualities. Don't miss out on this tone monster from the early 2000s.

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