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Average Price: $900

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$1001+

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Description

Meet the Gibson Les Paul BFG, a guitar that defies convention with its raw and rugged charm, perfect for the musician who craves authenticity in both sound and design. Stripped down to its essentials, this solid body electric guitar combines the classic single-cutaway silhouette with a unique blend of tone-producing power. The BFG, short for "Barely Finished Guitar," lives up to its name with a minimalist approach that highlights its natural textures and character.

At the heart of the Les Paul BFG's sound is a dynamic pairing of pickups: a gritty P-90 in the neck position and a roaring humbucker in the bridge. This combination creates a versatile sonic palette, offering everything from sharp, biting leads to warm, resonant rhythms. The guitar's unpolished finish isn't just for show; it enhances the tonal resonance, making each note ring with fullness and clarity.

Whether you're an experimental rocker or a blues enthusiast, the Gibson Les Paul BFG provides a tactile playing experience that invites exploration. Its stripped-back design is complemented by wooden knobs and a simplified control layout, ensuring that nothing stands between you and your music.

Key Features:

  • Single cutaway solid body design
  • P-90 neck pickup and humbucker bridge pickup for versatile tones
  • Unfinished, raw aesthetic with natural textures
  • Wooden knobs for a unique tactile experience
  • Simplified control layout for easy sound manipulation

Product specs

Brand Gibson
Model Les Paul BFG
Finish Gator Green, Transparent Blue, Transparent Cherry, Transparent Ebony, Transparent Gold
Year 2007 - 2011
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, Blue, Gold, Green, Red
Finish Style Satin
Fretboard Material Rosewood
Model Family Gibson Les Paul
Model Sub-Family Gibson Les Paul BFG
Neck Construction Set-Neck
Neck Material Mahogany
Number of Frets 22
Number of Strings 6-String
Pickup Configuration SH
Right / Left Handed Right Handed
Scale Length 24.75"
Top Material Maple
Wood Top Style Plain

FAQs

What are the standout features of the Gibson Les Paul BFG's pickups?

The Gibson Les Paul BFG features a P-90 neck pickup and a Zebra BurstBucker 3 bridge pickup, offering a versatile range of tones from warm and smooth to bright and aggressive, ideal for rock and blues.

How does the Gibson Les Paul BFG's neck profile affect playability?

The Les Paul BFG has a 1950s rounded mahogany neck, providing a thicker, more substantial feel that is comfortable for players who prefer a vintage-style grip.

Is the Gibson Les Paul BFG suitable for live performances?

Yes, the Gibson Les Paul BFG is designed for live performance with features like a kill switch toggle for dynamic sound control and robust hardware that withstands the rigors of gigging.

What kind of finish does the Gibson Les Paul BFG have?

The Gibson Les Paul BFG features a satin finish, which offers a smooth feel and allows the natural resonance of the wood to shine through, enhancing its tonal qualities.

Does the Gibson Les Paul BFG come with a case?

Yes, the Gibson Les Paul BFG comes with a shopworn Les Paul case, providing protection and easy transport for your guitar.

MarcusDluxe

MarcusDluxe

Gibson Les Paul BFG

Video thumbnail for Gibson Les Paul BFG by MarcusDluxe

Gibson Les Paul BFG

MarcusDluxe

MarcusDluxe

Video thumbnail for 2007 Gibson Les Paul BFG by GregsGuitars

2007 Gibson Les Paul BFG

GregsGuitars

GregsGuitars

Reviews

PROS

  • Lightweight design enhances playability and comfort

  • Unique aesthetic with unfinished, raw look

  • Versatile sound with humbucker and P90 pickup combo

  • Resonates well with a chambered body and nitro finish

  • Cult following and increasing collectability

  • Offers classic Les Paul tones with added grit

  • Suitable for a wide range of music styles, from blues to metal

  • Comfortable neck reminiscent of classic '58 Burst

  • Stripped-down, no-frills design appeals to purists

  • Maintains clean appearance without showing fingerprints

CONS

  • Stock humbucker tone may be too shrill for some

  • Barely finished body may not appeal aesthetically to everyone

  • Some users may require modifications for optimal performance

  • Can introduce noise into the signal without adjustments

Owner Insights

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

Features and functionality

  • The P90 pickup is described as "hot as hell," comparable in intensity to the burstbucker, offering a distinct tonal variation within the same guitar.

    Source
  • The kill switch replaces the neck pickup tone control, with the pickup selector in the tone knob position, offering a distinct wiring setup.

    Source
  • The unique placement of the kill switch can sometimes cause noise issues, leading some users to disconnect it for better performance.

    Source
  • The 2007 model’s satin finish on the neck is praised for reducing stickiness, offering smoother playability for those with sweaty hands.

    Source

Build quality

  • The BFG model features a uniquely textured, unfinished top that gives a rugged, snakeskin-like appearance, achieved by carving and sanding techniques.

    Source
  • Some owners appreciate the transparent covers on the back, which complement the natural aesthetic of the guitar.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • Prices for the Gibson Les Paul BFG have increased over time, with examples selling for $500 in 2019 and around $1,200 in 2023.

    Source
  • Despite fluctuating market prices, the 2007 Gibson Les Paul BFG can sell between $1,280 and $2,000, depending on condition and rarity.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • A Tesi IDO Red 12MM Momentary Metal Kill Switch can be used to alter the switch positions without drilling, fitting in a typical tone knob slot.

    Source
  • Owners wishing to return to a more traditional setup replace the kill switch with a tone control and relocate the pickup selector.

    Source
  • Concerns about build quality lead some to prefer 90s Studio models for their ebony fretboards and overall construction quality.

    Source

User experience

  • Some owners find the guitar too visually appealing to play, indicating high satisfaction with its aesthetic appeal.

    Source
  • Despite its distinct features, some owners express dissatisfaction with the guitar, although they appreciate the pickup combination.

    Source

Comparisons

  • The 2018 reissue features dual P90 or humbucker configurations, differing from the 2007 model's P90/humbucker combo, affecting desirability and resale value.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Oh Henry! Gibson's Les Paul BFG - Premier Guitar

premierguitar.com

The Gibson Les Paul BFG is a love-it-or-hate-it rock machine that embraces a raw aesthetic, reminiscent of punk rock's gritty edge. Praised for its unique styling and versatile tones from the P-90 and Burstbucker 3 pickups, it delivers solid, unamplified sound. However, its unconventional design elements, like the absent pickup surrounds and sharp-edged body, may not appeal to traditionalists. The guitar's factory setup has minor issues like string binding and intonation that require attention. Ultimately, the BFG is a bold statement piece for those seeking authenticity over polish, but it might not win over Les Paul purists.

Gibson BFG Les Paul review | MusicRadar

musicradar.com

The Gibson Les Paul BFG is a polarizing guitar, offering a unique, stripped-down appeal with its raw, unfinished aesthetics reminiscent of a woodwork project. Its charm lies in the captivating tones provided by the Burstbucker 3 and P-90 pickups, though the absence of wax potting can lead to feedback issues. While the BFG's unconventional design choices, such as the misplaced killswitch and high nut, can frustrate purists, its affordability and pro-level sound make it an intriguing option. For those willing to overlook its quirks, the BFG delivers a rewarding playing experience full of character.

Add

4.5 out of 5

Based on 2 Reviews and 9 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
charlieysasi

Love it!

I've seen many don't like it but I'm in freaking love with it, I love how raw it feels and sounds! It gets a bit of noise into the signal but can be easily fixed, and the pick-up combination is simply a great one!

ben_licht

Barley finished is pretty accurate

Dont let your eyes do that talking on this one, its a ball tearing rock machine, huge amount of bite and gain out of the burst bucker 3 in the bridge and a nice point of difference with the P-90 in the neck.

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Duane Denison uses Gibson Les Paul BFG

Duane Denison

Guitarist

Silver Jews

...
Verified via YouTube

He can be seen using the BFG Les Paul in many performances and videos (such as this one).

See how Cheetah Chrome uses Gibson Les Paul BFG

Cheetah Chrome

Guitarist

Rocket From the Tombs

...
Verified via YouTube

Cheetah plays his guitar in this vidoe with the title"Gibson BFG - Cheetah Chrome" and there's an article on gibson.com also titled Punk Legend Cheetah Chrome Puts His Les Paul BFG Through the Paces

See how Pedropiedra uses Gibson Les Paul BFG

Pedropiedra

Guitarist, Bassist

31 Minutos Cast

...
Verified via Photo

In this image, Pedropiedra can be seen playing a golden Gibson Les Paul BFG in a live concert.

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