Pricing and availability

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

Sweetwater
5.0 (9)
$6,899.00
Guitar Center
$6,899.00
Reverb
5.0 (2)
$4,414.75 17 available Used
Musician's Friend
$6,899.00
zZounds
$6,899.00
Thomann
5.0 (4)
$6,333.00 $6,290.00 $43.00

Average Price: $6,900

High-end/Boutique

$400

$1001+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 5 merchants for "Gibson Les Paul Custom - 3-Pickup". 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

Steeped in the rich legacy of rock 'n' roll, the Gibson Les Paul Custom - 3-Pickup is a masterpiece for those who crave both style and substance in their sound. This guitar is not just about appearance, though it does happen to exude a timeless elegance with its sleek design and classic appointments. At its core, it is a sonic powerhouse, designed for musicians who demand the best in tone and playability.

Handcrafted with precision, this model features a Chunky C profile neck that fits comfortably in your hand, making long sessions a breeze. The ebony fingerboard, adorned with mother-of-pearl '50s Pattern inlays, not only enhances its aesthetic appeal but also ensures smooth, fast playability. What sets this guitar apart is its trio of CustomBucker Alnico III unpotted pickups, which deliver the pure, vintage PAF tone that many guitarists dream of achieving.

Whether you're strumming soulful blues or shredding high-octane rock riffs, the Les Paul Custom - 3-Pickup is equipped to handle it all, with a Plek'd fretboard for optimized playability and an ABR-1 bridge for perfect intonation. This guitar is a blend of tradition and innovation, offering a nod to its storied history while meeting the demands of modern musicians.

Key Features:

  • 1-piece mahogany body with VOS nitrocellulose lacquer finish
  • Chunky C profile mahogany neck
  • Ebony fingerboard with 22 Historic medium-jumbo frets
  • 3 CustomBucker Alnico III humbucking pickups
  • Kluson Waffleback tuners and gold hardware
  • Includes hard case and Custom Shop certificate of authenticity
  • Made in the USA

Product specs

Brand Gibson
Model Les Paul Custom 3-Pickup
Finish Ebony, Natural, 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, Red, Tan
Fretboard Material Ebony
Model Family Gibson Les Paul
Model Sub-Family Gibson Les Paul Custom
Neck Construction Set-Neck
Neck Material Maple
Number of Frets 22
Number of Strings 6-String
Pickup Configuration HHH
Right / Left Handed Right Handed
Scale Length 24.75"
Series Gibson Norlin Era
Top Material Maple

FAQs

What pickups are used in the Gibson Les Paul Custom 3-Pickup?

The Gibson Les Paul Custom 3-Pickup features three humbucking pickups, providing a rich and versatile tonal range suitable for various music genres.

How does the neck profile of the Gibson Les Paul Custom 3-Pickup affect playability?

The Gibson Les Paul Custom 3-Pickup typically features a comfortable neck profile that suits both rhythm and lead playing, making it a versatile choice for players who prefer a solid feel.

Is the Gibson Les Paul Custom 3-Pickup suitable for heavy music styles?

Yes, the Gibson Les Paul Custom 3-Pickup's humbucking pickups and solid mahogany body deliver powerful sustain and depth, making it well-suited for heavier music styles like rock and metal.

What is the scale length of the Gibson Les Paul Custom 3-Pickup?

The Gibson Les Paul Custom 3-Pickup has a scale length of 24.75 inches, which contributes to its warm tone and makes string bending easier.

Does the Gibson Les Paul Custom 3-Pickup offer good sustain?

Yes, the combination of a solid mahogany body, set-neck construction, and humbucking pickups provides excellent sustain, characteristic of the Les Paul series.

DV247 Music Store UK TV

DV247 Music Store UK TV

Gibson 1957 Les Paul Custom 3 Pickup VOS Electric Guitar Tone Demo

Video thumbnail for Gibson 1957 Les Paul Custom 3 Pickup VOS Electric Guitar Tone Demo by DV247 Music Store UK TV

Gibson 1957 Les Paul Custom 3 Pickup VOS Electric Guitar Tone Demo

DV247 Music Store UK TV

DV247 Music Store UK TV

Video thumbnail for I Got a Vintage 57 LP! | 1957 Gibson Les Paul Custom 3 Pickup Black Beauty Bigsby Review + Demo by The Trogly's Guitar Show

I Got a Vintage 57 LP! | 1957 Gibson Les Paul Custom 3 Pickup Black Beauty Bigsby Review + Demo

The Trogly's Guitar Show

The Trogly's Guitar Show

Video thumbnail for Gibson 1957 Les Paul Custom Reissue 3 Pickup Bigsby Light Aged played by Leif de Leeuw | Demo @ TFOA by TFOA Demos

Gibson 1957 Les Paul Custom Reissue 3 Pickup Bigsby Light Aged played by Leif de Leeuw | Demo @ TFOA

TFOA Demos

TFOA Demos

Video thumbnail for Gibson Custom 1957 Les Paul 3PU Bigsby Ebony Light Aged by Omega Music

Gibson Custom 1957 Les Paul 3PU Bigsby Ebony Light Aged

Omega Music

Omega Music

Video thumbnail for Gibson Custom Shop 1957 Les Paul Custom 3 Pickup Black Beauty 2006 played by Leif de Leeuw | Demo by TFOA Demos

Gibson Custom Shop 1957 Les Paul Custom 3 Pickup Black Beauty 2006 played by Leif de Leeuw | Demo

TFOA Demos

TFOA Demos

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 - 3-Pickup.

Features and functionality

  • The standard 3-pickup Les Paul has a 3-way switch selecting neck, bridge, or both, with the middle pickup always on unless turned down.

    Source
  • The Ace Frehley signature model is a notable 3-pickup Les Paul option, although its exact production years aren't widely known.

    Source
  • The guitar was wired in a Peter Frampton style, which is a sought-after configuration for its unique tonal possibilities.

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  • Factory 3-pickup configurations were reintroduced around 1975, implying that earlier models may have been modified post-production.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • Some users modify their Les Pauls with 50's wiring and push/pull switches for more control over the middle pickup and to maintain treble when adjusting volume.

    Source
  • Many 3-pickup Les Pauls started as 2-pickup models and were modified, suggesting the potential for custom modifications to achieve desired tones.

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Comparisons

  • A 3-pickup Les Paul can be wired to mimic Fender Strat tones, offering more tonal flexibility compared to the standard 2-pickup configuration.

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  • Owners often search Reverb.com for a variety of 3-pickup Les Paul options, indicating a broader market for unique or vintage models beyond standard offerings.

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Use cases and applications

  • The middle pickup provides a tonal middle ground between the usual neck and bridge sounds, which can be useful for achieving a broader range of tones.

    Source

User experience

  • Adding a third pickup can slightly reduce sustain due to increased magnetic pull, but this impact is generally minimal and varies with magnet type.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • A 3-pickup 1971 Les Paul Custom with a neck repair is valued at approximately $2,500-$3,000, but could double without the break.

    Source

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Artist usage

Add artist
See how Randy Rhoads uses Gibson Les Paul Custom - 3-Pickup

Randy Rhoads

Guitarist

Ozzy Osbourne

...
Verified via Photo

In this photo, we can see Rhoads with a Black Les Paul Custom, equipped with three humbuckers.

Another photo of Rhoads and the Guitar can be seen here.

See how Frank Sidoris uses Gibson Les Paul Custom - 3-Pickup

Frank Sidoris

Guitarist

The Cab

...
Verified via Photo

Frank Sidoris is seen playing a Gibson Les Paul Custom with three pickups during a performance with Slash, as captured in a Wikimedia photo.

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

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