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Description

Unlock the power of rock with the Gibson Les Paul Custom 'John Sykes', a tribute to the iconic 1978 Les Paul Custom that fueled the legendary riffs of Tygers of Pan Tang, Whitesnake, and Thin Lizzy. This guitar is a masterclass in craftsmanship and tone, meticulously handcrafted in the Gibson Custom Shop to recreate the magic of Sykes' beloved instrument. The Vintage Original Spec (VOS) aging process imbues the guitar with an authentic, gently aged look, while maintaining modern playability and comfort.

The John Sykes Les Paul Custom isn't just about looks; it's about performance. With Sykes' unique modifications, this guitar is tailored for those who crave power and precision. Expect the perfect blend of classic and contemporary with period-accurate construction, neck profile, and hardware, all enhanced by a special nitrocellulose finish that provides a stunning patina. Whether you're jamming on stage or recording in the studio, this guitar is your ticket to sonic excellence and visual allure.

Key Features:

  • Vintage Original Spec (VOS) aging process for an authentic vintage look
  • Handcrafted in the Gibson Custom Shop
  • Period-accurate construction with Sykes' unique modifications
  • Nitrocellulose finish for a gently aged patina
  • Includes Gibson Custom Shop case, certificate of authenticity, and custom care kit

FAQs

What type of pickups does the Gibson Les Paul Custom 'John Sykes' use?

The Gibson Les Paul Custom 'John Sykes' is equipped with '57 Classic exposed humbucking pickups, known for delivering a rich, vintage tone with a balanced output suitable for classic rock and heavy metal.

What is the neck profile of the Gibson Les Paul Custom 'John Sykes'?

The guitar features a rounded neck profile, providing a comfortable grip for players who prefer a slightly thicker neck, ideal for both rhythm and lead playing.

Is the Gibson Les Paul Custom 'John Sykes' suitable for heavy metal music?

Yes, the guitar's '57 Classic humbucking pickups and solid mahogany body offer a powerful and sustained sound, making it well-suited for heavy metal and hard rock genres.

What materials are used in the construction of the Gibson Les Paul Custom 'John Sykes'?

This model features a carved maple top, solid mahogany back, and a 3-piece maple neck with a 22-fret ebony fingerboard, providing a combination of durability and tonal richness.

Does the Gibson Les Paul Custom 'John Sykes' come with any unique design features?

Yes, it includes a mirror pickguard, aged metal chrome switch washer, and a 70s-style Gibson headstock logo, adding to its distinctive aesthetic appeal.

GregsGuitars

GregsGuitars

2006 Gibson Les Paul Custom "John Sykes Signature", VOS, Custom Shop

Video thumbnail for 2006 Gibson Les Paul Custom "John Sykes Signature", VOS, Custom Shop by GregsGuitars

2006 Gibson Les Paul Custom "John Sykes Signature", VOS, Custom Shop

GregsGuitars

GregsGuitars

Video thumbnail for 2008 Gibson Les Paul Custom John Sykes Aged by Ten Guitars TV

2008 Gibson Les Paul Custom John Sykes Aged

Ten Guitars TV

Ten Guitars TV

Video thumbnail for '06 Gibson Custom Shop John Sykes Les Paul Custom Aged | Review & Demo! by Guitar Chimp

'06 Gibson Custom Shop John Sykes Les Paul Custom Aged | Review & Demo!

Guitar Chimp

Guitar Chimp

Video thumbnail for 2006 Gibson Custom Shop John Sykes Les Paul Custom VOS Electric Guitar by Guitar Chimp

2006 Gibson Custom Shop John Sykes Les Paul Custom VOS Electric Guitar

Guitar Chimp

Guitar Chimp

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 ' John Sykes'.

Mods and upgrades

  • Owners recommend swapping stock plastic pickup rings for metal ones, but note Gibson's rings may not fit perfectly due to size differences.

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  • Upgrading to Grover locking tuners and a Switchcraft jack is favored for improved tuning stability and reliability.

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  • Owners have replaced the original pickups with Seymour Duncan JB and Distortion models for enhanced tonal variety.

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  • Several users have opted to cover pickups, noting aesthetic improvements while maintaining sound quality.

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Use cases and applications

  • The Dirty Fingers bridge pickup may underperform for 90's noise rock if it's out of spec, prompting some users to replace it with a more reliable option.

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Setup and maintenance

  • Users report difficulty identifying model specifics due to variability in headstock inlays, suggesting serial number checks for accurate dating.

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Build quality

  • The Edwards Les Paul Custom, often compared to Gibson and Epiphone, is considered on par with older ESP Standards, now branded as E-II series.

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  • Some Edwards models incorporate unique beautification features like fretboard veneer, which contributes to a perception of them being less serious despite solid construction.

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User experience

  • Some owners sand down the neck to achieve a satin finish, enhancing playability and comfort.

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  • Owners enjoy the lightweight nature of certain Edwards Les Paul models, enhancing playability without sacrificing the solid feel.

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Comparisons

  • Users find the Edwards model potentially superior to Epiphone and comparable to Gibson, depending on specific models.

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  • Edwards Les Paul Customs are often compared favorably to ESP's higher-end models, with some owners preferring them over even ESP's custom shop guitars.

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  • The Edwards Les Paul Custom is seen as both a budget-friendly and high-quality alternative within the MIJ (Made in Japan) line from ESP, balancing affordability with craftsmanship.

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Genre Usage

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