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Average Price: $3,200

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$400

$1001+

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Description

Crafted for the discerning musician, the Gibson Les Paul Custom Shop Class 5 is where artistry meets precision. Designed in the prestigious Gibson Custom Shop, this electric guitar embodies the timeless elegance and sonic depth that the Les Paul series is celebrated for. Each Class 5 is a unique masterpiece, featuring a highly graded maple top that not only enhances its aesthetic appeal but also contributes to its rich tonal palette. The guitar is built with the utmost attention to detail, adhering to the iconic design elements that have defined the Les Paul legacy.

Under the hood, you'll find a pair of meticulously wound humbuckers that deliver a powerful yet nuanced sound, capable of handling anything from smooth jazz licks to searing rock solos. The mahogany body and neck provide a warm, resonant foundation, while the rosewood fingerboard ensures smooth playability and a comfortable feel. With its impeccable craftsmanship and versatile sound, the Les Paul Custom Shop Class 5 is an instrument that both professional and passionate hobbyist musicians will cherish.

Ideal for stage or studio, this guitar is not just an instrument; it's an extension of your musical expression. Whether you're layering complex harmonies or unleashing a fiery solo, the Gibson Les Paul Custom Shop Class 5 offers an unparalleled playing experience.

Key Features:

  • Highly graded maple top
  • Mahogany body and neck
  • Rosewood fingerboard
  • Dual humbucker pickups
  • Crafted in the Gibson Custom Shop
  • Classic Les Paul design elements

Product specs

Brand Gibson
Model Class 5 Les Paul
Made In United States
Categories Solid Body Electric Guitars
Body Shape Single Cutaway
Body Type Solid Body
Model Family Gibson Les Paul
Model Sub-Family Gibson Class 5 Les Paul
Neck Construction Set-Neck
Number of Frets 22
Number of Strings 6-String
Right / Left Handed Right Handed
Series Gibson Custom Shop

FAQs

What type of wood is used in the Gibson Custom Shop 'Class 5' Les Paul?

The Gibson Custom Shop 'Class 5' Les Paul features a chambered mahogany body with a hand-picked AAA quilt maple top, offering an exceptional tonewood combination for enhanced resonance and visual appeal.

How does the Gibson Custom Shop 'Class 5' Les Paul differ from other Les Paul models?

The 'Class 5' Les Paul is distinguished by its chambered body design, which reduces weight and enhances resonance, and its AAA quilt maple top, providing both unique aesthetics and improved tonal characteristics.

Is the Gibson Custom Shop 'Class 5' Les Paul suitable for various music genres?

Yes, the Gibson Custom Shop 'Class 5' Les Paul is versatile and well-suited for a wide range of music genres, from rock and blues to jazz, thanks to its rich tonal palette and classic Les Paul sound.

What is the neck profile like on the Gibson Custom Shop 'Class 5' Les Paul?

The neck of the Gibson Custom Shop 'Class 5' Les Paul features a comfortable set-neck construction, offering smooth playability and easy access to all 22 frets, ideal for both rhythm and lead playing.

Does the Gibson Custom Shop 'Class 5' Les Paul come with custom shop pickups?

Yes, the guitar is equipped with high-quality custom shop pickups designed to deliver the classic, powerful Les Paul tone that guitarists seek for both studio and live performances.

Normans Rare Guitars

Normans Rare Guitars

Gibson Custom Shop Les Paul Class 5 | Guitar of the Day

Video thumbnail for Gibson Custom Shop Les Paul Class 5 | Guitar of the Day by Normans Rare Guitars

Gibson Custom Shop Les Paul Class 5 | Guitar of the Day

Normans Rare Guitars

Normans Rare Guitars

Video thumbnail for Gibson Les Paul Custom Shop "Class 5" by GregsGuitars

Gibson Les Paul Custom Shop "Class 5"

GregsGuitars

GregsGuitars

Video thumbnail for 2003 Gibson Les Paul Custom Shop Class 5 Review by TheBlakem

2003 Gibson Les Paul Custom Shop Class 5 Review

TheBlakem

TheBlakem

Video thumbnail for Gibson Custom Shop - Les Paul Class 5 - Review by Blues Guitar World

Gibson Custom Shop - Les Paul Class 5 - Review

Blues Guitar World

Blues Guitar World

Video thumbnail for Gibson Custom Shop Les Paul Class 5 Electric Guitar Played By Carl Miner by Carter Vintage Backstage

Gibson Custom Shop Les Paul Class 5 Electric Guitar Played By Carl Miner

Carter Vintage Backstage

Carter Vintage Backstage

Reviews

PROS

  • Stunning Blue Burst finish receives frequent compliments

  • Lightweight design enhances playability without sacrificing tone

  • Combines R9 hardware with R0 neck for versatile playability

  • Offers vintage Les Paul tone at a more affordable price

  • Spectacular wood quality and custom shop craftsmanship

  • Exceptional sustain, especially higher up the fretboard

  • Features coveted bumble bee capacitors for enhanced sound quality

  • Custom shop quality at a price lower than many standards

  • Real wood-mounted ABR-1 bridge for authentic Gibson sound

CONS

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Gibson Custom Shop 'Class 5' Les Paul.

Build quality

  • The Class 5 features a 58 neck profile, noted for its nearly 1” depth at the nut, providing a substantial feel that some players prefer over the 59 profile.

    Source
  • The Class 5 is known for its exceptional flame top, often highlighted as one of the guitar's standout visual features.

    Source
  • Some owners report less pronounced flame tops on newer models, with some "AA figured" tops appearing almost plain.

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Features and functionality

  • The guitar includes Burstbucker pickups, known for their vintage tonal qualities, which appeal to players seeking a classic sound.

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Comparisons

  • Owners have compared the Class 5's neck size to the R7, noting that the R7 has a slightly larger neck, offering a different playing experience.

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  • The 2019+ models are often compared against pre-2019 for their non-weight relieved bodies, appealing to traditionalist players.

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User experience

  • Despite its rarity, some owners report the "Iguanaburst" finish does not closely match the traditional Iguana color, adding to its uniqueness.

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  • Several owners highlight that post-2019 models provide a more consistent quality, with fewer QC issues compared to the Henry J era.

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Mods and upgrades

  • Many users prefer to replace stock pickups immediately, citing a preference for Gibson 496R/500T or SD SH-1 '59 for enhanced tone.

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Value and pricing

  • Some believe 2019+ models might cause pre-2019 models to depreciate due to their closer adherence to classic specs.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • Players seeking a "true-to-form" Les Paul experience gravitate toward the 2019+ models for their traditional specs and feel.

    Source

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Artist usage

Add artist
J

Jimmy Murrison

Guitarist

Nazareth

...
Verified via Photo

Jimmy is a fan of Les Pauls, specifically custom shops as shown by many photos of him playing with his guitar of choice which appears to be a custom shop Les Paul, evidenced by the guitars unique orange quilt-like finish which is an unconventional finish among many Les Paul models.

Genre Usage

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