Name: SOLD - Gibson Les Paul Custom 1974
Brand: Mahar's Vintage Guitars
SKU: z-0464
Availability: OutOfStock

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Les Pauls from 1975 and earlier have really shot up, and for good reason. Production numbers were relatively low, and the 1976 change to maple necks proved to be a departure from the original design that went too far for many.

This bass is listed as a 1974. The serial number could be from 1974 or 5 according to Gibson records. The pots are from 1974. One thing I am not sure about is this: Gibson started making wine red Les Paul Customs in 1975 - they made 943 of them. They made Cherry finished Les Paul Customs in 1974, 185 total, and 938 in the last year of cherry - 1975. I guess the question is, is this a 1974 in Cherry, a late 1974 - one of the first wine red models, or is it a 1975 wine red OR cherry? Not sure. Looks wine red to me though.

This example is in excellent cosmetic condition. It does have some changes, but the important stuff remains. Original to the guitar are the patent-number pickups (covers have never been removed), the tailpiece and Nashville bridge, the pots/caps, pickup rings, pickguard, the switch and most of the original wiring. For some reason, the wire running from the switch to the output jack has been cut and spliced back together - note the shrink tube and masking tape in the cavity. All other solders appear to be original.

Tuners have been changed to Grovers. Original screw holes were filled. The knobs are changed, as is the pickup selector switch tip. Strap buttons are Schaller strap lock units.

The guitar seems to have a somewhat recent refret, or at least one that hasn't seen much play. The work is excellent, and the additional fret height is a welcome change for the player - the original frets on these guitars are notoriously low. This one is marked as a second, but as is the cae with all 70s Gibson seconds, there is no sign of an issue that justifies the mark.

The neck is true, the truss rod is effective and there are no cracks, repairs or other funny business aside from the changes mentioned above. We were able to set the guitar up in moments - it plays great and sounded amazing through the Two Rock Bloomfield Drive amp we just brought in.

The case is a 90's Gibson case with the lock clasp sprung - someone locked it and couldn't remember the combo or Google the method to hack the dumb lock that should never have been there in the first place.

All in all, this is a great player that has the look, with the tone you need when looking for a Les Paul.