Gibson Purple Widow Les Paul Prototype Pre Production 68 Custom Q Quilt Top 2010

No sales tax for customers outside California.

Here's a rarity, a contemporary Gibson collectable that is likely a one-of-a-kind piece that started a trend at Gibson - the Widow finish.

Gibson Widow guitars have finish applied over the binding and headstock inlays, giving them a distinct look.

This particular guitar was made in 2010, two years prior to Gibson's official limited release of the Widow models.  The 2012 run is said to be limited to 25 guitars and values for the few that have hit the market are strong.

There are some significant differences between this and later versions.  First, the cert calls the guitar out as a '68 Custom Q. 

Some of the cosmetic features are those of a '68 Les Paul Custom Reissue - the ABR-1 bridge, headstock inlay, headstock multi-ply binding, neck inlay, ebony fretboard, and the quilt maple top.  It also has the long neck tenon, preferred for better tone and a stronger neck/body connection.  Stock PAF stickered '57 Classic humbuckers are wired to the original Historic series pots.

Later Widows carry Les Paul Custom binding throughout, and it seems that all have flamed tops.  They also have Richlite fretboard, a synthetic Ebony substitute, Nashville style bridges and short neck tenons.

The guitar is really light for a Les Paul because the body is chambered.  It isn't weight relieved - it is actually quite hollow.  

The guitar is all original and includes the original case and apparently all the paperwork that came with it from the factory.

Frets show little wear.  There is one chip in the finish on the cutaway.  Despite this and some other signs of use and handling, the guitar is in excellent condition.  It plays perfectly with low action.  The neck is full and chunky, and the truss rod has room for future adjustment, if needed.

A prime collector's piece!

• Color: Purple Quilt
• Weight: 7lbs 15.4oz
• Top: Quilted Maple
• Body: Mahogany
• Neck: Mahogany
• Neck Profile: C
• Fretboard: Ebony
• Inlays: Mother of Pearl Block
• Frets: Original
• Fret count: 22
• Nut material: Synthetic Bone
• Nut width: 1.75"
• Scale: 25"
• Radius: 12"
• Neck thickness at 1st fret: .86"
• Neck thickness at 12th fret: 1.2"
• Action 1st String at 12th Fret: 1mm
• Action 6th String at 12th Fret: 1.5mm
• Total length: 39-3/4"
• Lower bout: 13"
• Waist: 7-1/8"
• Upper bout: 9-1/4"
• Body depth/thickness: 2"
• String gauge: .010-.046
• Hardware Color: Gold
• Bridge Pickup Brand: Gibson '57 Classic PAF
• Bridge Pickup Reading: 7.90k
• Pickup Original?: Yes
• Neck Pickup Brand: Gibson '57 Classic PAF
• Neck Pickup Reading: 7.84k
• Pickup Original?: Yes
• Bridge: Tune-O-Matic
• Tuners: Grover
• Switch: 3 Way Toggle
• Pots/Codes: Original
• Case: OHSC
• Notes: 

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