What body woods are used in the 1968 Les Paul Custom Reissue?

The guitar features a solid mahogany body capped with a two-piece maple top. This combination is intended to provide a rich, resonant tone with added clarity from the maple.

Which pickups are installed in this model?

It is equipped with a 490R humbucker in the neck position and a 498T humbucker in the bridge position. These provide a powerful, articulate sound with significant bite.

What type of fretboard does this guitar have?

The instrument features a solid ebony fretboard. Ebony is preferred for its durability, smooth feel, and the bright, clear character it adds to the notes.

How does the neck tenon affect the guitar's performance?

The guitar uses a long neck tenon construction. This deeper joint increases the surface area contact between the neck and body, which enhances sustain and resonance.

What kind of tuners are used on this Reissue?

The guitar is fitted with Grover tuners. These are known for their reliable tuning stability and premium feel, complementing the gold-plated hardware.

What is the typical price for this Gibson Custom Shop model?

This specific reissue typically retails in the range of £4,999. This reflects its status as a premium, American-made Custom Shop instrument.

What bridge system is utilized on the 1968 Custom Reissue?

The guitar uses a standard Tune-O-Matic bridge. This classic Gibson design allows for precise intonation and reliable performance during stage and studio use.

How does the 1968 model differ from the 1950s Custom models?

The 1968 reissue includes a two-piece maple top on the mahogany body, whereas 1950s Customs were typically solid mahogany. This change adds more brightness and snap to the tone.

What aesthetic features define the 'Ebony' look?

The guitar features a deep ebony finish complemented by multi-ply binding on the body. This is further accented by gold-plated hardware for a refined, bold appearance.

Is this guitar suitable for modern high-gain music?

Yes, the 498T bridge pickup is designed for power and bite, making it very suitable for modern rock and metal. It offers more output and definition than traditional vintage-style pickups.

Does this model include premium hardware finishes?

Yes, all the primary hardware components, including the bridge and tuners, are gold-plated. This adds to the premium aesthetic associated with the Les Paul Custom line.

What makes this guitar different from a standard Les Paul?

Key differences include the ebony fretboard, multi-ply binding, gold hardware, and specific Custom Shop build quality. The use of 490R/498T pickups also differentiates its sound from the Burstbuckers found in many standards.

Gear article

Gibson Custom Shop 1968 Les Paul Custom Reissue

The Gibson Custom Shop 1968 Les Paul Custom Reissue is a premium electric guitar that recreates the specific specifications of the late-1960s 'Tuxedo' model. It features a solid mahogany body with a two-piece maple top, an ebony finish, and a combination of 490R and 498T humbucking pickups.

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Overview

The Gibson Custom Shop 1968 Les Paul Custom Reissue represents a high-water mark in the Gibson Custom Shop lineup. Finished in a striking high-gloss Ebony, the instrument is defined by its multi-ply binding and gold-plated hardware. This specific iteration aims to capture the transition period of the late 1960s when the Les Paul Custom returned to production with a maple top, departing from the all-mahogany construction of the 1950s models.

Design and Construction

The guitar is built around a solid mahogany body paired with a two-piece maple top, a combination designed to balance warmth with top-end clarity. A critical structural feature is the long neck tenon, which extends further into the body than standard models to enhance vibration transfer and sustain. The neck is topped with a solid ebony fretboard, providing a smooth playing surface and contributing to the instrument's sharp note definition.

Electronics and Hardware

Unlike the vintage-style PAF recreations found in other reissues, this model is equipped with a 490R humbucker in the neck position and a 498T humbucker in the bridge. These pickups are designed to offer a more powerful, articulate tone with increased 'bite' for modern genres. Tuning stability and intonation are managed by high-quality Grover tuners and a classic Tune-O-Matic bridge, all finished in premium gold plating.

Market Context

Occupying the upper tier of the market with a price point around £4,999, this guitar is positioned as a professional-grade instrument. It competes with other high-end offerings such as the Fender Custom Shop 61 Telecaster Relic or the Gibson Les Paul Standard 50s P90. While the Standard 50s offers a more vintage-traditional experience, the 1968 Custom Reissue provides a more aggressive tonal profile and the iconic 'Black Beauty' aesthetic.

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Frequently asked questions

What body woods are used in the 1968 Les Paul Custom Reissue?: The guitar features a solid mahogany body capped with a two-piece maple top. This combination is intended to provide a rich, resonant tone with added clarity from the maple.
Which pickups are installed in this model?: It is equipped with a 490R humbucker in the neck position and a 498T humbucker in the bridge position. These provide a powerful, articulate sound with significant bite.
What type of fretboard does this guitar have?: The instrument features a solid ebony fretboard. Ebony is preferred for its durability, smooth feel, and the bright, clear character it adds to the notes.
How does the neck tenon affect the guitar's performance?: The guitar uses a long neck tenon construction. This deeper joint increases the surface area contact between the neck and body, which enhances sustain and resonance.
What kind of tuners are used on this Reissue?: The guitar is fitted with Grover tuners. These are known for their reliable tuning stability and premium feel, complementing the gold-plated hardware.
What is the typical price for this Gibson Custom Shop model?: This specific reissue typically retails in the range of £4,999. This reflects its status as a premium, American-made Custom Shop instrument.
What bridge system is utilized on the 1968 Custom Reissue?: The guitar uses a standard Tune-O-Matic bridge. This classic Gibson design allows for precise intonation and reliable performance during stage and studio use.
How does the 1968 model differ from the 1950s Custom models?: The 1968 reissue includes a two-piece maple top on the mahogany body, whereas 1950s Customs were typically solid mahogany. This change adds more brightness and snap to the tone.
What aesthetic features define the 'Ebony' look?: The guitar features a deep ebony finish complemented by multi-ply binding on the body. This is further accented by gold-plated hardware for a refined, bold appearance.
Is this guitar suitable for modern high-gain music?: Yes, the 498T bridge pickup is designed for power and bite, making it very suitable for modern rock and metal. It offers more output and definition than traditional vintage-style pickups.
Does this model include premium hardware finishes?: Yes, all the primary hardware components, including the bridge and tuners, are gold-plated. This adds to the premium aesthetic associated with the Les Paul Custom line.
What makes this guitar different from a standard Les Paul?: Key differences include the ebony fretboard, multi-ply binding, gold hardware, and specific Custom Shop build quality. The use of 490R/498T pickups also differentiates its sound from the Burstbuckers found in many standards.