What pickups are installed in the Gibson Custom Shop Les Paul Custom?

The guitar is equipped with a 490R humbucker in the neck position and a 498T humbucker in the bridge position. These pickups are designed to be articulate and responsive, providing a powerful, high-output tone.

What materials are used for the neck and body?

Both the neck and the body of this Les Paul Custom are crafted from mahogany. This choice of wood is traditional for the model and contributes to its signature sustain and warm tonal profile.

What is the typical retail price for this model?

The typical price range for this Gibson Custom Shop model is approximately £4,775. This reflects its status as a flagship instrument produced by Gibson's premium workshop.

What bridge system does this guitar use?

It features a classic Tune-O-Matic bridge paired with a stop bar tailpiece. This setup is renowned for its reliability, ease of adjustment, and excellent tuning stability.

How does the Alpine White finish differ from other colours?

Alpine White is a crisp, solid white finish that gives the guitar a sleek and elegant appearance. It is often considered a hallmark of the 'Custom' aesthetic compared to the wood-grain bursts of the 'Standard' series.

Is the neck design specific to the Custom Shop model?

Yes, it features a sleek, finely-crafted mahogany neck designed for a refined playing experience. The craftsmanship is intended to meet the highest standards of the Gibson Custom Shop.

What kind of sound can I expect from this guitar?

The sound is described as pristine, articulate, and charismatic. The combination of mahogany and high-output humbuckers allows for a wide range of tones, from crisp cleans to powerful, harmonically rich overdriven sounds.

How does it compare to a Gibson Les Paul Standard 50s P90?

The Custom Shop model uses 490R/498T humbuckers which provide a more powerful and compressed sound compared to the brighter, more raw single-coil P90 pickups found on the Standard 50s model.

Who is this guitar primarily designed for?

It is designed for players who want the pinnacle of Gibson's craftsmanship. It suits professional performers and enthusiasts who value a high-end, flagship instrument with a distinct, elegant look.

Does this guitar come with any specific hardware features?

In addition to the premium pickups, it includes high-quality gold or chrome hardware (depending on the specific batch), the Tune-O-Matic bridge, and the signature 'Custom' appointments like multi-ply binding.

How does the 498T bridge pickup perform?

The 498T is a high-output pickup that is more aggressive than vintage-style humbuckers. It is particularly effective for rock and metal styles where extra gain and presence are required.

Is this guitar suitable for beginners?

While technically playable by anyone, its high price point of £4,775 and professional-grade features make it more common among experienced players and collectors than beginners, who might look toward models like the Squier Mini Stratocaster.

Gear article

Gibson Custom Shop Les Paul Custom Alpine White

The Gibson Custom Shop Les Paul Custom in Alpine White is a premium electric guitar that serves as the flagship model for Gibson's high-end production facility. Characterised by its elegant aesthetic and mahogany construction, it is equipped with 490R and 498T humbucking pickups to deliver a refined, articulate sound.

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Overview

The Gibson Custom Shop Les Paul Custom represents the apex of the manufacturer's guitar-crafting expertise. As a flagship model, it is designed to offer a blend of visual elegance and high-performance functionality. The Alpine White finish is a signature look for this model, providing a 'sleek and refined' aesthetic that distinguishes it from the standard sunburst finishes found on other Les Paul iterations.

Construction and Hardware

The instrument is built around a solid mahogany foundation, featuring a finely-crafted mahogany neck designed for smooth playability. The hardware selection is professional-grade, including the standard Gibson Tune-O-Matic bridge paired with a stop bar tailpiece. This combination ensures stable intonation and efficient string vibration transfer to the body.

Electronics and Sound

The sonic character of the Les Paul Custom is defined by its 490R and 498T humbucking pickups. These units are described as being powerful, articulate, and highly responsive to the player's touch.

490R (Neck): Provides a warm, smooth tone with a crispness suitable for lead work and clean passages.
498T (Bridge): Offers a higher output for increased drive and punch, maintaining clarity even under high gain.

Together, they produce a 'charismatic voice' that Gibson describes as being distinct from other models in their lineup.

Target Audience and Comparison

This guitar is intended for professional musicians and serious collectors who require an instrument with both aesthetic prestige and versatile tonal capabilities. While the Les Paul Standard 50s P90 offers a more vintage, single-coil bite, the Custom Shop Les Paul Custom provides a more refined and powerful humbucking experience. When compared to contemporary alternatives like the Fender American Professional II Stratocaster or the Jim Root Telecaster, the Gibson stands out for its heavier mahogany construction and traditional set-neck sustain.

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Frequently asked questions

What pickups are installed in the Gibson Custom Shop Les Paul Custom?: The guitar is equipped with a 490R humbucker in the neck position and a 498T humbucker in the bridge position. These pickups are designed to be articulate and responsive, providing a powerful, high-output tone.
What materials are used for the neck and body?: Both the neck and the body of this Les Paul Custom are crafted from mahogany. This choice of wood is traditional for the model and contributes to its signature sustain and warm tonal profile.
What is the typical retail price for this model?: The typical price range for this Gibson Custom Shop model is approximately £4,775. This reflects its status as a flagship instrument produced by Gibson's premium workshop.
What bridge system does this guitar use?: It features a classic Tune-O-Matic bridge paired with a stop bar tailpiece. This setup is renowned for its reliability, ease of adjustment, and excellent tuning stability.
How does the Alpine White finish differ from other colours?: Alpine White is a crisp, solid white finish that gives the guitar a sleek and elegant appearance. It is often considered a hallmark of the 'Custom' aesthetic compared to the wood-grain bursts of the 'Standard' series.
Is the neck design specific to the Custom Shop model?: Yes, it features a sleek, finely-crafted mahogany neck designed for a refined playing experience. The craftsmanship is intended to meet the highest standards of the Gibson Custom Shop.
What kind of sound can I expect from this guitar?: The sound is described as pristine, articulate, and charismatic. The combination of mahogany and high-output humbuckers allows for a wide range of tones, from crisp cleans to powerful, harmonically rich overdriven sounds.
How does it compare to a Gibson Les Paul Standard 50s P90?: The Custom Shop model uses 490R/498T humbuckers which provide a more powerful and compressed sound compared to the brighter, more raw single-coil P90 pickups found on the Standard 50s model.
Who is this guitar primarily designed for?: It is designed for players who want the pinnacle of Gibson's craftsmanship. It suits professional performers and enthusiasts who value a high-end, flagship instrument with a distinct, elegant look.
Does this guitar come with any specific hardware features?: In addition to the premium pickups, it includes high-quality gold or chrome hardware (depending on the specific batch), the Tune-O-Matic bridge, and the signature 'Custom' appointments like multi-ply binding.
How does the 498T bridge pickup perform?: The 498T is a high-output pickup that is more aggressive than vintage-style humbuckers. It is particularly effective for rock and metal styles where extra gain and presence are required.
Is this guitar suitable for beginners?: While technically playable by anyone, its high price point of £4,775 and professional-grade features make it more common among experienced players and collectors than beginners, who might look toward models like the Squier Mini Stratocaster.