What pickups are installed in this Les Paul Custom?

This guitar is equipped with a 490R humbucker in the neck position and a 498T humbucker in the bridge position. These pickups are designed to provide a high-output, articulate tone with significant bite.

What is the benefit of the long neck tenon?

The long neck tenon provides a larger surface area for the neck-to-body joint. This construction method is widely regarded for enhancing the guitar's sustain and resonance.

What woods are used in the construction of the body?

The body is made from solid mahogany, which is then capped with a two-piece maple top. This combination is a classic Gibson design intended to balance warmth and clarity.

What type of fretboard does this model have?

The guitar features a solid ebony fretboard. Ebony is a dense, dark wood known for providing a snappy response and excellent note definition.

What hardware is used for tuning stability?

The instrument is fitted with Grover tuners and a gold-plated Tune-O-Matic bridge. These components are chosen for their reliability and ability to maintain precise tuning under professional use.

How does the finish differ from a standard Les Paul?

The Custom model features a striking Ebony finish with multi-ply binding on the body. This provides a more ornate, 'tuxedo' look compared to the simpler binding found on Standard models.

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

The typical retail price for this specific model is approximately GBP 4,399. This reflects its status as a premium instrument handcrafted in the Gibson Custom Shop.

Is this guitar suitable for studio recording?

Yes, it is designed for both stage and studio excellence. The combination of the solid ebony fretboard and articulate humbuckers ensures every note stands out with clarity in a mix.

How does this compare to a Les Paul Standard '50s?

Unlike the Standard '50s which might use P90 pickups and rosewood boards, the Custom Shop model uses 490R/498T humbuckers and an ebony fretboard. The Custom also features more elaborate aesthetic appointments like gold hardware and multi-ply binding.

What kind of bridge does the guitar use?

It uses a gold-plated Tune-O-Matic bridge. This bridge style allows for precise intonation adjustments for each individual string.

What is the tonal profile of the 498T bridge pickup?

The 498T is a high-output bridge pickup that delivers a powerful, punchy sound. It is designed to provide 'bite' and clarity, especially when used with overdrive or distortion.

Who is the primary audience for this instrument?

This guitar suits professional guitarists and collectors seeking a top-tier instrument. Its construction and premium components make it ideal for those who require maximum sustain and tonal definition.

Gear article

Gibson Custom Les Paul Custom Ebony #CS404397

The Gibson Custom Les Paul Custom #CS404397 is a high-end electric guitar manufactured by the Gibson Custom Shop, representing the pinnacle of the brand's craftsmanship. It features a solid mahogany body with a maple top and is distinguished by its Ebony finish, multi-ply binding, and gold-plated hardware.

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Overview and Design

The Gibson Custom Les Paul Custom is designed to bridge the gap between vintage heritage and modern performance requirements. The instrument is constructed with a solid mahogany body capped with a two-piece maple top, a combination historically favoured for its balanced tonal properties. The aesthetic is defined by a bold Ebony finish, complemented by multi-ply binding and gold-plated hardware, including a Tune-O-Matic bridge and Grover tuners for enhanced tuning stability.

Construction and Playability

A key technical feature of this model is the long neck tenon, which extends further into the body than standard neck joints. This design choice is intended to enhance sustain and structural integrity. The neck is paired with a solid ebony fretboard, providing a smooth playing surface and contributing to the instrument's overall note definition. The inclusion of premium components ensures the guitar meets the demands of professional stage and studio environments.

Tonal Character and Electronics

The electronics configuration consists of two specific Gibson humbucking pickups: the 490R in the neck position and the 498T in the bridge position. This pairing is engineered to deliver powerful, articulate tones. The neck pickup provides warmth and richness, while the bridge pickup offers increased 'bite' and output, making the guitar suitable for high-gain applications as well as clean, resonant passages.

Market Position and Comparisons

Positioned within the premium price bracket of approximately GBP 4,399, this Les Paul Custom is aimed at serious collectors and professional musicians. It occupies a distinct space compared to other high-end models such as the Fender Custom Shop '61 Telecaster or the Gibson Les Paul Standard '50s. While it shares some DNA with standard models, the Custom Shop version's use of an ebony fretboard and specific humbucker sets it apart from the P90-equipped Standard or the single-coil configurations found on Fender American Professional II instruments.

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Frequently asked questions

What pickups are installed in this Les Paul Custom?: This guitar is equipped with a 490R humbucker in the neck position and a 498T humbucker in the bridge position. These pickups are designed to provide a high-output, articulate tone with significant bite.
What is the benefit of the long neck tenon?: The long neck tenon provides a larger surface area for the neck-to-body joint. This construction method is widely regarded for enhancing the guitar's sustain and resonance.
What woods are used in the construction of the body?: The body is made from solid mahogany, which is then capped with a two-piece maple top. This combination is a classic Gibson design intended to balance warmth and clarity.
What type of fretboard does this model have?: The guitar features a solid ebony fretboard. Ebony is a dense, dark wood known for providing a snappy response and excellent note definition.
What hardware is used for tuning stability?: The instrument is fitted with Grover tuners and a gold-plated Tune-O-Matic bridge. These components are chosen for their reliability and ability to maintain precise tuning under professional use.
How does the finish differ from a standard Les Paul?: The Custom model features a striking Ebony finish with multi-ply binding on the body. This provides a more ornate, 'tuxedo' look compared to the simpler binding found on Standard models.
What is the typical price for this Gibson Custom Shop model?: The typical retail price for this specific model is approximately GBP 4,399. This reflects its status as a premium instrument handcrafted in the Gibson Custom Shop.
Is this guitar suitable for studio recording?: Yes, it is designed for both stage and studio excellence. The combination of the solid ebony fretboard and articulate humbuckers ensures every note stands out with clarity in a mix.
How does this compare to a Les Paul Standard '50s?: Unlike the Standard '50s which might use P90 pickups and rosewood boards, the Custom Shop model uses 490R/498T humbuckers and an ebony fretboard. The Custom also features more elaborate aesthetic appointments like gold hardware and multi-ply binding.
What kind of bridge does the guitar use?: It uses a gold-plated Tune-O-Matic bridge. This bridge style allows for precise intonation adjustments for each individual string.
What is the tonal profile of the 498T bridge pickup?: The 498T is a high-output bridge pickup that delivers a powerful, punchy sound. It is designed to provide 'bite' and clarity, especially when used with overdrive or distortion.
Who is the primary audience for this instrument?: This guitar suits professional guitarists and collectors seeking a top-tier instrument. Its construction and premium components make it ideal for those who require maximum sustain and tonal definition.