What type of pickups are installed in the 70s Tobacco Burst model?

It is equipped with a pair of Calibrated T-Type humbuckers, which are designed for clarity and a vintage-style response.

What makes the Tobacco Burst finish on this model unique?

This 70s-style finish includes three additional burst areas located on the back of the headstock, the neck, and the body.

What are 'Witch Hat' knobs?

Witch Hat knobs are a specific style of control knob used by Gibson in the 1970s, named for their resemblance to a pointed hat.

Does this guitar feature hand-wired electronics?

Yes, the electronics are hand-wired and include Orange Drop capacitors to ensure high-quality signal paths.

What is the significance of the 'Split Diamond' inlay?

The Split Diamond is the traditional headstock inlay found on Les Paul Custom models, signifying it as a top-of-the-line 'tuxedo' instrument.

How does the maple top affect the sound?

The three-piece maple top adds 'bite' and brightness to the natural warmth of the mahogany body, helping notes cut through a mix.

Is the hardware on this model chrome or gold?

The Gibson Les Paul Custom 70s Tobacco Burst features gleaming gold hardware throughout.

When was the Les Paul Custom first introduced?

The Les Paul Custom was first introduced in 1953 following suggestions from Les Paul for a sleek, high-class looking guitar.

What is the typical price for this model?

The typical price for this specific Gibson Les Paul Custom model is approximately £3,289.

Which famous artists are associated with the Les Paul brand?

Notable users include Les Paul, Dave Grohl, Brian May, Paul McCartney, and Duane Allman, among many others across various genres.

How does the binding differ from a standard Les Paul?

The Les Paul Custom features multi-ply binding on the body and headstock, which is more intricate than the single-ply binding found on Standard models.

Gear article

Gibson Les Paul Custom 70s Tobacco Burst

The Gibson Les Paul Custom 70s Tobacco Burst is a high-end electric guitar designed to replicate the aesthetic and sonic characteristics of the 'tuxedo' style instruments produced during the 1970s. It features a solid mahogany body, a three-piece maple top, and period-correct appointments such as gold hardware and 'Witch Hat' control knobs.

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Background and History

The Les Paul Custom was first introduced in 1953 following a direct suggestion from Les Paul himself, who requested a 'tuxedo' style guitar that would look elegant on stage. While the original 1950s models were known for their Ebony finishes, the 1970s era introduced distinct variations in construction and aesthetics.

This specific model pays homage to the 1970s production cycle, incorporating design elements such as the three-piece maple top and the unique Tobacco Burst finish. Unlike standard bursts, this version includes additional burst areas on the back of the headstock, neck, and body, recreating the specific spray patterns used by Gibson during that decade.

Construction and Key Features

The instrument is built around a solid mahogany body paired with a three-piece maple top, a combination intended to provide a balance of warmth and high-end clarity. The aesthetics are defined by multi-ply binding and the iconic 'Split Diamond' headstock inlay.

Hardware and electronics include: * Gold Hardware: Gleaming gold-plated bridge, tailpiece, and tuners. * Witch Hat Knobs: Period-correct control knobs characteristic of 70s Les Pauls. * T-Type Humbuckers: A pair of Calibrated T-Type humbuckers providing vintage-voiced output. * Premium Wiring: Hand-wired circuitry featuring Orange Drop capacitors for consistent tonal performance.

Sound and Character

The Gibson Les Paul Custom 70s Tobacco Burst is engineered to deliver the 'unmistakable Les Paul punch.' The mahogany body provides significant sustain and mid-range depth, while the maple top adds 'bite' and note definition. The Calibrated T-Type humbuckers are designed to offer a clear, articulate response that handles both clean jazz tones and heavy rock saturation with reliability.

Target Audience

This guitar is positioned as an instrument for serious players and collectors who prioritise both vintage aesthetics and professional-grade reliability. Its versatile pickup configuration makes it suitable for a wide range of genres, from the blues of John Lee Hooker and Duane Allman to the stadium rock of Dave Grohl and the pop-rock sensibilities of artists like Taylor Swift and Paul McCartney.

Comparative Analysis

When compared to other premium electric guitars, the Les Paul Custom 70s Tobacco Burst offers a distinct tonal weight compared to the brighter, single-coil snap of models like the Fender Eric Clapton Stratocaster or the American Professional II Stratocaster.

Within the Gibson range, it differs from the Les Paul Standard 50s P90 through its use of humbucking pickups and more ornate 'Custom' appointments. While modern artist models like the Jim Root Telecaster focus on contemporary high-gain performance, the 70s Custom remains rooted in classic rock tradition and vintage-inspired hardware.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the primary body wood used in this guitar?: The guitar features a solid mahogany body paired with a three-piece maple top for a blend of warmth and bite.
What type of pickups are installed in the 70s Tobacco Burst model?: It is equipped with a pair of Calibrated T-Type humbuckers, which are designed for clarity and a vintage-style response.
What makes the Tobacco Burst finish on this model unique?: This 70s-style finish includes three additional burst areas located on the back of the headstock, the neck, and the body.
What are 'Witch Hat' knobs?: Witch Hat knobs are a specific style of control knob used by Gibson in the 1970s, named for their resemblance to a pointed hat.
Does this guitar feature hand-wired electronics?: Yes, the electronics are hand-wired and include Orange Drop capacitors to ensure high-quality signal paths.
What is the significance of the 'Split Diamond' inlay?: The Split Diamond is the traditional headstock inlay found on Les Paul Custom models, signifying it as a top-of-the-line 'tuxedo' instrument.
How does the maple top affect the sound?: The three-piece maple top adds 'bite' and brightness to the natural warmth of the mahogany body, helping notes cut through a mix.
Is the hardware on this model chrome or gold?: The Gibson Les Paul Custom 70s Tobacco Burst features gleaming gold hardware throughout.
When was the Les Paul Custom first introduced?: The Les Paul Custom was first introduced in 1953 following suggestions from Les Paul for a sleek, high-class looking guitar.
What is the typical price for this model?: The typical price for this specific Gibson Les Paul Custom model is approximately £3,289.
Which famous artists are associated with the Les Paul brand?: Notable users include Les Paul, Dave Grohl, Brian May, Paul McCartney, and Duane Allman, among many others across various genres.
How does the binding differ from a standard Les Paul?: The Les Paul Custom features multi-ply binding on the body and headstock, which is more intricate than the single-ply binding found on Standard models.