1973 Gibson Les Paul Custom 54 Reissue Limited Edition
The 54 Les Paul Custom has long been one of my favorites. Here's one of Gibson's earliest efforts at reviving the 50s Les Paul formula. Made in very limited numbers, the 54 reissue Custom stayed true to the original Black Beauty's recipe. The old story was that these were made from leftover 50s bodies but that has been thoroughly debunked by now. Either way, these reissues were made closer to the originals in many ways. The body is a single piece of mahogany with a carved mahogany top just like the originals. The newer reissues feature a laminated on top but not these 72 reissues. The body and top are all carved from one hunk of wood just like in the 50s. The all mahogany construction lends a mellower voice as well. The beefy one piece mahogany neck features a bound ebony fingerboard with pearl block inlays. The bound headstock overlay is inlaid with the Gibson logo and gorgeous pearl split diamonds. A P-90 in the bridge and the famous Alnico V Staple neck pickup deliver killer tone. The Alnico V is clear and ringing, almost like a Gretsch Dynasonic. Original Kluson Waffleback tuners, a Stopbar tailpiece and a patent number Tuneomatic bridge round this one out. Black lacquer finish with nicely yellowed binding and inlays for a cool vintage look. Limited edition with LE series serial number. An incredible looking and sounding guitar!
Nothing sounds or feels like a Les Paul Custom. This one plays well with a nice beefy neck. The frets look to have been replaced and aren't the super low fretless wonders. An extra set of thumb wheels have been added to the bridge to add sustain and stability, a common and reversible player's mod. The Alnico pickup has tons of clarity and the bridge P-90 snarls. Average weight for a Les Paul and perhaps a bit lighter than most of the era. Not a brick. Pots are late 72 and 66. Condition wise, this one has a cool vibe. It shows the wear you would expect from a nearly 40 year old instrument. The initials "RLS" are lightly scratched on the back of the headstock. You have to angle it to see it in most light. The jack plate has been replaced. The finish shows average wear, scratches, chips, dents and dings. There's some touched up dings on the headstock edge. The overall look of the guitar is very cool and has the vibe of a 50s original. Comes in a no logo 70s Gibson case.
This is a ton of vintage tone for a great price. Nearly 40 years old and rare to boot. Original 50s Alnico Customs seem to have calmed down around the $30K mark after getting up over $40K. These reissues were bringing close to $10K in the crazy times a few years ago. These LE 54 Customs are a great bargain. You're getting a reissue made in the same factory and presumably on the same tooling by the same guys as the originals. All for a lot less than an original 54 and just a little more than a recent Historic reissue or same era pancake body Custom. Guitar trades welcomed. BUY IT NOW and own a great Les Paul!
SOLD!
