Les Paul Custom Value/Investment new/used -- suggestions?

tomjonesrocks · Newbie Alert Joined: 21 Mar 2008 Posts: 1

I've been playing a 90's Special for quite awhile but have always wanted a Les Paul Custom. I suspect it would take quite awhile for me to find my ideal model but am curious if it's best to focus on new vs. used from a value standpoint. Really am not an expert as to what are considered to be the "best years", etc. Would have to be considering long-term values as well.

Visually I really like the Silverbursts, but it's such a Adam Jones bandwagon guitar that I doubt I could really pull the trigger on one. But probably would opt for a muted-color burst of some sort. Am also really intrigued by the Custom Shop 68 Chambered model (if I'm shopping new) but question if that would be a good model to buy from a long-term value standpoint--plus I can't find one locally to see if the chambering process robs it of tone. Like the color though and the lighter weight would appeal to me if there weren't disadvantages.

Then again, I'm quite open to buying used--particularly if there's a good value/model out there I'm unaware of currently.

Anyway, I know this is a broad question--but am interested in hearing what those far more informed than I might suggest. Thanks!

SAguitar · Posted: Mon Mar 24, 2008 10:12 am Post subject:

Welcome to the Forum, TJ!

Well, the older Gibsons are pretty good investments, but to buy one will cost some huge bucks. Basically, the Norlin years are not considered to be Gibson's best due to the corner-cutting that went on then in production while the bean counters were trying to wring more money out of the company. However, some very fine guitars were output during that period anyway. I own a '75 LP that I've had for 30 years and I love him.

More recently, and in general terms, the late 80s and 90s were pretty consistent in great quality, and I have been very impressed with their work after the turn of the last century.

Gibson has begun steadily raising their prices several times a year over the last few years, with no end in sight. So buying a new one now will certainly be cheaper than it will even next year. Gibsons are still generally appreciating in value.

Stay tuned,
Stan

95strat · Cobra Joined: 29 Oct 2005 Posts: 489 Location: Canada

Jack Daniels · Growing Lion Joined: 29 May 2004 Posts: 883

Well a 68 reissue would be a great guitar to buy due to the construction that is used on it. It differs than the normal LP customs made in the same shop. Neck joint, bridge, peg-head angle etc. If I were to buy a new one with a maple cap, it would be a 68 reissue. If I were to buy a new one with a mahogany cap, it would be a 57 reissue...in fact I own a cherry colored 57 reissue.

Normal LP customs have a Nashville style bridge and have since 75. It is a heavier bridge than the ABR-1. So I sort of draw the line at 75. Pre 75 customs have a mahogany neck, an ABR bridge and a semi-long neck tenon. The only down fall is the volute on the back of the neck. Some can live with that...I can. After 75 the necks were maple and the bridge was a nashville. That stayed until about 82 or so. I think the period from 75-82 are probably the ones to stay away from in regards to major value. After 83 or so the quality got better and better. Anything late 80's and up is going to be a pretty darn good guitar. I like 89-95 or so the best of the recent Customs unitl the most recent ones. The new customs are made in the custom shop and are quite nice...but again, if I was going to buy a new one, I go for the 68 reissue. It is built like the real 68's were. 68 was the best year for LPs except for the 50's and the reissues.

bosrocker51 · Tadpole Joined: 09 Apr 2008 Posts: 22

I have played a LOT of LP Customs over the years. Some of the new ones are very nice. At $3,000+ it's an investment.

If you are serious about buying AS an investment, don't buy new, IMO, unless you really love the guitar. Seriously, you are better off buying a vintage Gibson (non- LP Custom) like a 125. They're hoverring around $1,000 +/- on ebay. Great tone from the P90, and pretty much a deal.

People are asking crazy money for older LP Customs, and I hate to say it but age is NO guarantee of tone. I've played 80's LP Customs with great tone, and modern ones that sounded (at least to me, thru the amp I used) like nothing special. One of the REAL drawbacks about online shopping is you can't hear it. You can't play it!

I would hesitate to buy an older guitar unless I could play it, although I got a 1972 LP Deluxe on ebay for a great price and I LOVE it!

Ever consider the 54 Reissue? Hard to find in stores, but a really cool axe. Best of luck.