Gibson introduced the Les Paul Custom in 1954 as the high-end counterpart to the Standard, featuring elegant appointments and an all-mahogany body. Designed to be both visually striking and sonically rich, it quickly became a favourite among players seeking a more refined version of the Les Paul. By 1969, Gibson was transitioning the model with structural changes such as a volute on the headstock and a multi-piece neck, but the earlier features remain the most desirable.
Just in at Premier Guitars: a beautifully restored early '69 Gibson Les Paul Custom, showcasing hallmark features from the tail end of Gibson’s revered 'golden era.' This example sports the coveted one-piece mahogany body and neck, lacks the later volute, and features the earlier Gibson logo with no dot above the “i”—a subtle but telling sign of its vintage pedigree.
The guitar has undergone a thoughtful restoration that respects its original vibe. The back of the neck had previously suffered a subpar repair and was poorly refinished, prompting a complete professional restoration by Sydney luthier Frank Grubisa. He expertly addressed the headstock repair and refinished the back of the neck with nitrocellulose lacquer. A past refret and new nut installation were also carried out under his care. The neck retains a smooth and comfortable C profile, although it has slightly slimmed down in the lower register from earlier work.
A clear overspray was applied to the body many years ago, likely during the initial neck work, subtly enhancing its finish without concealing its age. Under the hood, the electronics are a mix of old and new: the neck pickup is original, while the bridge sports a correct late-’60s T-Top humbucker. One volume pot and the tone cap have been replaced; the remaining three pots date to late 1968. Repro parts from Crazy Parts include the jack plate, pickguard, tuners, bridge saddles, strap buttons, and tailpiece. The original tuners are housed in the included non-original hard case.
Plug it in, and it delivers all the vintage soul you'd hope for. The T-Tops provide that unmistakable late-'60s bite and warmth, making this a soulful player’s guitar brimming with honest character and road-worn charm.
Available now at Premier Guitars.
Features:
Action at 1st fret: 0.5mm
Action at 12th fret: 1.75mm
Neck depth at 1st fret: 20.53mm
Neck depth at 12th fret: 25.2mm
Nut Width: 42.57mm
12 fret width: 51.2mm
Weight: 4.56kg / 10.06lb
Make: Gibson
Model: Les Paul Custom
Year: Early 1969
Body: One-piece mahogany
Neck: One-piece mahogany, no volute
Fingerboard: Ebony with pearl block inlays
Frets: Refretted, new nut installed by Frank Grubisa
Pickups: Original neck T-Top, period-correct late-'60s T-Top bridge
Controls: Three original pots, one replaced volume pot, replaced tone capacitor
Bridge: Original ABR-1 with modern reproduction saddles
Tailpiece: Modern reproduction
Pickguard: Modern reproduction
Hardware: Gold-plated
Finish: Original with clear overspray on body, back of neck professionally refinished
