Description

1973 Gibson Les Paul Custom Alpine White 

Up for sale, here’s an incredible and highly collectible 1973 (not a reissue) Gibson Les Paul Custom in Alpine White Pretty much All Original in very clean condition. Made in the Kalamazoo, MI factory (USA), Norlin era.

10.0 Lbs, which is pretty good for what you can expect from a ’70s Les Paul Custom. Pretty well balanced. Serial # shows 126XXX.

As you might know, ’74 was the 20th Anniversary year of the Less Paul Custom and the Alpine White was introduced for the first time sometime in late ’73. These very early models are known for having the three-piece body, two pieces of mahogany with a sliver of maple about the thickness of a pancake between them and just one piece Mahogany neck with a not too pronounced volute, Bound body, headstock and neck with Ebony fretboard with block inlays and Waffle tuners.

The guitar appears to be all original with the exception of just the bridge pickup, which is not original to the guitar (the T Top neck pick up is) however it has a vintage period correct (1970’s) Gibson T Top cream bridge pickup that matches perfectly (See photos # 20 – 21). The Alpine White finish seems to be a factory finish with typical “yellowing”, some light checking and patina over the gold hardware. There are absolutely no re-routes whatsoever.

All electronics, including pickup switch and pots looks original (dated late ’72 and early ’73) , as well as the T Top neck pickup with its pickup cover. The bridge pickup is a replacement original vintage T Top with cream bobbins (The pickup cover appears to be original to the guitar, faded gold and a slightly different pole spacing than the current T Top however perfectly functional).

The frets are original and beside having some honest wear they still have plenty of life ahead. The neck is perfectly straight with its truss rod in perfect working order. The guitar plays amazingly well as you can expect. It’s been professionally set with a fresh se of D’addario .10″ – ’46”.

Aesthetically, the guitar has surface level light marks of usage, discoloration, patina, nimumal buckle rush and edge wear, however the instrument is in Very Good+ condition for its age. It comes with its original Black tolex hard case that is in Good condition with just two latches working but still functional.

It’s a great opportunity to get a real vintage early ’70s Les Paul Custom for a really great price. The guitar ships out to continental US and some international destinations. Local pickup in LA is also welcome.