Recent LP Custom questions - semi urgent...

[rog951]

Hey guys, I'm planning to go to a local store this evening to peek at an '04 Les Paul Custom and I'm hoping someone here will have some quick info for me. I feel like I pretty much know what I'm looking for, but I also know the fakes are getting better and better, and I really don't want to make a ~$2K mistake!

First off, wanted to know what year the production of "regular ol' LP Customs" moved to the custom shop. The guitar in question is a non-historic, but has the CS4xxxx serial number ink-stamped on. Also wondering if these "non-historic custom shop Customs" should come with a COA, and what the original case should have been in '04.

Those are the biggies I was interested in but I'd love to hear any other info you guys might like to share, especially regarding how to determine the guitar is genuine and to the values of these on the used market. I've always loved the look, feel and sound of LP Customs. I've played a bunch over the years, but have never owned one. My Standards and my Deluxe need a new friend! Thanks!

[TheTones]

You can contact Gibson and they will verify the serial #.

[rog951]

Originally Posted by TheTones

You can contact Gibson and they will verify the serial #.

Thanks. Called them earlier today and they won't do it anymore over the phone with Custom Shop guitars. They require an email with pictures (which I'm working on).

[rydog2223]

Do a search on Gibson's site as well. They just had a big article on the fakes. Also check out ebay on the left hand column there should be info on Chinese fakes. Hope this helps some. If ya need more info just send me a PM.

[Austinrocks]

Not sure of the current Customs, I have an '85 LP Custom, they are very different from the other LPs, mine is a Jazz Guitar, it originally did not do Blues very well, the Ebony neck and pick ups give a really punchy, horn like tone, which I personally never cared for, the tone improved over time, but never really go to the point I liked, I changed out the pickups, went with some Rio Grande Texas/BBQ, now I have a great golden tone from the guitar with a wide range of tones available.

Anyway, with the customs make sure you play the guitar, and its tone is what your looking for, it could be voiced for Jazz, and if that is not what your looking for you may regret the purchase. Most people who play a guitar in the store, are not hearing the guitar, a distorted tube amp is really cool sounding, however the guitar is only showing how it can overdrive an amp, which most humbuckers will do, the tone is evident when you play the guitar on a clean channel, or a clean fender amp, I have a Vibralux, which is my Jazz amp, however I really was not looking to be the horn section of a Jazz band, which my Custom was untill I changed out the pickups. Most LPs sound good in a Marshall, which was the amp I generally played with it, the frustration was when I played the guitar in my Fender Vibralux and V-Twin pedal, the Horn tone really came through then.

[braz board]

I have a 2005 LP custom. It's around 9 pounds, immaculate tall frets, inlays and ebony board. Woody sounding like a good historic. Nice bass responce, medium midrange and clear articulation on treble without sounding overbearing. Also #1 has a medium sized neck: not too big R7 or too small 60's classic. I've owned and tried a few and nearly given up on finding a holy grail custom and this one came along. I'd just go play it and go from there.

[Drowned Rabbit]

Originally Posted by Austinrocks

I have an '85 LP Custom, I changed out the pickups, went with some Rio Grande Texas/BBQ, now I have a great golden tone from the guitar with a wide range of tones available.

Cool. That's exactly what I did.
'05 Custom in oxblood with gold hardware.
I switched out the Gibson 'buckers for some
Rio Grande BBQ's. Made it really warm & sweet.

[cube]

if the serial starts with cs then it should have COA

[rog951]

Originally Posted by braz board

I have a 2005 LP custom. It's around 9 pounds, immaculate tall frets, inlays and ebony board. Woody sounding like a good historic. Nice bass responce, medium midrange and clear articulation on treble without sounding overbearing. Also #1 has a medium sized neck: not too big R7 or too small 60's classic. I've owned and tried a few and nearly given up on finding a holy grail custom and this one came along. I'd just go play it and go from there.

Thanks for the info braz board! I don't suppose you have any pix you could share?

I've been looking for a great Custom for a long time now. I've come across a few nice guitars but none that made me want to take them home with me...at least not at the asking price. I don't believe I've played any of these recent Custom Shop Customs though, just lots of '70s, '80s and '90s guitars. From the description of your guitar, it sounds like they might be right up my alley. Won't be able to get to see the guitar 'til tomorrow now, but I'll report back.

BTW, it seems like it's getting more and more difficult these days to find ANY used Custom in decent shape for under $2K. When did the pre-owned Custom prices jump? It seems like a couple years back $1500 would get you a really nice guitar. Procrastination has really cost me this time!