What's a '79 Gibson LP Custom worth?

[flounder]

I've got a chance to pick up a '79 LP Custom in Cherry Sunburst and I'm wondering if it's a good deal or not. I might be able to get it for about $1,300. Looks to be in pretty good condition and has the HSC. I'm fairly new to the forum and figured if anyone could tell, it would be here. I've bought way too much this year but this thing is too damn cool to pass up.

 

[charveldan]

$2500 or more in very good condition.

$1300 is a steal, what is the seller on crack?

 

[goodandswarty]

1300 bucks for that is almost like he's paying you to take it. unless there's something wrong with it that they're not disclosing, take that thing and run for it! nice score....
if you're slightly worried, please forward me their contact information and i'll buy it first.. you know... just to make sure it's all on the up and up ; )

 

[KGWagner]

It doesn't matter what people think something is worth. As Ben Franklin so accurately pointed out: "The worth of a thing is the price it will bring."

So many collectors think their collection is highly valuable, when in reality they couldn't actually sell any of their pieces for anywhere near what they think they're worth.

Of course, there are a number of suckers and idiots born every minute, so garbage sometimes goes for a great deal of money, and fine pieces go for a pittance. Probably the most reliable way of finding the value of something is to ask an insurer what they'd pay if the thing got stolen. Add 10% or 15% to that, and it'll be close to a real number. Another way is to check the completed auctions listing on similar items on ebay, and calculate the mean value.

Be aware that the listed prices on ebay are a lot different than the completed prices - you want the completed prices, since that's what the items actually sold for.

 

[flounder]

Thanks guys. I think I'm gonna pick it up. I've longed for one for a while. I checked ebay and nothing really close has ended as a completed auction latley but I kind of figured that was a great price. If I get it, I'll post up some photos.

 

[Jef Bardsley]

I'd say the price is $500 below market value, depending on condition, perhaps $1000. (btw, most insurance underwriters don't know the prices on old Les Pauls - they call stores they trust)

While there are plenty of people that need cash fast in today's economy, I'd be careful. If possible, take it to a luthier and be sure the neck is straight, and the truss rod works.

Most anything else can be fixed, especially at that price. (see post #16)
http://www.lespaulforum.com/forum/showthread.php?t=163316

 

[flounder]

The serial number on the back of the headstock is 7093958. It's only got 7 digits and there is no Made in the USA stamp. Is this legit?
Seller claims its a 1979.

 

[charveldan]

The serial number on the back of the headstock is 7093958. It's only got 7 digits and there is no Made in the USA stamp. Is this legit?
Seller claims its a 1979.

I'm not positive, but i think the first & the 5th digit in the serial number is the year, which in your case is 7 & 9, [79'].

Google "gibson serial numbers".

 

[frankencat]

Hey, would you mind send me some pics of the guitar? I am looking for my old '79 Cherry Sunburst Custom that I sold some years ago. I don't know the serial unfortunately but it has some a "special identifier" on it that would be unique to this guitar. Thanks -Frank

 

[charveldan]

I'm not positive, but i think the first & the 5th digit in the serial number is the year, which in your case is 7 & 9, [79'].

Google "gibson serial numbers".

A member from "Les Paul Forum" confirmed the first & fifth digit of the serial on a LPC is the year of manufacture.

 

[Pushead]

Yeah, with that serial number, it's going to be older than 79. According to what I've read, a 7xxxxxx serial number would be a '68 or '69.

They started the current serial number system in mid 77 with 8 digit serial numbers. Pictures would help. We could also help you identify if it's a fake or not.


Reserach link: http://www.provide.net/~cfh/gibson.html

 

[Jahn]

1300? no brainer. if you don't love it you can always flip it or trade even across for a historic reissue LP of some sort.

 

[flounder]

Here's a link to the photos? think it's legit?

http://picasaweb.google.com/joe.demartino

 

[Guitarzandstuff]

Looks pretty legit from here. It's refretted, replaced tuners. The no "made in USA" stamp has me puzzled. And are you sure there isn't another number after the 8 in the s/n?

 

[flounder]

i questioned the made in the USA stamp missing digit and he says they are there but are faint. Apparently the 9 is not visible in the photo and he says the made in the USA is there but is very faint. he has offered to meet somewhere to have it authenticated and said he has had several dealers look at it and never been questioned.

 

[Jahn]

Looks pretty legit from here. It's refretted, replaced tuners. The no "made in USA" stamp has me puzzled. And are you sure there isn't another number after the 8 in the s/n?

+1. Still worth $1300 easy!

 

[markw1980]

I sold a burgundy (Wine Red, I suppose) '79 Custom 5 years ago for $1600. You are getting a great deal!

 

[Jim S]

I've got a chance to pick up a '79 LP Custom in Cherry Sunburst and I'm wondering if it's a good deal or not. I might be able to get it for about $1,300. Looks to be in pretty good condition and has the HSC. I'm fairly new to the forum and figured if anyone could tell, it would be here. I've bought way too much this year but this thing is too damn cool to pass up.

Buy it.
I purchased my ebony 79 Custom a few months ago for about $1900 inc s/h

 

[The Golden Boy]

That 1979 Date Stamp thing...

 

[Pushead]

I'll also confirm it as legit and a '79. The 3 piece maple neck sealed the deal for me.

I have two '77 LPCs where the serial number is almost unreadable. I purchased them about 8 years ago for around $1300. I think that guitar is a great deal. Go for it.