Vintage Gibson Les Paul Custom - USA 1969

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.

Premier Guitars is pleased to offer this early 1969 Gibson Les Paul Custom, retaining the sought-after one-piece neck and body construction. With no volute and a Gibson logo missing the dot over the ‘i,’ this guitar represents one of the last from this golden era before significant design changes took hold.

This example has been professionally restored while preserving its vintage character. The bridge pickup is a period-correct late-'60s T-Top, paired with the original neck pickup. One volume pot and the tone capacitor have been replaced, while three original pots date to the 52nd week of 1968. The pickguard, jack plate, strap buttons, bridge saddles, tuners and tailpiece are modern reproduction parts from Crazy Parts. Original tuners are in the case. It has also been refretted in the past, with a new nut installed by respected Sydney luthier Frank Grubisa.

At some point, the headstock had been poorly repaired, with the back of the neck refinished. To restore its integrity, Frank Grubisa properly repaired and refinished the back of the neck in nitrocellulose lacquer. The neck has lost a little thickness near the lower frets from previous work but remains a comfortable, even C shape. Additionally, the body received a clear overspray over the original finish long ago, likely when the neck was first repaired.

Despite some modifications, this guitar still feels, plays, and sounds like a proper vintage Les Paul Custom. The T-Top pickups deliver the unmistakable punch and warmth of late-'60s Gibsons, making it a fantastic player’s guitar with the mojo of a well-loved classic.

Now available at Premier Guitars, this early 1969 Les Paul Custom includes a non-original case in excellent condition.

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

Case: Non-OHSC