Since its reintroduction in 1968 the Les Paul Custom underwent many tweaks and changes but it remained Gibson's top of the line solidbody - with its “tuxedo” looks, sleek black finish, gold hardware, and an ebony fingerboard that set it apart from its Standard sibling. For a brief period in ’72 and early ’73 Gibson fitted their humbuckers with embossed covers, a short-lived detail that has since become a distinctive marker of the era. Combined with its 3-piece Mahogany neck and the characteristic Mahogany/Maple “sandwich” body construction, this incarnation is a very nice example of the Custom's evolution during the Norlin ownership.
This guitar wears its original black lacquer finish over a medium-weight body, with the expected honest signs of use. There are scattered dings to the finish, light buckle wear on the back, and a little wear around the strap button where an extra hole is visible. The peghead face shows typical yellowing and some lacquer flaking, while the back of the neck bears two areas of finish worn through to the wood from cable reaction. The gold-plated hardware shows consistent wear, as is usual for a guitar that’s been used over the years. It has been refretted and overall it plays very well.
The slim ’70s neck profile is fast and easy in the hand. Plugged in, the embossed humbuckers deliver a thick and powerful voice with a pleasing low-mid emphasis, full of harmonics and sustain. It’s a muscular but articulate tone that made these early ’70s Customs a go-to for many rock players of the time.
The guitar is housed in its original purple-lined Gibson hard case, which completes the picture nicely. With its rare embossed pickups, mahogany neck construction, and strong player credentials, this Custom has plenty of appeal to both collectors and musicians. At today’s prices, they also stack up very favourably against new Murphy Lab recreations, offering the real thing, with history and investment potential to match.