Gibson Les Paul Artisan, Black (1978)

Gibson Les Paul Artisan, Black (1978)
Gibson Les Paul Artisan, Black (1978)
Gibson Les Paul Artisan, Black (1978)
Gibson Les Paul Artisan, Black (1978)
Gibson Les Paul Artisan, Black (1978)
Gibson Les Paul Artisan, Black (1978)
Gibson Les Paul Artisan, Black (1978)
Gibson Les Paul Artisan, Black (1978)
Gibson Les Paul Artisan, Black (1978)
Gibson Les Paul Artisan, Black (1978)
Gibson Les Paul Artisan, Black (1978)
Gibson Les Paul Artisan, Black (1978)
Gibson Les Paul Artisan, Black (1978)
Gibson Les Paul Artisan, Black (1978)
Gibson Les Paul Artisan, Black (1978)
Gibson Les Paul Artisan, Black (1978)
Gibson Les Paul Artisan, Black (1978)
Gibson Les Paul Artisan, Black (1978)
Gibson Les Paul Artisan, Black (1978)
Gibson Les Paul Artisan, Black (1978)
Gibson Les Paul Artisan, Black (1978)
Gibson Les Paul Artisan, Black (1978)
Gibson Les Paul Artisan, Black (1978)
Gibson Les Paul Artisan, Black (1978)
Gibson Les Paul Artisan, Black (1978)
Gibson Les Paul Artisan, Black (1978)
Gibson Les Paul Artisan, Black (1978)
Vintage

Gibson Les Paul Artisan, Black (1978)

Regular price $6,500.00
/

Weight

10lbs 5oz
Nut Width
1 11/16"
Scale Length
24 3/4"
Case
Original Hardshell

  • Free UPS Ground Shipping On Orders Over $299 (Continental U.S. Only)

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

To this day, the Gibson Les Paul Artisan remains one of the fanciest LPs that Gibson ever made. Sure, it lacks the AAAAA flame Maple top of the tricked out versions that followed, but its unique appointments and period styling make just as big a statement now as they did almost 50 years ago.

What To Know

Gibson's Les Paul Artisan model was introduced in 1976 and presented the LP in a way not yet seen during its storied production. Combining ornate banjo-style inlays on the peghead and Ebony fingerboard along with gold hardware throughout, the Artisan most certainly elevated the model's aesthetic while bringing in some elements of the Custom model specs to carry it through (multi-ply binding throughout, three pickups).

This is a lovely second-year example that's remained in very good condition, even with clear evidence it had been played and enjoyed for years. The body and neck binding have yellowed and the original Black finish has developed a bit of a lustery sheen over time. There are various nicks, dings, and scratches throughout, but no significant damage or breaks, and nothing that effects playability. All of the original gold hardware has some level of patina and wear, but there's a healthy amount of plating that remains. The pickups still have quite a bit of gold plating on their covers.

The original Series VII humbuckers combined with an older Seymour Duncan '59 humbucker in the middle position have a healthy amount of output but also have some nice clear top end presence that allows for some nice chimey clean tones. The slim C neck is fast and comfortable, and combined with the original jumbo frets make it a total breeze for lead and melodic work as well as chordal rhythm playing.

To this day, the Artisan remains one of the fanciest LPs that Gibson ever made. Sure, it lacks the AAAAA flame Maple top of the tricked out versions that followed, but its unique appointments and period styling make just as big a statement now as they did almost 50 years ago.

Includes original/period Gibson hardshell case.

Pre-Owned Instruments | Have Questions?
We take great care in accepting only the highest quality pre-owned instruments for resale in our shop, then carefully photograph and describe each instrument to ensure what you see on our site is exactly what you'll receive. Many of these instruments carry subtle signs of handling that can escape even the most discerning eye, so if you have questions about the condition of this instrument, we invite you to call us for an in-hand description. We're always happy to help!

Body

Style
Solidbody
Body
Multi-ply bound Mahogany w/ carved Maple top
Finish
Polyurethane
Color
Black

Hardware

Pickups
Original Series VII HBs w/ Seymour Duncan '59 Humbucker (Middle)
Electronics
Original pots (Date codes show 30th week of 1978)
Controls
Volume (x2) / Tone (x2) / 3-Way Toggle
Bridge
Original TOM & TP-6 Stopbar
Tuners
Original Schaller
Pickguard
Original

Neck

Neck
3-piece Maple
Binding
White
Carve
Slim/Medium C: .78-.96”
Fingerboard
Ebony
Radius
12"
Inlays
Heart & Flower
Frets
Original Jumbo
Nut
Original Corian
Scale Length
24 3/4"

Other

Condition
Various nicks scratches and dings / Light to moderate hardware patina
Serial #
73258039
Weight
10lbs 5oz
Case
OHSC (one broken latch)

Recently viewed