Gibson Les Paul Custom, Natural (1982)

This 1982 Gibson Les Paul Custom is a great example of the short-lived Natural-topped Customs that came about at the beginning of the decade. The "custom" accoutrement like the large block fretboard inlays and gold hardware gives that au naturel top a more unique look than the more conventional Black, White, and Tobacco Sunburst finishes of the period.

The guitar weighs in just a tick under 10.5lbs and has some really impressive resonance and sustain. The slim C neck with the beefier taper plays wonderfully, and really rings out into the resonant body with a wonderful acoustic response. The Tim Shaw neck pickup is superb sounding, with nice clarity and warmth, complementing the robust fundamental response of the T-Top in the bridge position. They're very well matched in terms of output and quite complementary.

This guitar has survived the guitar modification boom of the 80s and 90s without much change beyond strings. The body is very clean with little signs of wear - just a few small nicks, dings, and scuffs commensurate with age. All of the original gold hardware has maintained its playing with only light patina to show. The original Protector case is also in excellent shape with all three latches properly functioning.

All in all, it's a particularly impressive sounding and playing Les Paul Custom with a really cool look that you just don't see every day.