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Up for sale, a 1973 Gibson Les Paul Custom in excellent condition, featuring a suite of Randy Rhoads-centric mods and complete with the original hardshell case. A unique example that replicates all the finer points of Randy Rhoads’ Custom, this vintage Norlin-era Les Paul is otherwise extremely original with a naturally yellowed Alpine White nitro lacquer gloss.
For about half the price of a Custom Shop reissue, this Les Paul is the genuine vintage article, presumably modified long ago judging by patina and the age of the components, checking all the Randy Rhoads boxes with Schaller M6 tuning machines, a brass switch surround and rear cavity covers, brass switch tip, amber speed knobs and Schaller strap locks.
The electronics are untouched, and the pair of Patent Sticker T Tops offer plenty of note detail, growl and punch. All three pickup positions are distinct and rich-sounding, with ample upper midrange articulation in the bridge position, while the neck pickup has the expected oomph and fullness. This Les Paul Custom weighs 11lbs 4oz, professionally setup here at Mike & Mike’s Guitar Bar with 10-46 strings, low action, and accurate intonation.
Neck Specs:
-Wood: Mahogany
-Shape: Slender-to-chunky C, measuring .785” 1st fret, .995” 12th fret
-Fretboard: Ebony, block inlay
-Frets: Slender, refret, no wear
-Scale Length: 24 3/4”
-Nut: 1 11/16”, bone (upgraded)
-Tuners: Schaller (replacement)
-Serialization: Six-digit stamp dates to early ‘70s
Body Specs:
-Wood: Maple (three-piece), mahogany (sandwich construction)
-Pickups: Patent Sticker T-Top x2
-Harness: CTS pots date to the 44th week of ‘73
-Controls: Volume x2, Tone x2, Three-way pickup selector
-Hardware: ABR-1 bridge, stopbar (gold-plated); brass switch tip/“poker chip” surround, jack plate, and cavity covers (replacements, originals present in case); Schaller locking strap buttons
-Plastics: Amber speed knobs (vintage, replacement), four-ply pickguard
The gloss Alpine White nitro lacquer finish is 100% original and has yellowed dramatically, pitch perfect in its shade to Rhoads’ Custom. The finish exhibits limited checking with no artificial aging, showing buckle rash across the bass-side of the back, a small finish chip adjacent to the lower strap button, and some minor dings on the body as a whole. The nitro gloss on the neck profile has a worn-in, easy-playing feel, with a few shallow marks along the profile length and faint rack rash behind fret 9, none of which impacts playability. There is also limited rack rash on either side of the headstock at the volute.
The original black tolex hardshell case with purple plush interior is included.
For about half the price of a Custom Shop reissue, this Les Paul is the genuine vintage article, presumably modified long ago judging by patina and the age of the components, checking all the Randy Rhoads boxes with Schaller M6 tuning machines, a brass switch surround and rear cavity covers, brass switch tip, amber speed knobs and Schaller strap locks.
The electronics are untouched, and the pair of Patent Sticker T Tops offer plenty of note detail, growl and punch. All three pickup positions are distinct and rich-sounding, with ample upper midrange articulation in the bridge position, while the neck pickup has the expected oomph and fullness. This Les Paul Custom weighs 11lbs 4oz, professionally setup here at Mike & Mike’s Guitar Bar with 10-46 strings, low action, and accurate intonation.
Neck Specs:
-Wood: Mahogany
-Shape: Slender-to-chunky C, measuring .785” 1st fret, .995” 12th fret
-Fretboard: Ebony, block inlay
-Frets: Slender, refret, no wear
-Scale Length: 24 3/4”
-Nut: 1 11/16”, bone (upgraded)
-Tuners: Schaller (replacement)
-Serialization: Six-digit stamp dates to early ‘70s
Body Specs:
-Wood: Maple (three-piece), mahogany (sandwich construction)
-Pickups: Patent Sticker T-Top x2
-Harness: CTS pots date to the 44th week of ‘73
-Controls: Volume x2, Tone x2, Three-way pickup selector
-Hardware: ABR-1 bridge, stopbar (gold-plated); brass switch tip/“poker chip” surround, jack plate, and cavity covers (replacements, originals present in case); Schaller locking strap buttons
-Plastics: Amber speed knobs (vintage, replacement), four-ply pickguard
The gloss Alpine White nitro lacquer finish is 100% original and has yellowed dramatically, pitch perfect in its shade to Rhoads’ Custom. The finish exhibits limited checking with no artificial aging, showing buckle rash across the bass-side of the back, a small finish chip adjacent to the lower strap button, and some minor dings on the body as a whole. The nitro gloss on the neck profile has a worn-in, easy-playing feel, with a few shallow marks along the profile length and faint rack rash behind fret 9, none of which impacts playability. There is also limited rack rash on either side of the headstock at the volute.
The original black tolex hardshell case with purple plush interior is included.
