Gibson Les Paul Classic Copper Top 2003
Gibson Les Paul Classic, copper top, made in USA 2003. The LP Classic model from this era is more or less a 1960 reissue model, so you get the skinny headstock, vintage tuners with the gum buttons, a slim '60 taper neck and a non-weight-relieved body. In 2003 for one year only, Gibson offered this copper top finish, a twist on the usual gold top with a slightly warmer, more orange hue. It's a gorgeous finish, no doubt: it makes the curves pop perfectly and has that certain intriguing quality of being instantly recognisable but a little different too. This particular example has seen plenty of play, so it's got a delectable selection of checking lines, rub wear, dimples, scuffs and yellowing to it's name. If you told me it was a Murphy Lab aged model, I'd believe you; the thing looks so classy it's scary. The neck is a sensible slim shape: some Classics we've had have been extremely thin indeed, but this is comfy, rounded and quick without being silly skinny. The pickups have had covers added but are otherwise original, and they deliver the goods. The body offers a generous natural sustain, so the neck pickup is great for thick jazzy cleans or indulgent legato lead lines. The bridge pickup is super creamy and full, with plenty of midrange kick balanced by a pleasing roundness and warmth. This has so much character and attitude, I'm sure it will absolutely bring out the best in your playing. Les yeah!
Model: Gibson Les Paul Classic
Made: USA, 2003
Serial: 030534
Finish: copper top, natural back and sides, gloss nitro
Body: mahogany, one piece back, maple cap, no weight relief
Neck: mahogany, rosewood fretboard, slim 1960 profile
Weight: 4.835kg
Mods: pickup covers added, jack plate replaces
Pickups: Gibson 496/500 humbucker x2
Accessories: Gibson black snakeskin case
Cosmetic condition notes: minor finish wear. The headstock has dimples on both edges, dimples and scuffs on the end, scuffs and a couple of dimples on the back and some fading, checking and scuffs on the front. The neck is clean and smooth in the hands, dimples and rub wear on the back and a small dent on the treble side edge near the 6th fret. The back has minor scuffs and dimples all over the back, as well as some surface scratches in the middle of the body and in the elbow area. The sides have scuffs around the front strap pin, dimples and rub wear on the top horn, dimples dents and scuffs in the elbow area as well as rub wear on the binding, scuffs around the rear strap pin and dimples along the whole back edge, dimples and a few small dents near the jack and some checking and scuffs on the bottom horn. The front has checking lines all over it, rub wear around the elbow area and horns, dimples around the bridge and tailpiece and in the elbow area and some play wear on the guard and horns.
Overall: very good condition (7.5/10)
Playing condition notes: action is low, neck is straight, intonation is good, truss rod works. All electronics tested and working properly. Wearing fresh 10/46 Moonshiners strings.
Fret Life: 8/10, minor wear only and recently dressed