Gibson Les Paul Standard Tobacco Sunburst 1989
Gibson Les Paul Standard, tobacco sunburst, made in USA 1989. This is a stunning LP, it's very enjoyable. The late 80s were a purple patch for Gibson, having been recently bought back from Baldwin by three execs and redesigned their processes and product line to bring back the magic. This is beautifully made, with the proper one piece mahogany back as the highlight spec. The neck is a comfy slim 60s style shape, without being super thing; it sits in the hand very comfortably and plays smoothly up and down the whole board. The pickups were designed by genius Bill Lawrence and called The Original; the idea was to take a Classic 57 but give it a bunch more output. They're hot, and they're bright: crystal clear cleans aren't often on the LP resume, but this one delivers the goods. That brightness and clarity translates superbly with a smattering of gain too, manifesting as excellent string separation and glowing harmonic richness. The burst finish has mellowed beautifully and abounds in understated charm. Very cool.
Model: Gibson Les Paul Standard
Made: USA, 1989
Serial: 80169574
Finish: Tobacco Sunburst, gloss nitro
Body: one piece mahogany, chambered, plain maple carved top
Neck: mahogany, rosewood fretboard, 24.75" scale, 12" radius, slim 60s shape
Weight: 4.195kg
Mods: none
Pickups: Gibson Bill Lawrence 'The Original' humbucker x2
Accessories: original Gibson case
Cosmetic condition notes: minor finish wear. The headstock has scuffs and marks on the end, dimples on the edges, clouding and some scuffs on the front and minor fading on the back. The neck is clean and smooth in the hands, minor rub wear and some dimples on the back only. The back has dimpls around the switch cover, control cover, elbow area, back edge and middle, as well as widespread minor scuffs and surface scratches. The sides have dimples and scuffs on the top horn and elbow area, some small dents near the jack and some rub wear and scuffs on the bottom horn. The front has scuffs in the elbow area, near the knobs and around the back edge, as well as play wear on the guard and horns.
Overall: very good condition (7/10)
Playing condition notes: action is low, neck is straight, intonation is good, truss rod works. All electronics tested and working properly. Wearing fresh 10/52 Moonshiners strings.
Fret Life: 7/10, minor wear only, playing evenly with no major buzz issues