Gibson LP Traditional, made in USA 2012, wine red over plain maple finish. Phwoar... that's nice. This era of LP Trad had some handy specs: a weight relieved body, solid plain maple cap, the moderate and agreeable 1960 neck profile, a bound fretboard with nibs and a pair of '57 Classic humbuckers. It all adds up nicely in the hands: the body is resonant and well balanced, the neck has a pleasing mellow rounded shape that's neither skinny nor chunky, the fretwork is tidy and it all feels like it was made with a bit of love and care. The pickups are great: the '57 Classics are my favourite Gibson factory option, as they're a little lower output than the 490s or Burstbuckers and have this certain clarity and sparkle to them. The neck pickup is full and rounded with a sweet top end, while the bridge pickup is creamy and rich with a brimming complexity and great note separation... it's a clear, assured tone that cleans up convincingly and breaks up beautifully. I favour plain maple tops, and this is a gorgeous example: heaps of depth and detail in the grain, all on show under the rich dark red stain; there's so many lines and patterns to follow with your eyes, it's a very pleasing piece. There's a lot to love here. If you're going to add a Les into your stash, it may as well be a good one, right?

Model: Gibson Les Paul Traditional 
Made: USA, 2012 (serial 117720526)
Finish: wine red over plain maple
Body: mahogany, solid plain maple top, chambered
Neck: mahogany, rosewood board, 24.75" scale, 9.5" radius, 1960 style moderate profile
Weight: 4.230kg
Mods: none
Pickups: Gibson Classic '57/'57 Plus humbucker x2
Case: basic non-original hard case

Cosmetic condition notes: minor finish wear. The headstock has a couple of dents on the end, and some scuffs on the back near the headstock to neck join. The neck is clean and smooth in the hands, minor dimples and scuffs on the back only. The back has a few dimples near the neck joint and middle of the body, as well as widespread light scuffs around the whole body. The sides have minor scuffs on both horns and some minor dimples in the elbow area and near the jack. The front has a dent near the neck tone knob, some dimples around the back edge and near the switch, a few light surface scratches around the tailpiece and some basic play wear on the guard and hotns.  Overall: very good condition (8/10).

Playing condition notes: Neck is straight, action is low, intonation is good, truss rod works. All electrics tested and working properly. Frets have minor wear, heaps of life in them; 8/10 for fret life left. No headstock breaks. Wearing fresh 10/52 Moonshiners strings.