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2012 les paul custom black

pariko

Member
Joined
Oct 21, 2021
Messages
35
I wonder are there 2 models for this year? Classic and standard?
I got a good offer on 2012 model but probably it is classic model..with non rosewood fretboard?

Is it worth less than custom from other years? I dont want to buy something that will be less appreciated than the regular custom LP
 

Tim Plains

Active member
Joined
Aug 1, 2013
Messages
795
Regular/modern and historic reissue, not classic and standard.

Regular Customs were USA line guitars with 8 digit serial numbers until 2004. 2004/newer are built the same but have serial numbers that being with CS, Custom Shop cases, and certificates. Weight relief holes and short tenon. They all had ebony fretboards until Gibson was raided by the federal government in 2011, then they had to use alternatives for a few years.

Reissues are reissues of certain years (54 ressiue, 57 reissue, etc. R7BB is a quick way of saying 57 reissue black beauty) and have been Custom Shop since its inception in 1994. R7BBs made before 1997/1998 had weight relief holes and short tenon, a guy posted X-rays of one, newer historic Customs are all solid with long tenon with thee exception of chambered reissues, which have CR serial numbers. They all have ebony fretboards.
 

pariko

Member
Joined
Oct 21, 2021
Messages
35
dude, there is classic custom, that is worth less than modern...check it out on youtube
 

ADP

Well-known member
Joined
Jul 16, 2015
Messages
682
The split diamond inlay on the headstock is a dead giveaway.
 

pariko

Member
Joined
Oct 21, 2021
Messages
35
386_1515444078.jpg
386_1011078806.jpg
 

DANELECTRO

Well-known member
Joined
Feb 24, 2003
Messages
6,318
Here are three basic Les Paul Custom models in recent years. There are many other differences besides those noted below, but these are some key features off the top of my head :

Custom Shop Historic Reissue '57 Les Paul Custom
- Reissue of the original late 1950's Les Paul Custom (available in 2 and 3 pickup models)
- All mahogany body
- ABR-1 bridge (most obvious identification)
- Ink-stamped serial number, 5 or 6 digit number starting with "7"
- Yellowed lacquer over binding
- Split diamond inlay on headstock
- Top hat knobs
- MOP Rectangular inlays
GibsonLesPaul02Custom018.jpg



Regular Les Paul Custom - This was previously a Gibson USA mode, but Gibson consolidated its production into the Custom Shop in the mid-2000's. The specs are less vintage-correct than those of the Historic Reissue model
- Mahogany slab, maple cap
- weight-relieved body
- Nashville Tune-o-matic bridge (most obvious identification)
- Speed knobs
- MOP Rectangular inlays
- Binding is tinted, but whiter than the '57 Reissue model
- Split diamond inlay on headstock
- Ink-stamped serial number "CS" followed by a 6-digit number
Les_Paul_Custom.jpg



Les Paul Custom Classic - Gibson USA model, available in the late 2000's, not sure about 2012:
- Mahogany slab, maple cap
- weight-relieved body
- Nashville Tune-o-matic bridge
- Speed knobs
- Acrylic trapezoid inlays (most obvious identification)
- Exaggerated yellowing of the binding
- No binding on back of body
- Crown inlay on headstock
- Embossed 9-digit serial number
Les_Paul_Custom_Classic.jpg
 

pariko

Member
Joined
Oct 21, 2021
Messages
35
Here are three basic Les Paul Custom models in recent years. There are many other differences besides those noted below, but these are some key features off the top of my head :

Custom Shop Historic Reissue '57 Les Paul Custom
- Reissue of the original late 1950's Les Paul Custom (available in 2 and 3 pickup models)
- All mahogany body
- ABR-1 bridge (most obvious identification)
- Ink-stamped serial number, 5 or 6 digit number starting with "7"
- Yellowed lacquer over binding
- Split diamond inlay on headstock
- Top hat knobs
- MOP Rectangular inlays
GibsonLesPaul02Custom018.jpg



Regular Les Paul Custom - This was previously a Gibson USA mode, but Gibson consolidated its production into the Custom Shop in the mid-2000's. The specs are less vintage-correct than those of the Historic Reissue model
- Mahogany slab, maple cap
- weight-relieved body
- Nashville Tune-o-matic bridge (most obvious identification)
- Speed knobs
- MOP Rectangular inlays
- Binding is tinted, but whiter than the '57 Reissue model
- Split diamond inlay on headstock
- Ink-stamped serial number "CS" followed by a 6-digit number
Les_Paul_Custom.jpg



Les Paul Custom Classic - Gibson USA model, available in the late 2000's, not sure about 2012:
- Mahogany slab, maple cap
- weight-relieved body
- Nashville Tune-o-matic bridge
- Speed knobs
- Acrylic trapezoid inlays (most obvious identification)
- Exaggerated yellowing of the binding
- No binding on back of body
- Crown inlay on headstock
- Embossed 9-digit serial number
Les_Paul_Custom_Classic.jpg
thank you so much for writing this....you really took effort....this is a great post from you...it clarifies a lot
 

Reddart

Active member
Joined
Feb 26, 2004
Messages
286
I forgot about the switch of the production of the USA customs to the custom shop.

Has there been any noticeable differences in those, other than the higher price?
 

Dr. Green

Well-known member
Joined
Dec 12, 2018
Messages
683
It would be a tragedy for someone to find out after the fact that they had not purchased a real Historic Reissue " 57 Les Paul Custom - Black Beauty " as they had thought but instead just a more common Les Paul Custom ...... and doubly heartbreaking if it had Richlite
 
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