Help identifying 59 RI. 2004 “Custom Authentic”?

[Stramm8]

I recently picked up this 2004 59 Reissue and Im trying to confirm if it has the “Custom Authentic” treatment. Hardware is aged and the Les Paul logo is super faded. The wear on the back is from playing. Your feedback is appreciated. Thanks!

 

[LPR6]

I never heard of the “custom authentic” treatment.

 

[Stramm8]

I never heard of the “custom authentic” treatment.

Prior to the VOS finish option, Gibson offered a lightly aged option called Custom Authentic.

 

[jb_abides]

In that era, the 'big COA' could have "Custom Authentic" or "CA" handwritten in the model (left-most) white box after the model designation. That was the only way I've recall being able to track this, IIRC.

 

[Stramm8]

In that era, the 'big COA' could have "Custom Authentic" or "CA" handwritten in the model (left-most) white box after the model designation. That was the only way I've recall being able to track this, IIRC.

Thanks The guitar came with the hang tags and manuals but the COA and inspection are missing. Regardless it’s a keeper

 

[58fan]

I own two custom authentics ('03 R8s) and I would bet money that yours is a CA. The hardware during that period was some of the best imo; an authentic even looking dullness. The tuners also have that fogged look.

I've never looked on mine but you might find CA stamped in the one of the pickup cavities or in the back cavity where the pots are for a full conformation.

An '04 CA R9 is a sweet catch ... especially with a top like that in that condition. The board could be darker but that's getting picky.

 

[Stramm8]

I own two custom authentics ('03 R8s) and I would bet money that yours is a CA. The hardware during that period was some of the best imo; an authentic even looking dullness. The tuners also have that fogged look.

I've never looked on mine but you might find CA stamped in the one of the pickup cavities or in the back cavity where the pots are for a full conformation.

An '04 CA R9 is a sweet catch ... especially with a top like that in that condition. The board could be darker but that's getting picky.

Agreed on the fretboard and I agree it’s a CA. I had a 2001 and an ‘03 58 CA and the hardware aging has that same look. I’ll have to dig through my old photos to see if I have photos of them

 

[GastonG]

Here's a 2004 certificate & papers

 

[LyleGorch]

Beautiful top, i can see faces.

 

[Stramm8]

Yep. There’s a little knot split in two lol