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Please help find my long lost stolen Les Paul Custom

Greg V

New member
Joined
Mar 18, 2021
Messages
4
Hi everyone,
I sure could use some help in finding my mid 1970’s Gibson Les Paul Custom “Black Beauty” that was stolen November 1983 from my rehearsal space in San Rafael, CA. just north of San Francisco. Pics below. My parents bought me the guitar brand new for my birthday in 1977. They have both died recently and it would mean a great deal to me having this guitar back in my hands and heart as it’s rightful home. There would be a market value reward for the guitar’s return and no questions asked. I'm not on Facebook, just Instagram, so any help is very much appreciated, thank you!

Specific details:
  • Gibson Les Paul Custom S/N 491498 with gold hardware. Serial number makes it built from 1974-1976.
  • Serial Number 491498 is stamped into the wood on back of headstock.
  • Factory Second, Number 2 was stamped into the wood on back of headstock.
  • There is a long finish crack directly under the low E string that runs between the pickup bezels.
  • There’s a small hole drilled between the two volume controls where I added a coil tap switch in the late 1970’s. You can see the switch in the second photo below.
  • Pickups were changed to Dimarzio Super Distortions in the late 1970’s. And around 1982 a custom wound low output black/cream zebra Dimarzio X2N pickup was put in the bridge position.
  • Pickguard, both pickup bezels and pickup selector ring were painted white by me in the late 1970’s.
  • Gold speed knobs were added by me in the late 1970’s.
  • A refret was done in the early 1980’s using large fret wire.
I know it’s a long shot but with both my parents now dead I want to find this treasure they bought me as it connects me back to their memories.

Thank you,
Greg Vorobiov
www.gregvorobiov.com

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Last edited:

Greg V

New member
Joined
Mar 18, 2021
Messages
4
My condolences on the loss of your parents.

If you haven't done so already, post the information here as well:




Best of luck!
Right on thank you! I signed up and posted on the Gibson forum and awaiting for signup confirmation on the My Les Paul forum. Thanks for the links!
 

Cholo

Member
Joined
Apr 6, 2002
Messages
35
Sorry about the loss of your parents. Wishing you nothing but good on your search. Hope you find it!
 

frenchphil

Active member
Joined
May 30, 2010
Messages
1,223
i d be really happy if you could find that custom back. wishing you all the best luck and help
 

El Gringo

Well-known member
Joined
Apr 8, 2015
Messages
5,657
I am sorry for your parents . I do hope and pray that you can be reunited with your Les Paul . The rehearsal space that you mentioned is that near the infamous Club Front ?
 

Greg V

New member
Joined
Mar 18, 2021
Messages
4
I am sorry for your parents . I do hope and pray that you can be reunited with your Les Paul . The rehearsal space that you mentioned is that near the infamous Club Front ?
Thanks everyone for keeping on the lookout for my LP Custom.

Thank you El Gringo,
The guitar was stolen from a private rehearsal space in the Bel Marin Keys area of Novato. The thief(s) dropped in from a ceiling skylight. They stole other gear of mine too: early 70's Telecaster, '68 Super Tremelo 100 watt Plexi Marshall. It was devastating at the time as the only guitar I had left was an acoustic that was safe at home.
 

El Gringo

Well-known member
Joined
Apr 8, 2015
Messages
5,657
Thanks everyone for keeping on the lookout for my LP Custom.

Thank you El Gringo,
The guitar was stolen from a private rehearsal space in the Bel Marin Keys area of Novato. The thief(s) dropped in from a ceiling skylight. They stole other gear of mine too: early 70's Telecaster, '68 Super Tremelo 100 watt Plexi Marshall. It was devastating at the time as the only guitar I had left was an acoustic that was safe at home.
I hope that some light will be shed one day and you are reunited with your LP Custom . Best Wishes !
 

Greg V

New member
Joined
Mar 18, 2021
Messages
4
Thanks to everyone for the kind words. Here's a video I created with details regarding my stolen 1974 Les Paul Custom. It was the greatest gift I've ever received and hope for the guitar to return home to me. Hope you can watch, thank you.

 

RocknRollShakeUp

Active member
Joined
Jul 7, 2006
Messages
766
I’m so sorry for the loss of your parents and then for the added insult of having your beloved guitar taken. Godspeed with finding it and getting it back dear Sir.
 
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