pru56

Hey Cwness: Yes I now about some of there CS people and the info they have on the older models. They donen't have much. For what I know the les paul was always mahogany, you can tell by the weight. Mahogany is a lot heaver then alder ( fender usa strat is alder). I have a old add from 1993 and it said Mahogany for the neck and body. I do know that my XRIII is that (Mahogany). The newer Les Pauls are chambered to be lighter then the older ones. But it could be alter and rosewood fret board. Seems some were made that way, I did not know that? Sorry about that .

Not sure about the tuners, mine say Gibson on them, I think yours dose too. They are relly good tuners. Rosewood and the 498's I think was started in the 2000 years when they started lighting them up with the chambering of the body. Too me the early one's are the best, they have the same spec's as the standards. The best pickups too. Here is some pic's of mine.

Ebony was used on the Studio, with 490R and 490T pickups, Mahogany body, Mahogany Neck, Carved Maple Top, Tune-o-matic Bridge and stop bar tailpiece.

Hello All: I have a 1982 Les Paul XRIII made in Nashville, Dec. 14th 1982 PN#57