Getting started with a custom Les Paul

[harleyboy]

I recently spent a bunch of time researching the Fender Custom Shop process, offerings etc. I eventually narrowed down which custom built strat I wanted to get.

 

I am starting a similar process on the Les Paul. I am assuming that Les Pauls are similar to Fender in that there is a range of vintage years that everyone wants. In the fender world it went from 1954 to the pre-CBS days(mid - 60s). I narrowed my choice down to early 60s because it had a few more features that I wanted and the next was better suited to my hand.

 

My question is....what are the "killer" years that everyone wants a custom Les Paul built around. I am sure there is a pattern?

 

Any insight?

 

Also, does Gibson do true custom or masterbuilt like Fender? Can I pick a builder like Fender and have it built to spec?

 

Thanks

 

Mark

[Custom Admin]

we do custom orders, but you can't pick an individual builder to do the entire guitar...sorry. the key LP years for us here at the CS are 1958-1960...

[harleyboy]

perfect that narrows it down...

 

What is the process for custom shop is there a number I can call direct to Gibson?

 

Also, any particular years have a smaller neck profile. My hand is a bit smaller.

 

Thanks

 

Mark

[Custom Admin]

at the moment, we don't have any way to do direct sales to consumers, so you will have to have a dealer contact us with your specs in order to get a quote and ETA.

 

the 1960 LP has the slimmest neck of the years i listed...

[harleyboy]

How does the Class 5 differ from the 1960 Standard. Is the main difference the quality of the curly maple top and the pick-ups?

 

Also, how would describe the difference in pick-ups? I more into blues and blues/rock sound.

 

How does a regular Standard on the Gibson site differ from a Standard in the custom shop. What are the main differences?

 

Thanks

 

Mark

[Custom Admin]

How does the Class 5 differ from the 1960 Standard. Is the main difference the quality of the curly maple top and the pick-ups?

 

Also' date=' how would describe the difference in pick-ups? I more into blues and blues/rock sound.

 

How does a regular Standard on the Gibson site differ from a Standard in the custom shop. What are the main differences?

 

Thanks

 

Mark[/quote']

 

the 1960 reissue will have "historic" specs (like a non-weight relieved body, long neck tenon, holly head veneer, etc), whereas the Class 5 is just a standard production guitar, and will not have any of the above mentioned specs. the pickups are going to pretty similar, and i think either set would do for what you're talking about. to my ear, what's in the '60 (burstbucker 1 and 2) have are a bit hotter and a bit more mid-rangey compared to the burstbucker 2 and 3 in the Class 5.