Gibson Les Paul Custom Experts - Need A Little Guidance

[angelspade]

Need a little advice from the Gibson Les Paul Custom Aficionados here at the board: I have found a used 2002/2003 Gibson Les Paul Custom Black Beauty locally while on a trip to the East Coast. It's well taken care of, and in very good condition. I played it briefly, sounded and felt pretty good to me....Also felt HEAVY (at least 10 lbs.) So, questions: Are the early 2000's Customs considered to be "good years"? Also, what's a fair price for this thing? I am considering making an offer in the $2,200 range. Thoughts greatly appreciated...Thanks!

 

[Nico]

Yeah around that price is what they go for... The years really don't matter to me, unless you're buying without playing it. You can get a killer guitar or a lemon from every year Gibson has been in production.
If you liked it that's all that matters really...

 

[Pushead]

I believe 2002 was the year Gibson switched production of the LPC from the USA factory to the Custom Shop. I'm not sure that it means much besides it comes with a different serial number and maybe a COA.

I'm with Nico, if you dig it, do it!

 

[blackba]

If you can deal with the weight and you like how it sounds and plays, go for it.

I used to handle heavy guitars no problem, in the past year, not so much.

 

[Burn]

Is it a Black Beauty reissue, or a regular Custom?

 

[johnpace2]

I have a 2002 Black Beauty R7 like the one you are describing and it's a great guitar. Heavy just like you said, but it's awesome. I paid $2200 shipped about 3-4 years ago and thought that was a pretty good deal.

 

[Shawn Lutz]

That is a fair price for a Custom, roughly $2000-2500 There are no "good years" there are dogs and outstanding specimens produced in every year.

I have a 2008 3PU 57 reissue BB7 that I paid slightly below $2500 shipped back in March 2013 and love it. I would recommend a RI if you can swing it.

 

[fuzzyguitars]

3 kinds of les paul customs

usa lp custom, weight relieved body, nashville bridge. maple top. mahogony body. 2000-2500 all day long

historic r7 lp custom, non weight relieved solid body, long neck tenon, abr bridge, mahogony top and body. 2300-2800

68 reissue lp custom, non weight relieved solid body, long neck tenon, abr bridge, maple top, mahogony body. 2500-3000k

my favorite is the 68 reissue, technically not a historic, but bad to the bone!

 

[angelspade]

This is not an RI...Just a plain old LP Custom. I understand that it MUST be swiss cheesed (weight relief), but damn it feels like a boat anchor!!! I really appreciate all the feedback guys.

 

[joepete77]

Yes, that seems like a good price and yes it was a good time for Gibson. The yrs do matter but its not a guarantee. It is a guarantee that it will be a one piece body and neck and a guarantee that it will have a real ebony fingerboard. As years went on the factory was forced to crank more and more out each day. If you like how it plays and its original with no repairs or cracks then its a no brainer, customs no longer come with ebony boards and even so still cost double the asking price of yours.

 

[Ventura]

That is a fair price for a Custom, roughly $2000-2500 There are no "good years" there are dogs and outstanding specimens produced in every year.

I have a 2008 3PU 57 reissue BB7 that I paid slightly below $2500 shipped back in March 2013 and love it. I would recommend a RI if you can swing it.

Agreed - forget about the year, just go with feel and whether or not it plays nice. The weight is the weight. My '57 BB RI triple pup (similar to Shawn's above) is about 11 pounds; needed a nut job; and re-worked the intonation upon its arrival a few years back. I think it's a 2007 model. Is it a player - DAAAAAAYUUUUM yes!! I love it.

I'd say go for it. I paid near $3K for mine. Worth every damn cent. Also installed a tri-calibrated set of BKP Emeralds into it. Stunning.
Mo

PS: Shawn, I grew a big rubbery one seeing that pic