When the last of the original LP shape 3 pickup Les Paul Customs left the Kalamazoo production line in 1961, no one was quite sure when they would be seen again. The SG had taken over, or so it seemed. However in 1968 Gibson finally gave in to demand and re-released the classic Les Paul Custom albeit in a 2 pickup format - a variant very rarely seen in the 50's.

If you yearned for the original three pickup variety, your luck was out. At least until around 1975 when they finally started appearing in the Gibson catalogue once more.

This beautiful, lightweight example is from 1971 and we think it is probably one of the very first 3 pickup varieties to leave Kalamazoo 10 years after it was laid to rest by the incoming SG.

If you look closely at the internal pics it is almost as if they had forgotten how to fit three pickups in to a Les Paul as there are numerous post finish, factory scrapes which were required to ease these three pickups in to this body! Needless to say, the finish is totally original, as are all the solder joints in fact the only items that have been replaced on this are the knobs but we have kept them on as they just look so good. If the new buyer wishes, period correct 'witch hat' knobs can be easily fitted.

Aside from the knobs, all hardware is original, or correct, it has the original frets which are very playable and in good condition. It comes with a nice, early, oblong LP case that you commonly see in the late 60's / early 70's.

Pots date to week 40 of 1971, pickup covers have never been removed and it still has the original black beauty caps. All original solder joints everywhere.

It is in very good condition, no breaks or repairs and has some cool buckle rash on the back. It sounds very powerful with great tonal range.

But we've left the best bit until last. It weighs a mere smidge over 4Kg (4.07Kg)!! This is unheard of for a 70's LP Custom - especially a three pickup version. It is without a doubt the lightest 3PU 70's LP Custom we have had here and we have had many a two pickup that are heavier and many 3 pickup 50's ones heavier too.

So there you have it, probably one of the first three pickup traditional shape LP's since the early 60's and a real joy to play. One which will also not give you a hernia...!