A stunning 1981 Heritage Gibson Les Paul Standard!

Representing Gibson’s first attempts to reproduce the magic of the burst, these Heritage series guitars were built in the new Nashville factory with more attention being paid to the original specifications.

The top has a wonderfully multifaceted quality. More often seen with quite plain, or curly tops, this example is the best we’ve seen from this period. There are very little signs of wear anywhere on the body and it's evident that this guitar has led a charmed life. 

The three piece neck and fretboard show no signs of use with the frets looking almost new, in fact the whole guitar looks to be near mint condition.

Plastics are unmarked with the hardware only showing slightest blemishing, maybe more from being left in the case than too much use. 

Electronically we have a pair of Tim Shaw Humbucking pickups married to some CTS pots, dated week 45 of 1980. All looks untouched.

Sonically this guitar ticks quite a few boxes. The guitar has a good weight of 4.76Kg and it certainly has all the sonic hallmarks of a great Les Paul. The neck pickup is smooth and clear and the bridge has plenty of bite without ever sounding harsh or brittle. Mixed together there is plenty of clarity and none of the midrange heaviness you would expect.

Though maybe not as accurate a reproduction as later examples, these guitars have a certain charm and do go quite a way to recapturing the magic of the original. Grab this one before it gets away…