Specifications:
Model: Gibson Custom Shop '68 Les Paul Custom
Year: 2005
Finish: Rootbeer (High-Gloss Nitrocellulose Lacquer)
Top: Insanely Figured 7A Flame Maple (Extremely Rare)
Body: Solid Mahogany (No Weight Relief)
Neck: Highly Figured Flamed Mahogany Neck (Extremely Rare for a ‘68 Custom)
Fingerboard: Ebony with Mother of Pearl Block Inlays
Frets: 22 Medium Jumbo
Scale Length: 24.75”
Nut Width: 1.687” (Nylon Nut)
Pickups: Gibson Custom PAF-Style Humbuckers
Electronics:
2 x Volume, 2 x Tone (Hand-Wired with CTS Pots & Bumblebee Capacitors)
3-Way Toggle Switch
Bridge: ABR-1 Tune-O-Matic with Lightweight Aluminum Stopbar Tailpiece
Tuners: Grover Rotomatic Tuners
Personal Thoughts:
This 2005 Gibson Custom Shop '68 Les Paul Custom is one of the most unique and rare examples to ever leave the factory. Not only does it feature an absolutely breathtaking 7A flame maple top, but it also has an incredibly rare flamed mahogany neck, making it a true collector’s piece. The Rootbeer finish enhances the depth of the flame, showcasing vibrant three-dimensional figuring across the entire top and neck. This level of flame is almost never seen on a '68 Custom, making this one of the rarest and most visually stunning Les Pauls around.
Tonally, this Les Paul is an absolute beast. The solid mahogany body with no weight relief ensures incredible sustain, depth, and warmth, while the ebony fingerboard adds articulation and clarity. The PAF-style humbuckers provide everything from thick, creamy overdrive to sparkling cleans, making it a tonally versatile instrument. The hand-wired electronics and Bumblebee capacitors ensure that every note blooms beautifully, with a smooth taper on the volume and tone controls.
The flamed mahogany neck is something truly special. It not only looks jaw-dropping, but it also has a rich, resonant feel, adding to the overall tonal complexity. The medium-chunky ‘68 neck profile feels perfectly balanced—substantial but incredibly comfortable, making it an absolute dream to play. The Grover tuners keep tuning rock solid, and the ABR-1 bridge with an aluminum tailpiece enhances sustain and clarity.
Condition Report:
This Gibson Custom Shop '68 Les Paul Custom is in under-the-bed condition, meaning it has been extremely well-preserved, with no significant playwear, dings, or scratches. The 7A flame maple top is pristine, with gorgeous, deep figuring that shifts beautifully under light. The rare flamed mahogany neck is in flawless condition, with the flame running consistently throughout. The ebony fretboard is smooth and perfect, with frets showing virtually no wear.
The hardware remains in excellent shape, with no significant tarnishing on the bridge, tuners, or control knobs. All electronics work perfectly, with smooth, noise-free operation on the volume and tone controls, and the 3-way toggle switch is crisp and precise.
This guitar comes complete with its original Gibson Custom Shop black hard case, COA, and all case candy, making it an absolute holy grail for collectors and players alike. Finding a 7A flame top on a '68 Custom is already incredibly rare, but a flamed mahogany neck takes it to another level. If you’re looking for one of the most visually striking and sonically rich Les Paul Customs ever built, this Rootbeer beauty is a once-in-a-lifetime find.