USED Gibson / 1978 Les Paul Standard Dark Brown Sunburst [11]

A distinguished vintage Les Paul that combines the ruggedness and practicality of the late 1970s.
This is a 1978 Gibson Les Paul Standard in Dark Brown Sunburst.

Dating from the so-called Norlin era, this guitar features specifications that strongly reflect the manufacturing context of the time, yet possesses the potential to perform admirably in modern settings.

The pickups are particularly noteworthy.It is equipped with T-Top humbuckers bearing the patent number 2,737,842, and both the front and rear pickups feature a date stamp from November 1978. It is highly likely that this is the original set matching the year of manufacture, making it one of the instrument’s major attractions in terms of electronics. The bright, well-defined tone characteristic of the T-Top pickups maintains its shape even when distorted, ensuring it stands out in an ensemble without getting lost.

The control layout also follows the specifications of the era. The tone pot is from 1978, and while there is some variation in the volume pots, they are all CTS-made, creating a natural vintage configuration. Ceramic capacitors are used, contributing to the fast attack and slightly dry tone character typical of this era.

The body features the classic maple top/mahogany back configuration. Weighing approximately 4.74 kg, it falls within the typical weight range for this era, offering sustain backed by substantial mass and a strong presence in the mid-to-low frequencies. The finish allows you to experience a “tenacity” and “rich core” that lighter models lack.

The neck features a 3-piece construction with a volute. Designed with durability in mind, it strikes a good balance with playability and offers a solid grip characteristic of the 1970s.
Overall, there are signs of wear from use, indicating that this instrument has been well-played.

At the body end, there is paint discoloration and black residue, likely caused by storage on a stand. Similar paint discoloration is present on the back of the neck, and there is extensive fading across a wide area; however, there is almost no noticeable unevenness, and the playing feel remains excellent.

Additionally, there are scattered chips and dents on the body and near the neck heel, and scratches are visible on the back of the body. The metal hardware shows age-related peeling and lifting of the plating, as well as rust and tarnish, reflecting a condition appropriate for its age.

While the exterior shows signs of use, the neck has been well-played over the years, resulting in a comfortable feel that combines the unique character of a vintage instrument with practicality.

There are no major issues with the neck; while the frets show some wear, they remain at a playable height and do not hinder performance in their current state.
Condition Grade: B: Shows significant wear and signs of use, but is suitable for normal use

Serial Number: 73408585
Year of Manufacture: 1978
Country of Manufacture: USA
Case: Original hard case
Weight: 4.74 kg
Truss Rod: No issues; checked up to 60 degrees left and right with no problems
Fret Wear: Within normal range; fret height is sufficient for playing
String height (low string side): 2.0 mm at the 12th fret
String height (treble side): 1.5 mm at the 12th fret
Nut width: 42.6 mm
Neck thickness near the 1st fret: 20.4 mm
Neck thickness near the 12th fret: 25.4 mm
Scale: 628mm (24.75")
Radius: 305mm (12")
Strings at setup: ERNIE BALL 2221 / .010-.046 set
Repairs and Maintenance: Cleaning, string replacement, truss rod adjustment, octave adjustment, string height adjustment

* As this is a used item, there may be scratches, dents, or other imperfections that are not visible in the photos or not listed here. Please be aware of this in advance.

* Any measurements listed for the truss rod, remaining fret life, or string height were taken by our staff during setup. These measurements are subject to change due to environmental factors such as climate and humidity.
These measurements are intended as a reference at the time of purchase; we cannot guarantee that the measurements will be the same when the item arrives at your location.

* This item is a one-of-a-kind product currently listed simultaneously on multiple platforms, including our in-store display. While we strive to remove product listings promptly upon sale, updates may not always be in real time.
We sincerely apologize if the item happens to be sold out after you place your order, and we ask for your understanding.