Description
What makes this guitar special: This is an early Custom from '53 without the headstock serial number (similar to the early '52 Goldtops). We love these early Customs for the Alnico neck pickup, which delivers clean, bell-like tones; coupled with the P-90 bridge pickup & you have the perfect combination. Classic black finish with gold hardware & those unmistakable block fretboard inlays makes this one of the sexiest Les Pauls ever made. Professionally inspected & set up by the experts at Cream City Music. Don't miss out an excellent opportunity to own a real collector's piece.
Cosmetic Condition: Great shape for its age with good, honest play wear, just the way we like 'em - various nicks, chips, dents & dings; scratches, buckle rash & weather checking. There are some minor finish touch-ups here & there, namely near the bridge volume knob & on the back of the body, but nothing too major. A good portion of the gold has worn off the hardware, but it's still quite prevalent. Overall the guitar has a wonderful, true vintage look to it with a gorgeous patina.
Neck: Chunky, one-piece mahogany neck with nicely aged white binding & tortoise side-dots. Ebony fingerboard with mother of pearl block inlays. Original small frets are in good condition with only a little bit of wear. This is truly a "Fretless Wonder". Kluson "waffle back" tuners are all in good working condition. The D & high E tuners are slightly bent, however, they both still function properly. 1 11/16" nut width; 24 3/4" scale length. Neck is straight & truss rod is in good working condition.
Body: Solid mahogany body with multiple binding on the top & back, beautifully aged. Stopbar tailpiece & ABR-1 bridge with gold hardware. Saddles function properly & the guitar intonates well. Unoriginal 5-ply black pickguard, but a really wonderful reproduction. Guitar weighs 8 lbs 11.5 oz.
Electronics: Original single coil pickups with black "soap bar" covers. Alinco neck pickup - 8.14K ohms; P-90 bridge pickup - 8.02K ohms. Dual volume & tone controls with original black speed knobs. The toggle switch cap had cracked at some point & was glued together, so it functions well. Original pots & cap; all electronics are in perfect working condition.
Case: Original hardshell case included. The case is in similar condition to the guitar - shows some wear & tear, but is sturdy & solid.
