Here's the rarest version of the classic 2003-issue '58-spec Gibson Custom Shop "Stars and Stripes" with the metallic silver sides and back.
This guitar was made at the Gibson Custom Shop in Nashville Tennessee U.S.A.
The guitar is 100% original with no cracks, breaks or repairs.
The body is in good condition and the re white and blue paint is vibrant and clean. The white has toned slightly and looks killer. A very vintage vibe going on here. There is a small spot with some discoloration on the side-most likely from a strap-see photos. The sides and backside are metallic silver lacquer and the clear coat has line checked producing an amazing sight similar to a 50's lacquer-see photos. The effect continues alongside the back of the neck and looks awesome. It makes the guitar seem even more legit, like a 1950's vintage piece-than its 21-years suggest. The neck joint is solid and the neck itself is smooth and straight. The neck has a classic vintage C-shape. It has a nice wide vintage profile and the nut measures 1 11/16" wide-the exact width of the 1950's Les Pauls. The tuners all function smoothly and the guitar stays in tune. The headstock and logo display excellent. The action is set low for a fast and easy playing experience. The string height measures .010" at the 1st fret and .050" at the 12th fret. The guitar plays like butter up and down the fingerboard with no dead spots. The rosewood fingerboard is clean and has a nice contrast in the grain. The frets are tall and in like-new condition; crisp and polished and smooth-see photos.
The PAF pickups have an excellent signal and scream with a bright sweetness that only PAF's can. The neck position measures 8.10 ohms and the 8.51 ohms. The potentiometers all function smoothly and quietly. The nickel hardware tune-o-matic and stop tailpiece both display mild patina and function as designed.
The guitar is a lot of fun to play and just looks great. The model is based upon 1958-Les Paul specifications and the first few produced had the white pickup rings as the later ones came with black. Clearly the WHITE rings looks better! These guitars also had no poker chip switch ring or pickguard. The guitar also comes with its original custom shop hardcase.
