A stunning Gibson Custom Shop R7, ‘57 Les Paul Goldtop Historic reissue from 2014. This one originally came from the official Gibson ‘demo shop’. Hide glue construction, Custom Bucker pick-ups and other features make this a period accurate recreation from what is considered one of the Gibson Custom Shop’s best years.

2014 was the first year that the Gibson Custom Shop introduced a number of vintage accurate features across their entire 1950’s Les Paul Standard Historic reissue range. 2014 models were the first to feature all hide glue construction, just like they were constructed back in the late 50’s, along with historic truss rod assembly without the tubing, accurate vintage colour fingerboard and body binding and single layer rosewood fingerboards with real celluloid inlays.

The following year Gibson split their historic reissue range into two categories – regular Historic and True Historic. The regular Historic reissues were given a non-vintage correct short neck tenon (a move that proved unpopular) whereas the True Historic range was essentially the same spec as the 2014 Historics but with upgraded plastic parts and pick-up covers. So the 2014 Historics are considered to be amongst the best regular Historics that the Gibson Custom Shop has so far produced.

This 2014 R7 ’57 Les Paul Goldtop reissue is no exception being built to the highest standards using period correct specs. The combination of the goldtop finish along with the nice dark rosewood fingerboard looks stunning and just how a goldtop should look.

As to be expected this reissue features a chunky ‘57/58 C profile neck which is fat but not too much so, with softer shoulders than some R7s and R8s. It’s a comfortable neck to play and if you are used to chunky necks will feel totally at home.

The pair of Custom Buckers deliver an authentic PAF like tone. They sound big and fat but retain the top end definition and bite that vintage PAFs are revered for. Overall this guitar is very articulate and responds extremely well to player feel.

The guitar was originally purchased from the official Gibson Demo Shop, and as such was a Gibson demo guitar and has ‘demo’ stamped on the back of the headstock. Apart from this is it a regular 2014 R7. It has had very light use over the years and displays minimal wear. There is a small area near the heel where the lacquer has chipped (see photos) as well as some light surface scratches mainly on the back of the guitar, but overall it is in near mint condition.

Comes with the original Lifton style reissue case along with the Certificate Of Authenticity and case candy.

Weight: 9lb 4oz

**Please ask about shipping outside the UK**