1968 Gibson Les Paul Custom
The reintroduced Les Paul Custom — now available in both classic Ebony and new White. These late-1960s Customs offer the prestigious Black Beauty cosmetics with solid T-top humbuckers.
Current Market Value
* Prices are estimates based on recent market data. Actual value depends on originality, condition, and provenance. Pricing methodology
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Recent Sales
Showing 10 verified sales for 1968 Gibson Les Paul Custom. Reissues, replicas, and parts listings are filtered out.
Specifications
| Body Wood | Mahogany (body), Maple (carved top) |
| Neck Wood | Mahogany |
| Fingerboard | Ebony |
| Scale Length | 24.750" |
| Frets | 22 |
| Pickup Config | HH |
| Bridge | ABR-1 Tune-O-Matic, stop tailpiece |
| Tuners | Kluson Deluxe |
| Finish Options | Ebony Black, White (introduced) |
| Est. Production | 1,200 |
Pickups & Electronics
Two Patent Number humbuckers (T-tops). Not PAFs but excellent humbuckers.
What Changed in 1968
The Les Paul Custom returned alongside the Standard in 1968. White finish became available for the first time — a striking new option. T-top humbuckers replaced PAFs.
Collector's Notes
White finish Customs from this era are increasingly collected. Check headstock for cracks (common on angled Gibson headstocks). Verify tuner originality.
How to Authenticate a 1968 Gibson Les Paul Custom
Check the serial number on the back of the headstock — ink-stamped numbers should fall within documented ranges for 1968. Potentiometer date codes are critical: look for CTS pots (code 137) with two-digit year codes matching 1968 or up to 18 months earlier. This is the most reliable dating method for Gibson guitars of this era. Gibson used nitrocellulose lacquer through the late 1960s. Check for natural checking and wear patterns. Under UV light, original finishes fluoresce differently than refinishes. Verify original PAF humbuckers — Les Paul Customs from 1968 should have the correct number of pickups. Check baseplate stickers, magnet type, and DC resistance. Multi-ply binding on body, neck, and headstock is a key authentication point — verify correct number of layers. Ebony fingerboard should be genuine (deep black, tight grain). Gold hardware should show consistent aging. Original Kluson Deluxe should be present with no evidence of replacement (no oversized bushing holes). Original hardshell case adds provenance value.