1968 Gibson Les Paul
The return of the Les Paul Standard after 7 years. These late-1960s reissues are solid instruments, though their quality varies. Vintage status with approachable prices makes them attractive to players.
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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Specifications
| Body Wood | Mahogany (body), Maple (carved top) |
| Neck Wood | Mahogany |
| Fingerboard | Rosewood |
| Scale Length | 24.750" |
| Frets | 22 |
| Pickup Config | HH |
| Bridge | ABR-1 Tune-O-Matic, stop tailpiece |
| Tuners | Kluson Deluxe |
| Finish Options | Sunburst, Walnut, Custom colors |
| Est. Production | 1,500 |
Pickups & Electronics
Two Patent Number humbuckers. Larger 'T-top' bobbins beginning to appear in some examples.
What Changed in 1968
The Les Paul Standard returned after a 7-year absence. The reissue featured a thicker body than the SG-bodied 'Les Paul' models. These 'reissue' Les Pauls would become the foundation of the Les Paul's second era of popularity.
Collector's Notes
Quality on early reissues (1968-1969) can be inconsistent. Verify that the maple top is genuine — some early examples had weight issues. The 'volute' on the back of the headstock is a common feature of this era.
How to Authenticate a 1968 Gibson Les Paul
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 (Patent Applied For) humbucker pickups — check for the distinctive sticker on the baseplate. PAF bobbins, wire routing, and Alnico magnets should be consistent with 1968 production. PAFs are the most frequently counterfeited Gibson component — DC resistance should read approximately 7.5-9k ohms. The carved maple top over mahogany body is a key construction detail — check body weight (originals are typically 8-10 lbs). Examine the neck joint tenon — long tenon is correct for this era. Check for headstock repairs (Gibson headstocks are prone to breaking) — repairs reduce value significantly. Original Kluson Deluxe should be present with no evidence of replacement (no oversized bushing holes). Original hardshell case adds provenance value.