A killer look (we could even say it’s got real attitude) and above all, a fantastic instrument: this 1970 Les Paul Custom. Its overall condition is… well, let’s say it’s been around the block. A thousand lives, really: broken, repaired, stolen, recovered. And here it is in 2025, carrying its scars and scratches, with two major repairs and mods — the headstock repair and the addition of a middle pickup.

This Les Paul Custom dates from 1970, with pots coded 137 7018 (18th week of 1970), codes you won’t usually see anymore on late-1970 or 1971 Gibsons. The pickups are original T-Tops with Pat. number stickers (the direct successors of the PAFs). The solder joints are untouched on the bridge pickup pot, but the neck pot has been worked on. The 3-piece mahogany neck is just perfect: round but not chunky, super comfortable. The frets are a bit low but show only minimal playwear. Mahogany body, maple cap — classic territory.

Now, yes: the headstock had a partial break and was repaired, with no refinishing done. And of course, the middle pickup — a Seymour SH-4 JB from the ’90s — was added, the routing done somewhat amateurishly. The bridge, stoptail, tuners, and pickup rings are not original. Pots and knobs are original. At some point a Bigsby was mounted, so there are small holes left on the top and side. After a theft in the 1980s, the serial number was partly scratched off, though still partially visible.

Tonally, this guitar is powerful: it already resonates acoustically, with strong output, lots of attack and definition, and surprising fullness when plugged in. Pretty unexpected, given that many ’70s Les Pauls tend to feel a bit hit-or-miss.

All in all, excellent condition for its age — no bare wood showing except for the little fracture on the headstock. What you do see are scratches, dings, and playwear scattered around the body and edges. Comes with its original case.