Since it was released in 1952, the Gibson Les Paul model has been one of the most influential electric guitars, inspiring musicians across a wide variety of genres and playing styles. Seizing on its popularity and instantly-recognizable body shape, Gibson has released numerous model iterations and variations of the Les Paul. But in 2000, the Gibson Custom Shop dreamed up an intriguing take on the Les Paul that pushed it out of the realm of the electric guitar: the Les Paul Acoustic.
Constructed from the same woods as you'd expect (carved Flame Maple top, chambered Mahogany body), the Les Paul Acoustic has the familiar single-cutaway body shape, but it is outfitted with an LR Baggs acoustic pickup instead of traditional electric guitar pickups. It features a carved Flame Maple top with an acoustic-style saddle that sets directly into the top. Then, bridge pins were mounted on the top. It has the same neck joint as a regular Les Paul, but its Mahogany body is hollow, which produces some natural resonance (and reduces the weight to a mere 6 lbs 2.7 oz). The result is a guitar that plays like your trusty electric, but produces natural-sounding acoustic tone.
For electronics, it has an LR Baggs pickup that uses both an under-saddle transducer and a bridge plate transducer. Then, you're able to dial in a wide range of sounds with Gibson's SST active electronics. Its output is incredibly hot, too, so if you want to plug it into a tube amp, you can easily push into new sonic territory.
The Les Paul Acoustic was only available as a Limited Edition model from the Custom Shop. Because of its carved top design, it required an incredibly large block of Maple, so it didn't last long and was discontinued in 2004.
This 2004 Gibson Custom Shop Les Paul Acoustic features an incredible hand-carved Flame Maple top. Only an eye-popping Tangerine Burst finish will do! It is setup like your favorite Les Paul, but it sounds like a treasured acoustic guitar. These are rare, and the workmanship is impressive. A lot of work went into carving this one, and its a beautiful display of fine tonewoods. This one shows moderate playwear, and the back finish has worn in some of the usual places. But it is free of any severe dings or deep scratches. No repairs, no issues—just an intriguing, hard to find custom shop Gibson. Original case included.