Help me identify my Les Paul

Hi everybody!
New member here.
I bought my les paul in maybe 2002 or 2003 somewhere around there and I believe from Sam ash.
If memory serves I was told at that time it was a classic custom or custom classic and that it had Gibson hotter pickup setup. 498 and 496, again if memory serves.
The guitar sounds great. I play mostly hard rock. Or try to play.
Anyway I've noticed some things abt the guitar that seem odd.
There is no "made in the USA" on the back of the headstock.
The serial number is 011497 and I haven't been able to verify that number anywhere.
I don't think it's a fake I'm just trying to find out more about it. Yes, I bought it new.
If anyone can tell me more abt this model much appreciated.

Not sure why the pics come out sideways.

Les Paul Classic, [2001?], Ceramic 500T and 496R pickups.

Big Al said:

Les Paul Classic, [2001?], Ceramic 500T and 496R pickups.

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Thanks Big Al,
I knew this stuff when I bought it but over the years I have put the instrument down and have begun playing it again as my son is now into guitars and I have forgotten some of the details of the instrument.
If memory serves, they made a regular Classic and what they told me this one is, a Custom Classic but it doesn't say that.
Some of the differences are obvious...the lack of pickup covers, pick guard, i think the tuners are different, and the gold knobs. Also the pick ups.
Oh yeah, i think it had a different class of maple top.
Sorry guys, I'm not real technical on the instrument, but I love how it sounds.
I bought it because I love the sound for hard rock stuff I like to play.
Is it normal for it not to say "Made in USA" on the back?
Is there any way to look up the serial number?

Also thanks for the tip on the year. I was able to look up other guitars like it.
It looks like a Classic Premium Plus maybe....

Custom Classic was a mix of LP Classic and LP Custom features, a different model. The specs you list were standard specs for the Classic. Different from the Standard Model. It appears to be a regular Les Paul Classic as far as I can tell and a very pretty example, IMO.

Email Gibson with the serial number.

RicOkc said:

Email Gibson with the serial number.

Click to expand...

I think I will look into that....
Thanks!