1972 Les Paul Custom 54' Reissue

[Mel]

I have a Les Paul Custom which dates back to 1972.It is a 54' reissue with a P90 and an Alnico V pickup.It also has an LE prefix.Could anybody tell me how many of these guitars were made given that they were a Limited Edition.I have also heard rumours that the Alnico V pick up could in fact be left overs from the 1950's.Could anybody also tell me how to work out an approximate date or era for P90 or AlnicoV pickups.Sorry to throw all these questions to you at once, however I have just acquired this guitar and I'd like to find out as much information as I possibly can.

 

[Dave Paetow]

I heard the story about the alnico pickups being '50's NOS. It could very well be true. I don't know how many of those they made, but I checked one out earlier this year, and those are great guitars

 

[rays44]

54 reissue

There has always been speculation about these being nos wood or having nos parts. To date, it has not been proven one way or the other. One thing for sure, you scored a nice guitar. The '54 LTD edition '72-'73 reissue is based on the first version model made from 1954 to early 1957. Shipping totals for the LE models are; 1972 (60), 1973 (1090), 1975 (3) and 1977 (1). Hope this helps.

 

[Mel]

Thanks for your input Dave and rays44, your information is greatly appreciated.

 

[daze]

Nice buy Mel :dude
Great info there rays44. I've "almost" bought two of that model over the years but for one reason or another I have passed.
What book or resource was that info from rays44 ? - I'd like to purchase a few new books on LP's and Gibson - mine are from the late '70's early '80's and much more is known today than back then.

TIA

DAZE

 

[Ken]

Mel,
Those '54 custom reissues great. I have a '98 with a gold bigsby that I had added. It doesn't get nearly as much play as my R7, but it's a keeper nonetheless. The Alnico V / P-90 combo is great. I especially love the Alnico V.

Out of curriousity, how much does it weigh? Were you Melman in the other forum location?

 

[Mel]

Ken ,I've currantly lent my guitar to a good friend of mine for afew days who is using it for a recording session with his band.As soon as I get it back I'll weigh it and send the info.I'm not Melman from the previous forum.I'm a new member to this forum and I am located in Australia.

 

[Ken]

Mel

Hey Mel! Nice to have you here! Welcome!

No rush on the weight thing. Just curious!

 

[daze]

Welcome Mel - always good to have another Aussie on the forum.
Where abouts are you ??

DAZE

 

[Mel]

Daze and Ken, thank you for your welcoming comments.I'm looking forward to contribute to this forum which I've only just discovered.I,m in South Australia and I have a compulsive disorder based on anything related to Gibson guitars.I would sooner describe it as a hobby/interest however thats not how my friends and family perceive it.Hopefully this forum could be therapy for me, and feed the beast within.

 

[daze]

A compulsive disorder based on anything related to Gibson guitars
eh !! If anything Mel - your disorder will now become chronic :lolspin
Seriously now ....lot's to be learnt here - the people are great & the beer is cold:davepaf
PS - if you don't mind me asking - how much down on the '72 '54 LE Custom??


DAZE

 

[Mel]

Daze, I was pretty lucky and only paid $1700(aus).Of the little bit of reading I have done I reckon its conservatively worth twice that amount.The tuners are not original and it has been a played guitar,however their is only 1100 or so of these guitars made ,therefore I'll be holding on to for a while.The possibility of the alnico v pickup being NOS from the 50s, is also quite appealing.
I've just purchased a book called "The Les Paul Book" by Bacon and Day which has a wealth of information ,especially shipping totals of vintage guitars which includes my 54' reissue.

 

[daze]

Mel - you didn't buy it you stole it:wow Mint in $AU they're worth about $6,000 (about the same as a new '54 Historic RI) Players in good nick, tuners changed etc AU$3,000 to AU$5,000.
The AlnicoV is my favorite Gibson pup - I love the hollow tones:smokin
Post some pics when you get a chance.

DAZE