1968 Les Paul and 1969 Les Paul Serial Number Information

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The original 1950's series of Les Pauls failed as a commercial product. They were discontinued due to lack of sales only to be rediscovered by a small group of musicians a few years later. Some of these people had last names likes: Richards, Page, Clapton, Harrison, and Young. As these musicians came to fame in the mid-sixties, interest renewed in "Les Paul" guitars. Gibson gave into demand and reissued the series. In 1968 they were reborn and then changed, step-by-step, into a whole new instrument by the dawn of the 1970's. Unfortunately, these changes have never been properly documented. This has led to confusion and speculation in the guitar community. This site is dedicated to applying some order to this choatic period in Les Paul guitars' history.



CALL FOR YOUR HELP: This site will be updated from time to time as I learn more. Seeing as this site is the first of its kind and as such is treading into uncharted territory, please excuse its growing pains. Not only do I acknowledge the information contained here is far from perfect, I openly admit that I need help correcting and improving it.
Please submit information, corrections, or suggestions. Note the FAQ section.



DISCLAMIER: This site is not affiliated with the Gibson guitar company in any way. This site is not affiliated with Les Paul in any way. This site is a work in progress that may contain mischaracterizations and errors. It is based on many months of online research and observation. This includes extensive auction monitoring, retail observations, and generous donations by the users of a well known online organization. All ownership or specific information about instruments listed in the serial number database will be kept STRICTL Y confidential. I will not supply complete serial numbers under any circumstance. This site exists as merely a supplimentary source of information on this era of guitars. It should NOT be relied on exclusively when making purchasing decisions. The administrator of this site is not responsible for how you use this information.
All rights are reserved. DO NOT DISTRIBUTE THIS INFORMATION. Although users are encouraged to link to my site, I strictly forbid any use of any content at this site without written permission. By keeping this information centralized, it will be kept as accurate and up to date as possible. Copyright © 2008. All Rights Reserved.


UPDATE: Kluson has reissued the "Waffle Back" tuners that came on some 50's Customs! The LSLP version with metal keys is pending according to a source within Kluson! http://www.wdmusic.com/product_31830_detailed.htm
1968 Les Paul and 1969 Les Paul Serial Number Information

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Copyright © 2008. All rights are reserved. Although users are encouraged to link to my site, I strictly forbid any use of any content at this site without written permission.