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The First Reissues:

     The first true Les Pauls made since 1961 have a few specific features that differentiate them from the vast majority of the next category of late 60s LP's. These issues are most prominently displayed in Standard models. These instruments are EXTREMELY rare and typically sell for top dollar. For information on the earliest Customs, please click on "The Early Reissues" link. Custom's features are identical other than the potential strap button issue below (which I have yet to see on ai Custom). The earliest Custom on record so far is an 899xxx that has all early reissue features except for its serial number. The serial may be repeated on a later 69 example.

Note that the rarity of these instruments makes a serial range nearly impossible.

Date of Construction: Mid/Late 1968. (This is difficult to pinpoint, but I will try to get better information. The previously mentioned 899xxx LPC supposedly shipped in August of '68.)

For general construction data, please see "The Early Reissues" section.

THE CROWN INLAY : The very first Les Paul Standards of 1968 have a crown inlay (like a 335) on their headstock where the infamous 'Les Paul Model' silkscreen typically resides. My research has so far indicated this feature to be present on Goldtops 501xxx to 505xxx. Remember, this is what my research idicates SO FAR. Seeing as how these instruments are so rare, it is difficult to acrew much data on them. Ill post more as I learn more.

THE TRUSS ROD COVER (GT): The very first Les Paul Standards of 1968 have a truss rod cover engraved with the words "Les Paul" as shown above.

THE STRAP BUTTON: There is some evidence coming to light that the earliest guitars have strange strap button placement on the neck side. Some are too far away from the neck joint and tend to be very dangerous strap wise. If I remember correctly, there are also a few examples with filled strap button holes on the back of the neck joint (like an SG). I have also heard of one with an SG placement neck button with NO holes near the pickup switch. In other words, this particular, first series GT had no strap button where LP's usually have one on the neck side.

Ill add more content at a later date as I learn more.

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