1968 Les Paul and 1969 Les Paul Serial Number Information


The Leftover Body Myth:
	THE MYTH: The earliest examples of Les Paul's in 1968 are made with leftover, partially completed bodies from the 1950's. THE TRUTH: It is unlikely to the point of being impossible that leftover 50's bodies were used in 1968.
THE FACTS: Yes, both 50's and early 68 instruments have center-seamed tops and Honduran Mahogany bodies. Yes, both have long tenons and square routing channels. Also, I have read that the shape of the body is precisely the same as a 1950's one (most likely, the same body router template was used). That is where the similarity ends. 68's pickup cavities are no where near similar to 50's examples. 68's have flat routed walls. In other words, the walls of the cavity are perpendicular to the floor of the cavity and the back of the guitar. 50's will have pitched sides in various spots, not to mention the infamous router chew marks. The cavities are not in the precisely same position either. The 69 and late 50's cavities are routed with the maple top already glued onto the body, whereas 68's are routed BEFORE the top is glued on. This leaves 68's with a very cleanly routed cavity with perfectly perpendicular walls. (Relative to the underside of the top.) Ill add more content showing specifically the differences at a later date. Id like to have a side by side image comparison sooner or later.