Gibson Les Paul Artisan 1978 Limited Edition, Walnut Finish Protector Case
For discerning collectors and serious musicians, Oxbow Audio Lab presents a remarkable opportunity: a vintage 1978 Gibson Les Paul Artisan. It weighs in at an impressive 11.4 lbs and when strummed the Earth rumble beneath you. This exceptional instrument embodies the iconic tone and craftsmanship that defined Gibson's golden era, featuring a rich, resonant mahogany body, a comfortable maple neck, and the powerful, articulate voice of its original humbucking pickups. Having aged gracefully for over four decades, this Les Paul boasts a stunning natural relic'ing that tells a story of countless riffs and timeless melodies, offering a unique aesthetic character alongside its legendary sound. This 1978 Gibson Les Paul from Oxbow Audio Lab promises an unparalleled playing experience and an investment in musical history.
The Les Paul Artisan was a more expensive/elaborate variation of the Les Paul Custom and was advertised as a limited-edition model between 1976 and 1982. It’s immediately discernible, with its unique pre-war headstock design, heart-and-floral pearl inlays adorning the ebony fretboard, triple-gold-plated humbuckers, a walnut-finished carved-maple top, and a multi-bound top, back, and headstock. Another hallmark of this guitar is the weight: 11.4 pounds!
The most standout feature of the Norlin-era Les Paul Aritsan is its unique flower inlay designs. This 3-pickup model was a catalog option until 1980, when the 2-pickup version was made standard. These guitars were made in Kalamazoo, Michigan.
Beautiful patina and wear on this guitar showing almost no fret wear on the current set up.