Gibson Murphy Lab Ultra Lite Aged '68 Les Paul Custom, Ebony

The 1968 Les Paul™ Custom stood apart from its 1950s predecessors in a few significant ways. Instead of a solid mahogany body, it now had a solid maple top on a mahogany back - adding the clarity and bite that many rock guitarists sought. It also came standard with two humbuckers as opposed to three, providing additional picking clearance. And lastly it had a 14-degree peghead angle for reduced string tension. This set of features instantly became the new standard for the Les Paul Custom model, which has been produced continuously by Gibson ever since. This 1968 Les Paul Custom Reissue was designed to be the final say in historical accuracy, tone and feel. Every detail and spec was meticulously revived by the skilled artisans at Gibson Custom Shop to provide an amazing, life-long vintage ownership experience. It features Ultra Light Aging by the skilled artisans of the Murphy Lab. The Murphy Lab Ultra Light Aged finish treatment, paired with lightly aged hardware, simulates decades of light play wear, giving it the unique character, vibe, and feel of an original example from the Gibson Golden Era. 

SPECIFICATIONS

BODY

• Body Style & Shape: Les Paul (classic and iconic single-cut design known for its sustain and thick, rich tone)
• Top: 2-Piece Plain Maple (adds a touch of beauty while maintaining a smooth, resonant tone)
• Back: 1-Piece Mahogany (known for its rich, warm, and resonant tone that sustains well)
• Binding: Multi-ply (adds a visually striking detail to the body, typical of high-end Les Paul models)
• Body Finish: Murphy Lab Aged Nitrocellulose Lacquer (aged finish for a vintage, played-in appearance while preserving tonal quality)
• Weight Relief: None (full solid mahogany body for maximum sustain and resonance)

NECK

• Profile: Medium C (comfortable for most playing styles, with enough thickness for added warmth in tone)
• Scale Length: 628.65 mm / 24.75 in (standard for Gibsons, giving a balanced feel and tone)
• Fingerboard Material: Ebony (smooth and fast-playing, with sharp note articulation and sustain)
• Fingerboard Radius: 304.8 mm / 12 in (flat radius for easy bending and smooth playing)
• Neck Material: Solid Mahogany (offers stability, warmth, and sustain)
• Fret Count: 22 (ideal for versatility and easy access to the higher frets)
• Frets: Medium-Jumbo (great for bends and comfortable playing)
• Nut Material: Nylon (smooth and durable for better tuning stability)
• Nut Width: 42.85 mm / 1.687 in (standard for Gibson necks, offering comfort and ease of play)
• End Of Board Width: 56.89 mm / 2.239 in (provides space for smoother playing)
• Inlays: Mother of Pearl Block (adds a classy, elegant touch to the fingerboard)
• Neck Joint: Long Tenon, Hide Glue Fit (ensures enhanced sustain and superior resonance)

HARDWARE

• Finish: Gold; Murphy Lab Light Aged (aged gold finish adds a vintage, well-worn look while still maintaining durability)
• Bridge: ABR-1 (Wired) (classic bridge for accurate intonation and sustain)
• Tailpiece: Stop Bar (enhances sustain and tuning stability)
• Tuning Machines: Kluson Waffleback (vintage-style tuners with a classic look and precise tuning)
• Pickguard: Black Multi-Ply (complements the vintage look and adds a bit of contrast)
• Truss Rod: 2-way Adjustable (allows for easy neck adjustment)
• Truss Rod Cover: Authentic 2-Ply Les Paul Custom (adds to the traditional aesthetic)
• Control Knobs: Black Witch Hats with Gold Inserts (classic style for smooth tone and volume adjustments)
• Switch Tip: Cream (complements the vintage vibe)
• Switch Washer: Black (matches the aesthetic of the pickguard and controls)
• Jack Plate Cover: Black Multi-Ply (adds to the overall vintage theme)
• Control Covers: Black (simple and elegant)
• Strap Buttons: Brass (adding a bit of weight and enhancing the overall look)
• Mounting Rings: Black M69 (classic Les Paul-style pickup mounting rings)
• Pickup Covers: Authentic Profile Gold-plated Nickel Silver (giving the pickups a luxurious look)

ELECTRONICS

• Neck Pickup: 68 Custom Humbucker (provides a rich, warm tone with vintage character)
• Bridge Pickup: 68 Custom Humbucker (delivers bright, powerful, and clear tones with excellent clarity and sustain)
• Controls: 2 Volume, 2 Tone, 500K CTS Potentiometers, Hand-Wired Harness with Black Beauty Capacitors (providing smooth and responsive tone adjustments)
• Pickup Selector: 3-Way Switchcraft (reliable and easy-to-use pickup selector)
• Output Jack: 1/4" Switchcraft (trusted for superior signal transfer)

MISCELLANEOUS

• Strings Gauge: .010, .013, .017, .026, .036, .046 (ideal for rich tones and smooth bends)
• Case: Custom Shop Hardshell (premium protection with a plush interior)
• Accessories: Certificate of Authenticity, Mounted Custom Shop Switch Plate Medallion, Reissue Switch Backplate in Case (verifying the authenticity and craftsmanship of the guitar)