For decades, the dream of owning a Les Paul Custom Guitar lingered in my mind, ever since my teenage years. Recently, the stars aligned, presenting the perfect opportunity to finally make this aspiration a reality. I took the plunge, and now, with my brand new Les Paul Custom in hand (pictured below), I’m ready to share my initial thoughts and experiences.
Quality Craftsmanship
Right out of the case, the quality of this instrument is immediately apparent. The build quality feels exceptionally high. Honestly, I have absolutely zero complaints about the fit and finish. It’s clear that Gibson’s reputation for quality is well-deserved with this model.
Neck Profile and Feel
Stepping into Les Paul territory, I was prepared for a different neck feel compared to what I’m accustomed to. The Les Paul Custom definitely sports a fatter neck profile. While it’s a departure from my usual preference, it’s something I anticipated and was ready to embrace. Interestingly, despite the thicker profile, I haven’t noticed any of the stickiness sometimes associated with lacquered necks. In fact, the neck feels quite similar to my other guitars with lacquered finishes, making the transition surprisingly smooth.
Hot Humbucking Pickups: 490R and 498T
This Les Paul Custom comes equipped with the Gibson 490R in the neck position and the 498T in the bridge – the same pickup combination mentioned in other reviews I’ve read. It’s quickly become clear that this guitar is built for a specific purpose: high-octane rock and roll. It truly excels in delivering powerful, overdriven tones. This guitar leans heavily into the “all-out” sonic territory, which it handles exceptionally well. Notably, Gibson opted not to include a coil-tap option on this Custom, which, for my intended use, isn’t a drawback. I knew going in that this guitar was designed to be a hard rock machine, and in that respect, it delivers in spades.
My only reservation, and it’s a minor one, concerns the sheer output of these pickups. They are incredibly hot. I’ve noticed that I can encounter feedback issues with my usual amp settings, requiring me to dial back the guitar’s volume knob to around 8 to maintain control. For comparison, the same AxeFX patch that triggers feedback on the Les Paul Custom performs perfectly well, without feedback, on my PRS Custom 24 or PRS McCarty 594. I’m currently considering whether to swap out the 490/498s for a set of pickups with slightly less aggressive output.
Action and Setup Adjustments
One unexpected aspect was the initial setup of the guitar. The action was surprisingly high when I first received it, particularly on the low-E string. In fact, the action was so high that the intonation, especially on the low-E string, was noticeably sharp when fretted at the 12th fret. Even with the saddle moved as far back as possible towards the bridge, it wasn’t enough to correct the intonation. While the truss rod appeared to be properly adjusted and didn’t require tweaking, the bridge height definitely needed attention. After spending some time adjusting the bridge height, I was able to achieve a significantly lower and more comfortable action. Crucially, this adjustment allowed me to properly intonate the guitar without having the saddles maxed out in either direction.
Weight Considerations
Finally, it’s essential to mention the weight of this Les Paul Custom. It’s a substantial instrument, tipping the scales at a hefty 10.5 lbs. If you plan to gig extensively with this guitar, investing in a high-quality, wide strap and potentially strap locks would be highly recommended. As a member of a Rush tribute band that performs full three-hour shows, I’m mindful of guitar weight. While we are currently on a performance break, my plan is to incorporate the Les Paul Custom into our sets for perhaps 25% of the songs. This decision is partly due to the weight factor but also because the Les Paul Custom isn’t the ideal choice for the brighter, more jangly tones required for some of Rush’s mid-80s material.
In conclusion, my initial experience with the Les Paul Custom guitar has been overwhelmingly positive. It’s a high-quality instrument that delivers on its promise of powerful rock tones. While there are a few minor points to consider, such as the hot pickups and substantial weight, these are easily manageable. For anyone seeking a classic, hard-rocking guitar with iconic styling, the Les Paul Custom remains a top contender.
