• From: London, UK
  • Registered: 2011-04-01
  • Posts: 313

Topic: Average price of Gibson Custom Shop Jobs

Hello

I'm thinking that (once I have enough money), I was going to get a customized Les Paul from the Gibson Custom Shop.

I was wondering if anyone knows, on average, what a customized job would cost from the Custom Shop?

The guitar I have in mind is based on the 1973 Les Paul Custom that Frank Zappa owned. These are the specs:

Heritage Cherry Sunburst Finish
Black Pickguard
Black Pickup Switch
2 Black Knobs
2 Gold Knobs
2 Silver Gibson Burstbuckers
Trapezoid Frets
Gibson Custom Headstock
Gold Grover Tuning Pegs
Cream Binding

Here is a computer generated image of the guitar using TCT Kiskae Guitar Builder:http://www.yajimastringworks.com/tct/ys … ekae-e.asp

http://i1134.photobucket.com/albums/m62 … Custom.jpg

Guitars:
Epiphone Les Paul Junior Black + Gold Hardware, PRS SE Santana Yellow, Ovation Double-Neck Semi-Acoustic, Ovation Celebrity CC44 Honeyburst, Gibson 2008 Les Paul Standard Heritage Cherry Sunburst (#10), Gibson Robot Les Paul Studio 2012 Limited, Gibson 1976 Les Paul Custom Heritage Cherry Sunburst

2 Reply by DougH (edited by DougH 2012-02-15 11:22:21)

  • DougH
  • DougH
  • BONAMETAL
  • Offline
  • From: Toronto, Canada
  • Registered: 2011-04-01
  • Posts: 1,705

Re: Average price of Gibson Custom Shop Jobs

As far as I know the Gibson Custom shop only does Custom stuff for well know celeb's like Slash and Joe B.

you the average person on the street can not get Gibson Custom Shop to do you a one-off.

and then there is the Gibson Custom Shop line of gutiars, but that's a line of guitars no customization.

---------------

(If only I had 1% of Joe's guitar talent)
  • From: Ireland
  • Registered: 2010-10-25
  • Posts: 57

Re: Average price of Gibson Custom Shop Jobs

I have heard of some "ordinary" people getting their own custom shop guitars, I think its all done through your local Gibson dealer/distributor, so try and get in touch with them.

Guitars: Epiphone JBLP, Epiphone Les Paul Custom
Amps: Marshall Vintage Modern, 18 watt clone
  • From: N.Wales, UK
  • Registered: 2009-03-06
  • Posts: 2,183

Re: Average price of Gibson Custom Shop Jobs

You can have some great luthier build one identically to that with the shape, headstock, logo - it will be better quality and cost less. Guaranteed.

  • From: New Hampshire, USA
  • Registered: 2010-12-21
  • Posts: 3,650

Re: Average price of Gibson Custom Shop Jobs

xavier wrote:

Hello

I'm thinking that (once I have enough money), I was going to get a customized Les Paul from the Gibson Custom Shop.

I was wondering if anyone knows, on average, what a customized job would cost from the Custom Shop?

The guitar I have in mind is based on the 1973 Les Paul Custom that Frank Zappa owned. These are the specs:

Heritage Cherry Sunburst Finish
Black Pickguard
Black Pickup Switch
2 Black Knobs
2 Gold Knobs
2 Silver Gibson Burstbuckers
Trapezoid Frets
Gibson Custom Headstock
Gold Grover Tuning Pegs
Cream Binding

Here is a computer generated image of the guitar using TCT Kiskae Guitar Builder:http://www.yajimastringworks.com/tct/ys … ekae-e.asp

http://i1134.photobucket.com/albums/m62 … Custom.jpg

Hi I am just an averge Joe ( no pun intended) and Gibson custom shop build me a one off just to my specs. Be willing to pay$$$ and yes work with your local dealer. I went to my local Guitar Center. I had this done less then a year ago. As a matter of fact I loved it so much they built me another one.
good luck
Cheers Ron

"Joe B saved my soul, forever grateful Ron"
"Some people dream of worthy accomplishments while others stay awake and do them"
Skinner #1,JBLP 145(aged),252, (unaged),#285HM, Bburst #026, Joes 052 BCC black LP, Strat> RT,EC Gilmour,Beck,Lenny LP> PK 83,CC#2,3,4,9,Amps>Carol Ann RAH JB-100 SN 001,JB100 Red SN02,OD2, OD3,Tucana 2&3 Triptix,Twinkle land, Plexi ,JB Jub, Jubs,Plexi,Satch,Two Rock>others
  • From: Detroit
  • Registered: 2006-06-02
  • Posts: 5,807

Re: Average price of Gibson Custom Shop Jobs

cindyron wrote:


Hi I am just an averge Joe ( no pun intended) and Gibson custom shop build me a one off just to my specs. Be willing to pay$$$ and yes work with your local dealer. I went to my local Guitar Center. I had this done less then a year ago. As a matter of fact I loved it so much they built me another one.
good luck
Cheers Ron

GC can even work with Epiphone to make you a custom guitar, I've heard them offer that service to me when I was looking for a white hollowbody and they don't make white DOTs anymore.


OH! Maybe someday I'll have Gibson make me a Bonabyrd! cool

- Nic from Detroit... posting on JB's Forum since 6-2-2006
Ask me about my handwound Great Lakes Guitar Pickups
Since 2010, Bonamassa fans have taken advantage of my JB friend discount = my cost + shipping. cool

7 Reply by xavier (edited by xavier 2012-02-15 13:34:48)

  • From: London, UK
  • Registered: 2011-04-01
  • Posts: 313

Re: Average price of Gibson Custom Shop Jobs

DaveWammbarro wrote:

You can have some great luthier build one identically to that with the shape, headstock, logo - it will be better quality and cost less. Guaranteed.

Yes I've seen, Vintage do a copy in that colour, but I wanted simply to do a price comparison.

cindyron wrote:

Hi I am just an averge Joe ( no pun intended) and Gibson custom shop build me a one off just to my specs. Be willing to pay$$$ and yes work with your local dealer. I went to my local Guitar Center. I had this done less then a year ago. As a matter of fact I loved it so much they built me another one.
good luck
Cheers Ron

Thanks for the info, I'll see what I can do through my local dealer.

Guitars:
Epiphone Les Paul Junior Black + Gold Hardware, PRS SE Santana Yellow, Ovation Double-Neck Semi-Acoustic, Ovation Celebrity CC44 Honeyburst, Gibson 2008 Les Paul Standard Heritage Cherry Sunburst (#10), Gibson Robot Les Paul Studio 2012 Limited, Gibson 1976 Les Paul Custom Heritage Cherry Sunburst
  • From: London, UK
  • Registered: 2011-04-01
  • Posts: 313

Re: Average price of Gibson Custom Shop Jobs

Now it comes to mind.

What GC do sometimes is they photo their custom orders when they're finished and post them on their Facebook wall.

Guitars:
Epiphone Les Paul Junior Black + Gold Hardware, PRS SE Santana Yellow, Ovation Double-Neck Semi-Acoustic, Ovation Celebrity CC44 Honeyburst, Gibson 2008 Les Paul Standard Heritage Cherry Sunburst (#10), Gibson Robot Les Paul Studio 2012 Limited, Gibson 1976 Les Paul Custom Heritage Cherry Sunburst
  • Registered: 2009-02-10
  • Posts: 470

Re: Average price of Gibson Custom Shop Jobs

Get in touch with Florian Jaeger! He's in Germany and well, seems to be one of the best luthiers about, he also does what historic makeovers do. But given that you're in the UK you'll probably want to go with someone from UK or at least EU. (avoid ridiculous tax on it coming into the country if it's from the EU)
You're talking £5k most likely though.

  • Registered: 2007-11-04
  • Posts: 404

Re: Average price of Gibson Custom Shop Jobs

Hey I was trying to figure out what the easiest way to get your dream guitar. It seems the only thing that would be custom was the diamond on the headstock.
You can get a nice cherry sunburst and buy all the accessories.  You'd have a one off but if you put the nobs and switch covers and pick guard on you'll save thousands of dollars. 

I would imagine you thought of that so maybe i am missing something. Good luck on finding that dream guitar... Let us see pics when you get it.

  • From: London, UK
  • Registered: 2011-04-01
  • Posts: 313

Re: Average price of Gibson Custom Shop Jobs

Thanks but that could be a while off.

Guitars:
Epiphone Les Paul Junior Black + Gold Hardware, PRS SE Santana Yellow, Ovation Double-Neck Semi-Acoustic, Ovation Celebrity CC44 Honeyburst, Gibson 2008 Les Paul Standard Heritage Cherry Sunburst (#10), Gibson Robot Les Paul Studio 2012 Limited, Gibson 1976 Les Paul Custom Heritage Cherry Sunburst
  • From: London town
  • Registered: 2011-10-15
  • Posts: 99

Re: Average price of Gibson Custom Shop Jobs

There are a small number of Gibson dealers who can get one off custom shop pieces.

£4.5-6k is the average price I've been quoted in the past however...seriously high, not worth it unless something truly unique.

  • From: Adelaide, South Australia
  • Registered: 2011-10-14
  • Posts: 1,339

Re: Average price of Gibson Custom Shop Jobs

Or you could just buy a LP custom and change the cosmetic parts yourself, save lots of $$$!!

http://www.stefanhauk.com

stefanhauk's Website

  • From: London, UK
  • Registered: 2011-04-01
  • Posts: 313

Re: Average price of Gibson Custom Shop Jobs

Thanks for the feedback.

I was simply curious. Seeing all the Custom orders that come out of the shop I just wondered sometimes what was so unique about them that they go for a completely one-off design.

Guitars:
Epiphone Les Paul Junior Black + Gold Hardware, PRS SE Santana Yellow, Ovation Double-Neck Semi-Acoustic, Ovation Celebrity CC44 Honeyburst, Gibson 2008 Les Paul Standard Heritage Cherry Sunburst (#10), Gibson Robot Les Paul Studio 2012 Limited, Gibson 1976 Les Paul Custom Heritage Cherry Sunburst
  • From: York, PA
  • Registered: 2010-08-27
  • Posts: 1,749

Re: Average price of Gibson Custom Shop Jobs

I too often wonder what the actual difference is in terms of feel, sound with an actual custom shop piece. I've never played any Gibson like that or the reissues etc.. I just have 2 Standard models. The price alone for that stuff is enough to keep me away as I know it wouldn't make a justifiable difference to spend that kind of $$ for me. Nothing wrong with having one if its what you want though, everybody works hard for their money (most people) so have at it! -S

  • From: London town
  • Registered: 2011-10-15
  • Posts: 99

Re: Average price of Gibson Custom Shop Jobs

Out of all the custom shop models and one offs I've tried, and the standard USA models there is a difference between them that most guitarists would pick up on and edge towards a custom shop model.

Finish and fit of the neck/fretboard just feel a little better, and woods may be of higher quality. A well set up USA is as good as a straight out the box custom shop model in most cases though. Not worth 3k+ for the extra quality, but the guitars can be special without a doubt.

  • mbcl
  • BONAMETAL
  • Offline
  • Registered: 2008-05-01
  • Posts: 1,491

Re: Average price of Gibson Custom Shop Jobs

Contact Duncan at Agel Guitars in Edinborough, he gets the pick of the crop and works closely with custom shop. He is a good friend, honest and reliable. If you are looking for something special he will get it.
Had some outstandng guitars from him, never disapoints.

xavier wrote:

Hello

I'm thinking that (once I have enough money), I was going to get a customized Les Paul from the Gibson Custom Shop.

I was wondering if anyone knows, on average, what a customized job would cost from the Custom Shop?

The guitar I have in mind is based on the 1973 Les Paul Custom that Frank Zappa owned. These are the specs:

Heritage Cherry Sunburst Finish
Black Pickguard
Black Pickup Switch
2 Black Knobs
2 Gold Knobs
2 Silver Gibson Burstbuckers
Trapezoid Frets
Gibson Custom Headstock
Gold Grover Tuning Pegs
Cream Binding

Here is a computer generated image of the guitar using TCT Kiskae Guitar Builder:http://www.yajimastringworks.com/tct/ys … ekae-e.asp

http://i1134.photobucket.com/albums/m62 … Custom.jpg

Martin
Facebook http://www.facebook.com/home.php#!/page … 35?ref=tse
  • From: New Hampshire, USA
  • Registered: 2010-12-21
  • Posts: 3,650

Re: Average price of Gibson Custom Shop Jobs

alex.p wrote:

Out of all the custom shop models and one offs I've tried, and the standard USA models there is a difference between them that most guitarists would pick up on and edge towards a custom shop model.

Finish and fit of the neck/fretboard just feel a little better, and woods may be of higher quality. A well set up USA is as good as a straight out the box custom shop model in most cases though. Not worth 3k+ for the extra quality, but the guitars can be special without a doubt.

In my eye the guitars from the custom shop are better in all aspects, wood, tone, feel, playability. Yeah you pay more but you do get what you pay for. Just my opinion

"Joe B saved my soul, forever grateful Ron"
"Some people dream of worthy accomplishments while others stay awake and do them"
Skinner #1,JBLP 145(aged),252, (unaged),#285HM, Bburst #026, Joes 052 BCC black LP, Strat> RT,EC Gilmour,Beck,Lenny LP> PK 83,CC#2,3,4,9,Amps>Carol Ann RAH JB-100 SN 001,JB100 Red SN02,OD2, OD3,Tucana 2&3 Triptix,Twinkle land, Plexi ,JB Jub, Jubs,Plexi,Satch,Two Rock>others