Gibson Custom Shop "Inspired By" Slash Signed and Aged Les Paul Standard - USA 2008

In 2008, Gibson Custom Shop released the "Inspired By" Slash Les Paul Standard to honour one of the most influential Les Paul players of the modern era. Rather than creating a contemporary signature model, Gibson chose to recreate the appearance, feel and character of the Les Pauls that defined Slash's career during the late 1980s and early 1990s. Each guitar was aged by Tom Murphy and produced in limited numbers, making the "Inspired By" series one of the earliest and most desirable artist collaborations from the Gibson Custom Shop.

This example, serial number SA069, is among the earliest produced and is hand signed by Slash in black marker on the reverse of the headstock. Early examples carrying the black signature are regarded as the most desirable by collectors, representing the first guitars signed during the initial production run. Finished in Murphy Aged Sunburst, it features authentic lacquer checking, naturally worn hardware, softened body edges and the signature cigarette burn detail behind the headstock, faithfully recreating the appearance of Slash's well travelled instruments.

Built around a one piece non weight relieved mahogany body with a carved maple top and long neck tenon construction, this guitar delivers everything expected of a Custom Shop Les Paul. The substantial 1950s neck profile is paired with a set of custom wound Slash humbuckers, producing the thick midrange, articulate top end and long sustain that have become synonymous with his playing. Whether it is played through a clean amplifier or a cranked Marshall, the guitar retains the response and authority that made Slash's Les Paul sound instantly recognisable.

Complete with its original Gibson Custom Shop hard shell case, Certificate of Authenticity, original case candy and Slash's signature, this is one of the earliest examples from one of Gibson Custom Shop's most collectible modern artist releases. Combining Tom Murphy's ageing, early production status and a hand signed headstock, it represents a rare opportunity to acquire one of the standout Gibson Custom Shop signature models of the late 2000s.

Specifications

Action at 1st Fret: 0.50 mm

Action at 12th Fret: 2.00 mm

Neck Depth at 1st Fret: 20.94 mm

Neck Depth at 12th Fret: 25.17 mm

Nut Width: 43.06 mm

Width at 12th Fret: 52.55 mm

Weight: 4.43 kg

Year: 2008

Serial Number: SA069

Model: Gibson Custom Shop "Inspired By" Slash Signed and Aged Les Paul Standard

Crafted in: Gibson Custom Shop, Nashville, Tennessee, USA

Finish: Murphy Aged Sunburst

Body: One Piece Non Weight Relieved Mahogany with Carved Maple Top

Neck: One Piece Mahogany

Neck Profile: 1950s Rounded

Fingerboard: Rosewood

Inlays: Acrylic Trapezoids

Scale Length: 24.75"

Frets: 22 Medium Jumbo

Pickups: Custom Wound Slash Humbuckers

Controls: 2 Volume, 2 Tone, 3 Way Toggle Switch

Bridge: ABR 1 Tune O Matic with Stop Bar Tailpiece

Tuners: Kluson Deluxe

Hardware: Aged Nickel

Special Features: Tom Murphy Ageing, Hand Signed by Slash

Case: Original Gibson Custom Shop Hard Shell Case

Paperwork: Original Certificate of Authenticity and Complete Factory Case Candy