6 Good Tips to Buy a Used Gibson Les Paul. The Gibson Les Paul is one of the iconic electric guitars of all time, having been played by legendary rock stars such as Slash, Joe Bonamassa, and Jimmy Page over the years.
Finding a pre-owned Les Paul can be intimidating with so many models to choose from. To make things easier, we’ve put together six great tips for purchasing an affordable used Gibson Les Paul.
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6 Good Tips to Buy a Used Gibson Les Paul
1. Check the condition of the guitar
When purchasing a used Gibson Les Paul guitar, it is essential to make sure the instrument is in great condition. Unfortunately, many counterfeit guitars can be found online on Craiglist, eBay, Facebook Marketplace, and pawn shops nationwide.
One of the easiest ways to identify a fake Gibson is by inspecting its serial number. A genuine guitar will have an easily visible, shallow serial number and lettering; counterfeits often feature deep serial numbers with poorly applied paint or missing paint.
Another place to check is the neck binding. A genuine guitar will have a clean edge that blends in seamlessly with the body binding, while counterfeit guitars will have an obvious gap.
Genuine Gibson Les Paul guitars feature a circular splined nut to secure the pickups. If you find an instrument with an unusually large hex nut, be sure to inspect its authenticity.
Gibsons go through a quality inspection process before being sold to customers, similar to other guitar brands. Utilizing a machine called the Plek, Gibsons are scanned to guarantee there are no manufacturing flaws. If the guitar does not pass this test, customers can choose either to receive a refund or a replacement with one of the same style at no additional cost.

2. Check the neck

The neck is one of the most crucial elements of any guitar. If it’s in poor condition, your guitar will sound terrible and play poorly.
If your Gibson Les Paul has a bent or warped neck, having it professionally inspected may be beneficial. This procedure can make your Les Paul sound and play better than new.
Acoustic guitars often benefit from having their necks set, as this helps bring the instrument into proper intonation and provides for improved playing action. This is especially true of older Martins and many Gibsons that need this service.
Vintage Gibsons often use inaccurate measurements on their fretboards, which makes it difficult to properly intonate them. That is why I often perform this service on clients’ vintage Gibsons.
Many modern Gibsons employ ultra-modern weight-relief processes that make them lighter and more comfortable for players with back issues. If you prefer the classic look and feel of a Les Paul without this benefit, there are plenty of lightweight alternatives available as well.
Finally, Gibson offers a limited warranty on their products. This covers defects in materials and workmanship for one year from the date of purchase. To learn more about this warranty, you can visit Gibson’s website. During this period, Gibson reserves the right to replace or repair your instrument at their discretion.
3. Check the hardware

When purchasing a pre-owned Gibson, quality hardware is of the utmost importance. Having an expert inspect the hardware before a purchase can guarantee that your guitar will perform optimally for years to come.
When purchasing a used Gibson, there are various hardware types to choose from and they all vary in quality. For instance, the SG is an enduringly popular model that’s been around for years.
If you need a high-quality guitar that will withstand years of abuse, this is your ideal option. Crafted with premium woods and featuring some fantastic pickups for optimal sound, it’s sure to meet all your expectations.
When you purchase a used Gibson, you are covered by the manufacturer’s warranty. This coverage extends coverage for defects in materials and workmanship for one year from the purchase date.
If you are not satisfied with the guitar that you purchase, Gibson’s customer service department is always open to providing replacement or repair options. They can guide you through the process and give you peace of mind that your guitar is covered by their manufacturer’s warranty. Ultimately, if unable to repair it yourself, you may receive a refund from Gibson.
4. Check the sound

Gibson Les Pauls are renowned for their rich, warm sound. Since 1952, they’ve been a cornerstone of rock n roll’s soundscape, and many of today’s top guitarists own one.
If you’re searching for a guitar that will let you create the tone you’ve always desired, a Gibson Les Paul is your ideal option. Its high-quality craftsmanship, superior tonewoods, and pickups are essential in creating that iconic Les Paul sound.
When purchasing a used Gibson Les Paul, one important consideration is the neck profile. There are various options available, from slim-taper 60s’60s necks to chunky 50s profiles that will suit various playing styles.
When selecting your guitar neck, remember that the right neck can make all the difference to its sound. There is a wide range of necks available at various price points, so be sure to do some research before buying your next Les Paul!
If you’re just starting or looking to upgrade your current guitar, Epiphone offers a range of models that will meet your budget. Don’t miss out on their “inspired by Gibson” series which has been re-engineered so an Epiphone Les Paul looks and sounds close enough for most players to enjoy.
5. Check the warranty
A warranty is a guarantee from the manufacturer or seller that you can get repairs or replacements if there are any issues with your purchase. This is essential as it helps you avoid costly errors in the future.
No matter if you purchase online or in person, a warranty should always be offered to you. It will clearly outline the duration of coverage, repairs that are covered, and any exceptions or deductibles.
There are various types of warranties, each with its purpose and subtypes. It is important to become knowledgeable about them and how they are negotiated to guarantee you get what you desire.
When shopping for a used Gibson Les Paul, it’s wise to find one with a warranty. This way, if there are any issues with the guitar, you can get your money back if necessary.
You should also search for a warranty that can be tailored to meet your requirements. Doing this will guarantee you get the most value for your money.
Saving money with a used guitar is an ideal way to get an excellent instrument at an incredible price. At Cream City, we have an extensive selection of Gibson guitars for sale, including classic Les Paul Standard models from 1950 and 1960 as well as budget-friendly Epiphone and Norlin models.
6. Check the condition of the case
You want a case that provides maximum protection for your guitar. That means it should be durable, waterproof, and feature locking latches to prevent unauthorized access to your instrument.
When shopping for a case to carry your guitar, you should look for one that is lightweight and has good ergonomics – especially if you plan to use it as a gig bag. Some cases, like hybrid models, offer backpack straps and wheels so that you can easily transport your instrument from venue to venue without straining your back.
A quality guitar case will protect your instrument from extreme weather and temperature changes, which are especially crucial since they can damage the wood of the instrument.
If you’re uncertain of the condition of your case, don’t hesitate to ask your dealer or Gibson’s service center for an inspection. These professionals can inspect the condition of the case and guarantee it meets Gibson’s stringent factory specifications.
Your Les Paul will remain in excellent condition with the proper guitar case, protecting it from environmental elements like rain, snow, hail, and extreme heat. A quality case should also maintain internal humidity for up to 72 hours even when external humidity changes by 40%.
When shopping for a case, be sure to look for neck support. This may be found in some hard cases’ neck channels and will help reduce the chance of headstock breaks when your Les Paul is dropped.