2003 Gibson Les Paul Limited Edition "The-Platinum" + OHSC

2003 Gibson Les Paul Studio "The Platinum"
Full Metallic Platinum Finish Theme
Gibson Limited Release Edition
Made in USA (September 11th, 2003)


Adult owned only. Pet-free, smoke-free, children-free household.
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Up for sale is very rare Gibson Les Paul Studio in a full silver platinum color theme. 

This guitar is in overall very very good condition. Has some regular normal play wear such as some minor surface scratches, dings, marks here and there. Has some minor buckle rash on back from playing. Has some pickguard scratches and pick swirls. Some smudges on the metal hardware that can be easily cleaned. Has #34 written on back of headstock in sharpie. The last (original) owner told me that's how he bought it new and that this model was the 34th platinum model Les Paul made. Another interesting fact is that this guitar was made on the date of 9/11... pretty interesting I thought.

This particular model was made only in year 2003... and not too many of them were made. Gibson has not released the exact number made - but a conservative estimate is around 300 units TOTAL of these full platinum Les Pauls.

For "The Platinum" Les Paul models, Gibson released them in couple different styles. Some had completely blank fingerboards with no pearl inlays. Some were completely full platinum themed including a platinum colored headstock. Some were Inverse platinum themed... as in a black colored body but only with Platinum parts (tuners, truss rod, knobs, pickguard, etc). Gibson also released the same style Platinum Theme but in an SG model during 2003.

However the most uncommon and rare Platinum Les Pauls seems to be this one... The Platinum model with that's Full Platinum... but with an offset black headstock that differs from the rest of the guitar. It adds a very unique touch but makes it stand out from the rest of the Les Pauls out there. I have not seen many of this model around... especially in this condition.

Has the famous finish checking lines notorious on all vintage Gibson Goldtops + Silvertops like this one (bottom knob, bottom back area). The finish checking lines cannot be avoided on Gibson Gold/Silver metallic tops... it is part of the natural finish relic process that can't be easily faked or replicated. You can only get this look by playing the guitar through time. Gives it a nice unique and vintage vibe to any guitar. Has no affect on playability or tone - simply visual. NO HEADSTOCK CRACK. ALL ORIGINAL WITH NO MODIFICATIONS.

Very high quality stock Grover tuners in platinum metallic. The truss rod cover, Gibson Logo, Pickguard, Pickguard coverings, knobs all follow the same platinum metallic theme. The TOGGLE SWITCH KNOB is actually platinum metallic as well... instead of being the original plastic. It's a minor detail but this toggle switch knob would never need replacing from wear. Unless you lose it.

Supreme quality fingerboard. Even from a close distance, the fingerboard almost looks like Ebony? However when you look very closely, you see some slight brown hues mixed in which gives me the impression that this is a very dark rosewood fretboard. Kind of similar to a PRS Silver Sky John Mayer rosewood fretboard. As in the color is not too light but on the darker side of Rosewood. Very nice touch.

Super comfortable neck profile. Slightly modified C-shaped neck but with a tiny bit more girth in the middle than your average modern Les Paul. A good neck comparison is a 1959 Gibson Les Paul Junior or an early 80's Norlin-Era ES-335 style neck. Great neck for those with slightly larger hands or those who prefer slightly bigger necks in general. The girth makes it very easy to play standard cowboy chords or single notes with your finger/pick. Very balanced and well-rounded neck I'd say.

Standard Les Paul style 3 way toggle + 4 knobs (2 tone/volume). Pickup tone quality is superb and sounds best through any quality tube amp. Neck pickup is solid with nice thick and clean sounds while the bridge gives you a little more bite. Middle pickup is mixes the both and gives you the best of both worlds.

Overall, this is just a very high quality USA made Gibson Les Paul... but in an uncommon + unique Platinum color way that makes it very much stand out from the crowd. If you've always loved the Les Paul, but wanted something different than everyone else... then this might just be the guitar for you.

Comes with:
- 2003 Gibson Les Paul "The Platinum"
- Original Gibson USA Hardshell Case 

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Payment must be completed 24 hours upon purchase.

Mandatory signature confirmation delivery.

❤️ Will be shipped with love and care :) ❤️ 

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The Gibson Les Paul Platinum is a striking and rare variation of the classic Les Paul guitar, introduced as a limited edition in the early 2000s. Known for its modern aesthetic and premium appointments, the Les Paul Platinum combines the timeless features of a Les Paul with unique design elements that set it apart from traditional models.

Key Features of the Gibson Les Paul Platinum

1. Body and Construction

• Mahogany Body with Maple Top: Like most Les Pauls, the Platinum model features a solid mahogany body for warmth and sustain, paired with a carved maple top to add brightness and clarity to the tone.
• Silver Metallic Finish: The guitar’s standout feature is its platinum-inspired metallic silver finish, giving it a sleek, futuristic look.
• Weight Relief: Some models may include Gibson’s weight-relief chambers, making the guitar more comfortable to play for extended periods.

2. Neck and Fingerboard

• Neck Material: A mahogany neck contributes to the guitar’s resonance and sustain.
• Fingerboard: The ebony fingerboard is a premium feature, offering a smooth playing surface and a slightly brighter tonal response compared to rosewood.
• Inlays: The fingerboard is adorned with platinum-colored dot inlays or unique markers, enhancing the modern aesthetic.
• Scale Length: Standard Gibson 24.75-inch scale length, making it comfortable for most players and ideal for bending strings.

3. Pickups and Electronics

• High-Output Humbuckers: The Les Paul Platinum typically features Gibson’s 490R (neck) and 498T (bridge) humbuckers, known for their versatility and powerful output. These pickups are great for clean tones, bluesy overdrive, and high-gain rock or metal.
• Controls: Standard Les Paul control layout:
  • Two volume knobs (one for each pickup).
  • Two tone knobs (one for each pickup).
  • A 3-way toggle switch for pickup selection.

4. Hardware

• Platinum-Colored Hardware: The guitar features chrome or platinum-finished hardware, including the bridge, tailpiece, and tuners, complementing the metallic finish.
• Bridge: Equipped with a Tune-O-Matic bridge and a stopbar tailpiece for excellent tuning stability and sustain.
• Tuners: High-quality tuners, often Grover Rotomatics, ensure precise tuning.

5. Aesthetic Features

• Finish: The metallic silver finish is complemented by matching hardware and inlays, creating a cohesive and futuristic appearance.
• Headstock: The Gibson logo and "Les Paul Model" script on the headstock are styled to align with the guitar’s modern theme.
• Binding: Some models may feature minimal or no binding, enhancing the sleek, contemporary look.

Sound and Playability

• Tone: The combination of mahogany, maple, and high-output pickups delivers the classic Les Paul tone with a modern edge. The guitar is versatile, capable of producing warm cleans, rich midrange tones, and searing leads.
• Playability: The slim-taper neck profile and ebony fingerboard make the guitar fast and comfortable to play, appealing to lead guitarists and shredders.

Who Is the Les Paul Platinum For?

• Modern Players: Guitarists who appreciate the classic Les Paul sound but want a contemporary aesthetic.
• Rock and Metal Enthusiasts: The high-output pickups and sleek design make it a great choice for harder genres.
• Collectors: Its limited-edition status and unique finish make it a desirable piece for collectors.

Conclusion

The Gibson Les Paul Platinum is a rare and visually stunning guitar that combines the best of Les Paul’s traditional craftsmanship with a modern twist. Its metallic finish, premium hardware, and versatile pickups make it a standout instrument for both players and collectors. If you're looking for a Les Paul with a bold, futuristic look and classic Gibson tone, the Platinum model is an excellent choice.