2010 Gibson Purple Widow Les Paul Prototype Pre Production Quilt Top 68 Custom Q
No sales tax for customers outside California.
Here's a rarity, a contemporary Gibson collectable that is likely a one-of-a-kind piece that started a trend at Gibson - the Widow finish.
Gibson Widow guitars have finish applied over the binding and headstock inlays, giving them a distinct look.
This particular guitar was made in 2010, two years prior to Gibson's official limited release of the Widow models. The 2012 run is said to be limited to 25 guitars and values for the few that have hit the market are strong.
There are some significant differences between this and later versions. First, the cert calls the guitar out as a '68 Custom Q.
Some of the cosmetic features are those of a '68 Les Paul Custom Reissue - the ABR-1 bridge, headstock inlay, headstock multi-ply binding, neck inlay, ebony fretboard, and the quilt maple top. It also has the long neck tenon, preferred for better tone and a stronger neck/body connection. Stock PAF stickered '57 Classic humbuckers are wired to the original Historic series pots.
Later Widows carry Les Paul Custom binding throughout, and it seems that all have flamed tops. They also have Richlite fretboard, a synthetic Ebony substitute, Nashville style bridges and short neck tenons.
The guitar is really light for a Les Paul because the body is chambered. It isn't weight relieved - it is actually quite hollow.
The guitar is all original and includes the original case and apparently all the paperwork that came with it from the factory.
Frets show little wear. There is one chip in the finish on the cutaway. Despite this and some other signs of use and handling, the guitar is in excellent condition. It plays perfectly with low action. The neck is full and chunky, and the truss rod has room for future adjustment, if needed.
A prime collector's piece!
Shipping policy:
Three day UPS air shipments will be automatic for buyers including these states and those to the east of them: Montana, South Dakota, Nebraska, Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas. Shipments will require signature on delivery, no exceptions. If there is damage, the buyer must retain all packing materials intact and picture them immediately and send them to sales@maharsvintageguitars.com. Less than 1% of our shipments are damaged in transit, and we are committed to making sure your item arrives safely, but we are taking these additional measures to make sure you are happy with your purchase.
Color: Purple Quilt
Weight: 7lbs 15.4oz
Top: Quilted Maple
Body: Mahogany
Neck: Mahogany
Neck Profile: C
Fretboard: Ebony
Inlays: Mother of Pearl Block
Frets: Original
Fret count: 22
Nut material: Synthetic Bone
Nut width: 1.75"
Scale: 25"
Radius: 12"
Neck thickness at 1st fret: .86"
Neck thickness at 12th fret: 1.2"
Action 1st String at 12th Fret: 1mm
Action 6th String at 12th Fret: 1.5mm
Total length: 39-3/4"
Lower bout: 13"
Waist: 7-1/8"
Upper bout: 9-1/4"
Body depth/thickness: 2"
String gauge: .010-.046
Hardware Color: Gold
Bridge Pickup Brand: Gibson '57 Classic PAF
Bridge Pickup Reading: 7.90k
Pickup Original?: Yes
Neck Pickup Brand: Gibson '57 Classic PAF
Neck Pickup Reading: 7.84k
Pickup Original?: Yes
Bridge: Tune-O-Matic
Tuners: Grover
Switch: 3 Way Toggle
Pots/Codes: Original
Case: OHSC
Notes:
Mahar's Vintage Guitars
Buyer to pay prior to shipment via Paypal, wire transfer, credit card or other electronic means. Payment must clear before shipping. Certified checks and trades are accepted, however checks must clear before we will ship and trades must be received here and evaluated prior to shipment of our item.
All orders ship within three business days of the receipt of an order, usually faster. Tracking information will be automatically forwarded to all buyers. Buyers must retain all shipping materials in the event a return is necessary.
Returns accepted if the purchaser responds within 48 hours of receipt of an item and there is a discrepancy relating to the condition or originality of an item. Returns are not accepted for items that do not meet the needs or sonic tastes of clients due to the subjective nature, unless such concern is stated prior to the purchase. Any return for reasons other than incorrect advertising of condition or originality on the part of Mahar's Vintage Guitars shall be the responsibility of the buyer, which shall result in the buyer paying all shipping costs (to and from) their location.