Gibson Les Paul 68 Custom R EB LH

Gibson Les Paul 68 Custom R EB LH review

The Gibson Les Paul 68 Custom R EB LH is a left-handed, six-string Les Paul Custom built by Gibson's Custom Shop in the United States. Its single-cutaway body has a solid mahogany back and a maple top, finished in ebony. The mahogany neck and ebony fingerboard continue the traditional material combination, while gold-plated hardware and aged multi-ply binding give the instrument its distinctive Custom appearance.

Available since May 2024, this model is listed at 5,499. The supplied product information does not specify a currency. It includes a case and certificate, but no gig bag. The model is not identified as a limited run. Its item number is 589324.

Construction and feel

The neck has a '68 medium C profile, a 43 mm nut width, and a 628 mm scale. That scale length is a familiar part of the Les Paul format, and the neck joins a 22-fret ebony fingerboard with pearloid inlays. The headstock carries a split-diamond inlay. The arched maple top, aged binding, and black finish make this a visually formal take on the single-cut design.

One player who compared the guitar with an R9 and an R7 Black Beauty described the neck as very comfortable. That same player slightly preferred the R9's thicker neck for personal fit, so the medium C profile may not suit every hand equally. The feedback is useful as a point of reference, but it represents one player's preference rather than a universal verdict.

Pickups and controls

Two '68 Custombucker humbuckers provide the pickup configuration. A three-way toggle switch selects between them, with two volume controls and two tone controls for shaping the output. The guitar uses CTS potentiometers. There is no tremolo system, which keeps the bridge and tailpiece arrangement straightforward.

The player report highlights an unexpectedly clear, clean sound, with a character described as almost Telecaster-like in its twang. That is a subjective impression, not a measured specification, and the report does not provide amplifier settings or playing examples. Still, it suggests the guitar may deliver more definition than the familiar image of a thick, saturated Les Paul tone might lead some players to expect. The two humbuckers and four-control layout also give the player separate pickup and tone adjustments, though the supplied feedback does not discuss how those controls behave across their full range.

Bridge, hardware, and setup details

Gibson fits a wire-free ABR-1 bridge and an aluminum stopbar tailpiece. Kluson Waffle Back tuning machines complete the hardware package, which is gold plated. The specification list does not provide details about factory string gauge, setup measurements, or individual weight, so those points should be checked with the seller if they matter to your purchase decision.

There is one reported control issue worth noting. In the comparison feedback, the toggle switch did not fully click into the rhythm position. The player said it was not a major concern, but a selector that does not seat completely may be distracting, especially when changing pickups quickly. This is a single field report, not evidence that every example has the same issue. Test the switch on the specific guitar before buying, or ask the retailer to confirm its operation.

Who this Les Paul suits

The 68 Custom R EB LH is aimed at left-handed players who want a high-end Les Paul Custom with traditional materials and appointments. Its mahogany body and neck, maple top, ebony board, split-diamond headstock inlay, and gold-plated hardware make the specification clear and focused. The supplied player feedback adds a useful tonal note: this example sounded notably clear and clean, with a touch of twang, while its neck felt comfortable to that player.

At the listed price of 5,499, buyers should assess the instrument in person when possible. Pay particular attention to the toggle switch, neck profile, and balance in your normal playing position. The included case and certificate are part of the package; a gig bag is not. For a left-handed player seeking a Custom Shop Les Paul with a black finish and a distinctive '68 neck profile, this model offers a specific, carefully appointed option, with the reported switch behavior worth verifying before purchase.