Gibson Les Paul C Bigsby HPT TR #3

Gibson Les Paul C Bigsby HPT TR #3: Technical Review

The Gibson Les Paul C Bigsby HPT TR #3 is a U.S.-made Les Paul Custom Shop model with a transparent red high-gloss finish and a Bigsby-style vibrato. Its listed construction pairs a mahogany body and set mahogany neck with an AAA maple top and ebony fingerboard. The product information also says the instrument was built to the specifications of Gibson's experts using woods hand-selected on site in Nashville.

There are no customer reviews available for this model, so this assessment is limited to the supplied specifications. Those details describe a distinctly appointed Les Paul, with a two-humbucker layout, mother-of-pearl block inlays, extensive binding, gold hardware, and a supplied hard case. They do not establish how the guitar sounds, feels, or performs in use.

Body, Neck, and Fingerboard

The body is mahogany, topped with AAA maple. The neck is also mahogany and is set into the body. Gibson lists the neck profile as R9, V1 Carmelita, with a thickness of 22 mm at the first fret and 25 mm at the twelfth fret. Those measurements give a more precise description of the neck than the profile name alone, though they cannot convey its feel in the hand.

The ebony fingerboard has mother-of-pearl block inlays and 22 Jescar FW45100 Reissue frets. The nut is Corian. Binding is specified as seven-ply on the top of the body, five-ply on the back of the body and headstock, and one-ply on the neck. This is a detailed trim specification, not a measure of playability or fretwork quality.

One specification needs clarification: the general listing gives a scale length of 628 mm, while the detailed specifications state 629 mm, or 24.75 inches. The inch measurement converts to roughly 628.7 mm, which is consistent with rounding to either whole-millimeter figure. Buyers comparing measurements should treat 24.75 inches as the clearest stated scale length and confirm the exact metric figure with the seller if it matters.

Pickups, Controls, and Bigsby

The guitar has two unpotted Custombucker humbuckers, described by the HH pickup configuration. The supplied information does not give their magnet type, output, or detailed wiring, so those characteristics should not be assumed. Controls consist of two volume knobs and two tone knobs, with a three-way pickup selector. This is the familiar control arrangement for a two-pickup Les Paul, with separate volume and tone controls for each pickup.

A Bigsby vibrato is fitted, and the listing also describes the tremolo as Bigsby-style. That system is a defining part of this model's specification, but the available data does not identify the exact Bigsby model or provide setup details. The five-ply pickguard is included but not installed. Grover kidney-style machine heads and gold hardware complete the listed hardware package.

Finish, Included Items, and Availability

The finish is called Transparent Red in the basic listing and Translucent Red high-gloss in the detailed specifications. Both descriptions point to a red transparent finish, with the detailed entry specifying a high-gloss surface. The model is identified as a Les Paul Custom with a single-cut body shape. The supplied case and certificate of authenticity are included; a gig bag is not.

• Model: Gibson Les Paul Custom, single-cut body
• Construction: Mahogany body and set mahogany neck, AAA maple top
• Fingerboard: Ebony, 22 frets, mother-of-pearl block inlays
• Electronics: Two unpotted Custombucker humbuckers, two volume and two tone controls, three-way switch
• Vibrato and hardware: Bigsby, Grover kidney-style machine heads, gold hardware
• Included: Hard case, certificate of authenticity, unmounted five-ply pickguard

The listed price is 6,999, and the stated availability date is September 2025. The item number is 619881. The listing does not specify a limited run, so this model should not be described as a limited edition based on the information provided.

Assessment

On paper, the Gibson Les Paul C Bigsby HPT TR #3 is a high-spec Custom Shop instrument distinguished by its maple-topped mahogany construction, ebony fingerboard, unpotted humbuckers, decorative binding, and included Bigsby. The neck dimensions, fret model, control layout, and case contents are documented clearly enough to support a specification-based comparison. The conflicting rounded metric scale figures are minor but worth noting.

Without customer reports or hands-on testing, there is no sound basis for claims about tone, tuning stability, setup, comfort, or workmanship beyond the listed materials and components. Buyers should confirm the scale-length detail and any setup questions with the seller before purchase. Based solely on the supplied data, this is a comprehensively specified Les Paul Custom Shop model for players specifically seeking its Bigsby-equipped configuration and transparent red finish.