Gibson Special Order Custom Shop Les Paul Custom

This is one of those Les Paul Customs that immediately makes the standard black and white ones feel a little boring. It’s a 2008 Gibson Custom Shop Les Paul Custom finished in Blue Sparkle, and according to the original information with the guitar, this was a factory special order. Everything on the guitar is factory, and the combination of that bright metallic blue top with the black sides and back is seriously cool.

The finish is absolutely the reason to buy this one. Blue Sparkle has a ton of depth under light—the entire face lights up rather than just looking like a flat metallic blue. Add the full Custom appointments, multi-ply binding, pearl block inlays, split-diamond headstock and black/silver hardware combination, and it has a look that is unmistakably Les Paul Custom while still being completely different from what you normally see.

The original ’57 Classic pickups are excellent in this guitar. They’re hotter and more aggressive than I expected, with plenty of punch when you dig in, but they still retain the clarity and fullness that makes a good Les Paul so satisfying. The electronics passed inspection with no issues.

This one also plays extremely well. The action is low and effortless, the frets are in excellent condition, intonation is spot on, and it has had a recent setup. At 9.7 lbs on my scale, it has the substantial feel you expect from a full-size Les Paul Custom without getting into truly outrageous weight territory.

Condition is excellent overall, especially considering it is approaching 20 years old. The body, back and neck all present extremely well. The main thing worth pointing out is some finish checking around the headstock, which I photographed closely. This is pretty common on older customs. I do not see similar checking across the body. Beyond that, there is very little here that takes away from how clean the guitar presents.

It includes the original Gibson Custom Shop hardshell case, Certificate of Authenticity and original inspection sheet.

What stood out to me

• Factory special-order Blue Sparkle finish
• The sparkle is incredibly vivid in person and changes dramatically under light
• Original ’57 Classic pickups sound surprisingly hot and punchy
• Excellent overall condition for a 2008
• Low, effortless action with an excellent setup
• Excellent frets and spot-on intonation
• 9.7 lbs on my scale
• Original Custom Shop hardshell case
• COA and original inspection sheet included
• Factory-original configuration
• Headstock checking is documented, with no evident checking across the body

Like all my guitars, this one’s been cared for and dialed in—no guesswork, no surprises, just a great instrument that’s ready to play. I personally inspect and test every guitar before it ships, making sure it’s in the exact condition I’d want to receive myself. These guitars come from me, not a shop—each one gets the kind of attention and care only a real guitar lover gives. Ships fast and insured.

⏳ Quick note: These guitars don’t usually sit. Most are purchased within 3–7 days, and I regularly hear from watchers after the listing has already sold. If this one’s on your radar, now’s the window!