How do I tell a 57RI LesPaul Custom from a regular Custom?

[joeyv]

How do I tell the difference between a 57RI Les Paul Custom and a regular Les Paul Custom ? The supposedly 57 RI LP Custom that Im thinking about buying has yellowed looking binding...is the regular issue Les Paul Custom white binding? Is $1,900.00 too much to pay for a 2000 model?

[Wally]

Joey, have you passed this question over on the Les Paul Forum, Historic section? I am sure that those folks would know the details of the differences. There may a difference in the depth of the binding in the cutaway. The Historic might have equal-depth binding all the way around the body while a 'modern' regular production Custom may be like a Standard in that the binding in the cutaway is much wider than the rest of the binding around the body. The '57 should have different wiring also. The lead to the tone pot will come off of the middle lug of the vol pot if it is an accurate reproduction of a '57. You could chaeck the Gibson site for details.
http://www.lespaulforum.com/forum/index.php?s=

[Da Dougster]

The quickest way would be the "Custom/Art/Historic" stamp on the back of the headstock rather than the made in the USA...

[astro]

This is from a site that sells them.

I am assuming you mean the 57 GT. I think thats the only 57RI they make now.
Body:
Top wood: Carved plain maple
Back wood: Solid mahogany
Binding: Single-ply cream on top
Available left-handed: Yes
Finish Colors: Gold


Neck:
Neck construction: 1-piece mahogany w/original-style truss rod route
Fingerboard wood: 22 fret brazilian rosewood
Inlays: Vintage trapezoid (accurate shape and color)
Binding: Single-ply cream
Profile: Early '50s rounded
Scale length/Nut width: 24 3/4"; 1 11/16"
Strings: Vintage Reissue .010-.046

Electronics & Hardware:
Pickups: Burstbucker 1 (rhythm), Burstbucker 2 (treble)
Controls: 2 volume, 2 tone, 3-way switch
Hardware color: Nickel
Bridge/Tailpiece: ABR-1/Aluminum stopbar
*Other: Thin, original-style toggleswitch washer and jackplate
Tuner style: Vintage tulip

Collateral: Custom Shop case, Certificate of Authenticity, Custom Care Kit
Suggested Retail: $3550

Joey, Are you gettin one from Bill?

[jazztop]

There are two Les Paul Custom Historics 54' and 57'
Well, here is a photo of a 57 RI:

http://www.davesguitar.com/products.html?13256

The Historic Collection guitars don't have "Custom Shop Decals" on the back of the headstock. They do have a certificate with the guitars model and serial number stamped on it for authentication.

One thing for sure, is the Historic LEs Paul has "yellowed" binding to give it an aged look. The standard USA model should have the white binding.
The Historic Les Pauls have the long neck tenon (which you can't see unless you remove the neck pickup) which lots of players like because they say it sounds better but it is more accurate to the originals.
There are quite a few differences between the Historic Les Pauls and the USA models (the standard line have holes drilled in the mahogany body for weight relief).

Phil

[joeyv]

Thanks guys...yup its the 57 RI

Looks just like this photo
http://www.davesguitar.com/product/57LPcustom2.JPG

[lpclassic]

Check the serial number it should be with gold ink if I recall well on mine and the serial number should be 7 0XXX. The 7 means a '57 model the 0 stands for the year 2000.

1900 is a fair price, not so good since you can find those around 1700~1800 out the door in excellent conditions.