1976 Les Paul Standard

[Texas]

Howdy Ya'll,

As with most new guitar owners, I have several questions that I KNOW can be answered here, but first, a brief history :-)

As best as I can tell, the guitar in question is a 1976 Gibson Les Paul Standard, Serial # 00236429.

This is a family heirloom and is not for sale, at least not right now. I plan on playing it, along with my other "heirloom," a 1946 Rickenbacker Model B Lap Steel. (picture added to link below)

So, now the questions:

1. As best as anyone here can tell, is it indeed a 1976?
2. I have the original owners manual and tag, does this add any value?
3. As for value, what would you estimate value to be?

OK, I think that is all for now. I am quite sure I will have more questions as I get it ready for play. CAN'T WAIT!

Here is a link to a few pictrues. 1976 Les Paul Standard

Thanks in advance!

[LesAdrian]

Wow it looks very clean and complete.And yes it's a very early 76.The value could be between $2400-$2800.Is that the original case candy?

[Texas]

Thanks for the reply---yes that is the original case candy as far as I know. My dad NEVER threw anything away when he purchased something.....hell, I found a receipt for a toilet he bought in 1966 because it had a "lifetime warranty!" LOL

[Ginger Beer]

It looks pretty minty. I'm going to say $3,000 due to the condition and that Standards from the 70's are a bit more rare.

[cherrick]

The tuners are interesting; they're double-line, double ring Klusons with plastic tips. My 1980 Standard has the metal tulip tips. I'm wondering what years Gibson transitioned to metal tulip tips.

Am I right in assuming that the neck is 3 piece maple (like my 1980)? I think I paid like $850 back in the day for mine and have modified it heavily since then.

[jeffm]

That's a nice one. I think the origianal case candy adds value because it adds provenance.

I plan on buying a 1976 Les Paul someday because I was born in 1976. I wish I could find one made on my birthday, but I don't know if the serial numbers indicate on what day it was made.

[pmonk]

The serial number starting with 00 = 1976.

1976 was also I believe the year Gibson reintroduced the Standard series.

Original case candy is nice but the condition of the guitar and original pots and pups is what will set the price, which range from $2500-$2750.

[csplayer089]

The bridge pickup looks like it was reversed, and I don't see any pole pieces?

[Texas]

Thank you all for the replies. BTW: I had a couple of requests for a picture of the lapsteel, so I added it to the link.

A friend of mine has it right now doing a inspection and re-string. The strings on it are a bit rusty. It may need to be re-fretted, but not likely right now since I am just starting out playing. The input jack is shot and will be getting a new one. Oiling the fret board and a good cleaning!

Can't wait to get it back and start "plucking" it :-)

Again, thanks and I will keep updates coming as needed, and maybe even post a video of me "attempting" to play something!

[cherrick]

Yeah, that bridge pickup does not look right.

[Rogie]

Originally Posted by cherrick

Yeah, that bridge pickup does not look right.

It`s in backwards,or it`s mounted onto the pickup ring backwards.

I also thought the 00 beginning of the Serial # identified it as a 1977

[Texas]

Got it back from my friend. The bridge pick-up was indeed backwards! Not too sure why, but it is correct now. It is all clean, strung, and ready to go!

Again, many thanks to all of you who replied. I am excited to have it and ready to put it to good use.

[oli]

Nice one ! Now go play the hell out of it !

[pmonk]

Originally Posted by Rogie

It`s in backwards,or it`s mounted onto the pickup ring backwards.

I also thought the 00 beginning of the Serial # identified it as a 1977

99 = 1975
00= 1976
06 = 1977

- In 1977, Gibson introduced the serialization method that we primarily use to this day at Gibson USA, Gibson Acoustic, and the Gibson Custom facility in Memphis, TN.

http://www2.gibson.com/Support/Seria...er-Search.aspx

[Rogie]

Originally Posted by pmonk

99 = 1975
00= 1976
06 = 1977

- In 1977, Gibson introduced the serialization method that we primarily use to this day at Gibson USA, Gibson Acoustic, and the Gibson Custom facility in Memphis, TN.

Gibson Guitar: Electric, Acoustic and Bass Guitars, Baldwin Pianos

My bad,...I had the two switched around in my head for some reason.
I have a 1977 Custom = 06 (transfer)