I've had this guitar since about 2005. As I was looking to list it for sale, I found myself very confused trying to ID what exactly it is. It appears to be a '57 Reissue Les Paul Junior, made by the Custom Shop. But... some of the features are unlike any other I've seen (after extensive searches, and wasted calls to Gibson, who are of no help). The serial # is blank ink (not the white ones), like other Les Pauls I've owned, like a Classic Prerium Plus from the 90's. 9 8984 would seem to date the guitar to 1998... which was the 1st year of the Historic Reissue '57 LP Jr. (The new model that costs $3500 is called a VOS). But the front of headstock says, "Les Paul Model", not "Les Paul Junior" like all others. The truss rod cover is not the usual black, but rather, a 2-play black/white. It also has a PEARL Gibson logo, not the typical gold decal/silkscreened logo. And... this one has factory Grover tuners!... I swear they are not replaced-- there are no extra holes (totally different lineup than the usual 3x3 strip tuner Klusons). No routing, either. Most the reissues I've seen have gold knobs... mine are black (easily changed). It resides in the black Historic Custom Art case. No paperwork back then (COA). And I could not read any pot code dates-- Gibson embossed covers, but probably CTS pots.
So, I am lost (and I have 35 years of experience identifying, and selling vintage guitars). My best theory is that this was a very early issue in '98, 1st year of issue, and Gibson quickly made some tweaks for most production to make it more "like" the original 1957... the headstock-related items and tuners. My guitar has all of the other features-- the neck width, P-90, bridge, pickguard.
I would welcome other theories!
So, I am lost (and I have 35 years of experience identifying, and selling vintage guitars). My best theory is that this was a very early issue in '98, 1st year of issue, and Gibson quickly made some tweaks for most production to make it more "like" the original 1957... the headstock-related items and tuners. My guitar has all of the other features-- the neck width, P-90, bridge, pickguard.
I would welcome other theories!