The Gibson Custom Shop Made 2 Measure 1968 Les Paul Custom Reissue Koa Natural is a masterclass in craftsmanship and elegance, combining vintage accuracy with luxurious appointments. This unique reissue pays homage to the iconic late 1960s Les Paul Custom while offering the unparalleled beauty of a hand-selected koa top, a rare and exotic tonewood prized for its rich figure and tonal clarity. Finished in a high-gloss nitrocellulose lacquer, the guitar’s natural hue allows the koa’s grain to shine, perfectly framed by the classic multi-ply binding that adorns both the top and back. Beneath the stunning koa lies a solid, one-piece mahogany back, providing warmth and depth, with no weight relief to preserve vintage-correct resonance and sustain.

The neck is carved from solid mahogany into an Authentic 1968 Medium C-Shape profile, measuring .880" at the 1st fret and 1.015" at the 12th, delivering a substantial, period-accurate feel that plays effortlessly across its 24.75-inch scale length. Topped with a bound ebony fingerboard, the guitar boasts a 12-inch radius and 22 medium-jumbo frets, offering a smooth and responsive playing experience. Classic mother of pearl block inlays elevate the aesthetic, while a nylon nut and long tenon joint with hide glue provide superior tone transfer and vintage-correct construction.

Hardware is tastefully appointed in gold, from the ABR-1 bridge and stop bar tailpiece to the authentic profile gold-plated nickel silver pickup covers. Kluson Waffleback tuning machines complete the retro vibe, delivering reliable performance and visual authenticity. The electronic setup features a pair of 1968 Custom humbuckers, calibrated for warmth, punch, and articulation, controlled via hand-wired CTS 500K volume and tone pots with Black Beauty capacitors, all routed through a high-quality 3-way Switchcraft toggle and Switchcraft 1/4 inch output jack.

Subtle yet elegant black multi-ply plastic parts, including the pickguard, control covers, jack plate, and switch washer, along with a cream switch tip, offer tasteful contrast against the natural wood tones. Brass strap buttons and black M69 mounting rings complete the look, staying true to the vintage Custom aesthetic.

The Gibson Custom Shop Made 2 Measure 1968 Les Paul Custom Reissue Koa Natural is not only a visually stunning instrument but also a sonically rich and historically faithful recreation. It is a collector’s dream and a serious player’s powerhouse, a true testament to Gibson’s legacy and the artistry of the Custom Shop.