New in to us over the weekend!!! This very clean and early 1989 vintage set neck Epiphone Les Paul standard with a beautiful 3D flame maple top, serial number 9051240 (May 1989) all original apart from a new set of Klusen style tuners (originals in the case) and Jack socket base plate (original is still on the guitar but new one supplied in case).
Built in Korea in 1989, this exceptional Epiphone Les Paul Standard comes from a fascinating formative period in the brand’s history, when Korean production was still in its infancy and Epiphone was establishing the Les Paul range that would define its success throughout the 1990s and beyond. With its distinctive early ‘open book’ headstock profile, beautifully figured Cherry Sunburst top, long-tenon set neck and remarkably well-preserved factory serial-number label, it offers a tangible connection to the first generation of Korean-built Epiphone Les Pauls—guitars now becoming increasingly sought after by players and collectors who appreciate their character, construction and historical significance.
We have completely restored, deep cleaned, checked electrics and set the action perfectly, to give an extremely low classic Les Paul action. The neck is a lovely slim C contour and the dark Rosewood fingerboard is stunning. Frets are in exceptionally good condition for a 37-year-old guitar. I would say 90 to 95%. A few playing marks, signs of wear in the finish are all as per expectation for a 37 year old well loved instrument - no surprises just lovely vintage mojo!!
The tone of this guitar is nothing short of perfect with snarling bridge pick up, a wonderful nuggety middle position and a smooth and soulful neck.
Weighing 9.1 lb this is a perfect Epiphone Les Paul and with so much historical provenance it’s an attractive proposition for the right buyer. I will be taking Hi-Res photos and some video, but for now here are the headlines:
✅ 1989 first year of set neck production (stopped in 1990)
✅ cherry sunburst with cherry tint mahogany body and neck, and a beautiful carved flame maple top
✅ superb condition for a 37 year old instrument
✅ brand-new fitted Gator hard case
✅ completely restored, set up, deep cleaned and ready to go with a gorgeous low action
✅ happy to post to any UK address
✅ long tenon neck joint, ‘open book’ Gibson style headstock design, Gibson embossed trust Rod cover, and fab played condition for a 37-year-old vintage guitar.
✅ Original Components: small-radius pots and the green "chiclet" film capacitors, wiring good, pots all clean with no crackle with contact cleaner applied, jack was noisy but now cleaned and perfect.
✅ Headstock Serial Number: Condition: The printed serial sticker is well-preserved. It hasn't disappeared! 1989, 5th month, batch number 1240.
