SOLD! - 1989 Gibson Les Paul Custom Alpine White

It is one of the most iconic guitars in rock history: Randy Rhoads' 1974 Les Paul Custom. The guitar that Ozzy Osbourne wingman Randy Rhoads drove to stardom on the landmark albums Blizzard of Ozz and Diary of a Madman has been one of the most requested re-issues ever. 
 
With an impressive two songs in the Top 50 Guitar Solos of All Time ("Crazy Train" and "Mr. Crowley") and a legion of fans still worshiping his unparalleled shredding abilities 37 years after his blazing career was cut short, Randy Rhoads is firmly established as one of the brightest stars in the metal-guitar heavens. After forming Quiet Riot while still in his teens, Rhoads stepped up his game when Ozzy Osborne asked him to audition for his own band in 1979. Along came Rhoads, a practice amp in one hand, and his beloved 1974 Les Paul Custom in the other “ and before the young guitarist had even finished his warm-up licks, Osborne told him "you've got the gig." What followed was an amazing ascent, but a too-swift ending, which earned Randy Rhoads a unique place in rock history. 
 
Up for sale here is an all original 1989 Gibson Les Paul Custom in excellent condition with a stunning and original Alpine White finish and rare Bill Lawrence humbuckers! 
 
There's an instant set of tones that comes to mind when considering a Les Paul Custom, and this 30 year old example truly delivers on the promise of one of Gibson's most lauded creations with an articulate, harmonic rich sound. This guitar can shift from searing, snappy treble in the bridge position to a balanced, clear, and rich neck pickup. The basis for these lovely tones is the combination of a solid mahogany body and carved maple top, and the original Bill Lawrence designed HB-R and HB-L pickups. It delivers sweet top end, midrange detail, and great clarity. These medium output pickups have a notably more open and airy quality than later pickups used by Gibson in this model, and the Bill Lawrence pickups respond well in high gain situations without being too compressed.