Gibson Les Paul Standard 1981 Cherry Sunburst

This is a magnificent 1981 Gibson Les Paul Standard in the classic Cherry Sunburst finish.

Offered for sale in excellent condition, it shows only light age-related wear consistent with over four decades of careful use. The instrument has been professionally re-fretted, and the frets remain in superb shape, offering smooth playability and a precise setup. There is a minor fracture to the plastic edge of the pickguard, and the selector switch tip has been replaced, but otherwise the guitar remains remarkably original.

The heart of this Les Paul lies in its original “PAF-style” humbuckers, which deliver the unmistakable warmth, clarity, and bite that define the model. The original potentiometers, which date to late 1978, remain intact along with the untouched wiring harness and electronics. At 10.75 lbs, this guitar is substantial yet not atypical for the era, balancing sustain and resonance with stage-worthy presence.

The Cherry Sunburst finish retains a deep, vibrant glow, beautifully complemented by the cream binding and hardware patina. The original Grover tuners function flawlessly, holding pitch with confidence. This guitar is a quintessential example of the Norlin-era Les Paul: powerful, solidly built, and unmistakably authoritative in tone.

A brief history: By the early 1980s, Gibson’s Les Paul Standard had firmly reasserted itself as the flagship model after being discontinued in the 1960s and revived in 1968. The Norlin period (1969–1985) saw a number of design evolutions, including the three-piece maple neck, volute for added strength, and a heavier multi-piece mahogany body with a maple cap. While often debated among purists, these construction methods produced guitars with tremendous sustain and unique tonal characteristics that are now increasingly appreciated by collectors and players alike. The early ’80s Standards are particularly desirable, representing the final years before Gibson transitioned to a more historically accurate reissue program later in the decade.

Specifications for this 1981 Gibson Les Paul Standard:
• Body: Multi-piece mahogany with carved maple top
• Neck: Three-piece maple with volute
• Fingerboard: Rosewood with trapezoid inlays, 22 frets (re-fretted, excellent condition)
• Scale length: 24.75"
• Nut width: 1 11/16"
• Pickups: Original Gibson PAF-style humbuckers (patent number stamped)
• Electronics: Original pots (dated 1978), untouched wiring harness
• Hardware: Chrome, with original Grover tuners
• Bridge/Tailpiece: Tune-o-matic with stopbar
• Finish: Cherry Sunburst, nitrocellulose lacquer
• Weight: 10.75 lbs
• Case: Supplied with a later, non-original hardshell case

A superbly preserved and highly playable instrument, this 1981 Standard captures the essence of Gibson’s craftsmanship during a unique era in the company’s history. For the serious player or collector, it offers both vintage pedigree and the unmistakable sonic authority of a true Les Paul.

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