I bought this Les Paul in Nov of 1980 from Rainbow guitars in Tucson Arizona. Ive had it all these years and have enjoyed playing it off and on. Its only been played at home and Ive taken care with it and its always stored in its case. It has all the original components, knobs, T-Top pickups etc. The only thing that has been replaced is the strings. Its been professionally set up and adjusted a couple of times. Everything else is as it left the Kalamazoo factory in 1979. It has the original Warranty card which I filled out and sent in to have validated. As you can see from reviewing the pictures it was stamped in pink ink as valid.
Rainbow Guitars must have acquired the Guitar from Bizarre Guitar in Las Vegas since someone wrote "Purchased from" Bizarre Guitar on the Warranty card but I got it in Tucson from Rainbow Guitars. At the time It didn't come with a case but I got them to throw in a used case which has a bit of wear but looks like an early to mid 1970's case due to the purple / redish lining. Its in solid condition even thought it has some scuffs and a vintage look from use. It looks the same as the day I got it.
This is a rare opportunity to acquire a vintage Les Paul KM from its original owner in top condition. One of the last run of guitars to be made at the original store in Michigan.
The History of these guitars is as follows:
- Gibson's shift from their original store in Kalamazoo, MI to their current location in Nashville started in 1976 and lasted eight years, until 1984. Consequently, much of the production of Gibson's numerous models of instruments was split between the two factories, leading to some anomalies in production like:
- The Les Paul Kalamazoo. Originally designed to appeal to Southern rockers as a pseudo 1959 reissue, the Les Paul KM was made in a limited run of approximately 1,500 guitars, with the design changing slightly over time. This one sits right in the middle of the first half of production, lacking the 'Custom Made' plaque the very earliest examples sported.
- This guitar has all cream open coil Gibson "T-Top" humbuckers, a rarity, since later that year DiMarzio would sue Gibson for copyright infringement over the use of the double cream design, and soon after Gibson would switch to their iconic black and white humbucker.
- This guitar is in all original condition. The original tobacco sunburst finish is in great condition. Weighs in at 10 lbs. Serial #72399059, comes with a vintage early to mid 70's purple lined hard shell case.
Note: No international shipping is offered on this item. United states lower 48 only. I will carefully pack the item myself in a new guitar shipping box.