1976 Gibson LP Custom Ebony

year of production: 1976
model: Gibson LP Custom
factory finish: Ebony

new finish: Ebony
style of new finish: Played & Used
scope of work: binding repair; refinish

A factory 3 PU LPC came to us with numerous varnish damage. Naturally aging varnish is desirable for many people, but in this case the condition of the varnish was far from it. You can see mechanical damage resulting from improper use and damaged binding. We got an order to replace the varnish for vintage nitro, and a subtle match to the age of the guitar, but at the same time leaving the gloss of varnish in the best condition.

We started by removing the paint. We were worried about what we’d find under the deformed paint on the back, but the wood was fine. The paint had likely reacted with some chemical, which is why it looked this way. I smoothed out all the dents and filled in the missing binding. I applied filler and then a clear nitro sealer.

To the front of the headstock is glued a fiber veneer, featuring an embossed Gibson logo, diamonds, and 5-ply binding. We painted it black nitro, then cleaned it, and coated it with a clear nitro.

In 1975, Gibson introduced a water decal with serial number, replacing the embossed wood serial number and “Made in USA” inscription. The decal included the model name and version, the MIU inscription, and the beginning of the guitar’s serial number, indicating the year of manufacture (99 for 1975; 00 for 1976; and 06 for 1977). The actual serial number was stamped in ink. Since this decal is unavailable on the aftermarket, we created it 1:1 based on the original.

The guitar got a black nitro. Than, after cleaning the bindings I sprayed clear nitro with the vintage tint admixture, which stained binding, the Gibson logo and diamond inlays to nicotine color.

Even under textbook conditions, with wood and nitro, varnishing always results in “orange peel.” Regardless of the finish I use (Factory Gloss or Aged), I always remove the “orange peel” by sanding and then polishing to a shine. This was no different.

The client requested only weather checking – no scuffs, dents, or patina. The guitar is designed to look like a well-cared-for 50-year-old instrument. Also at the client’s request, we left the body free of pickguard mounting holes. This is how it looks in all its glory.