{"product_id":"1983-gibson-les-paul-custom-colour-candy-apple-red-electric-guitar-used-comm","title":"1983 Gibson Les Paul Custom Colour Candy Apple Red Electric Guitar, (Used, Comm)","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe 1983 Gibson Les Paul Custom Colour Candy Apple Red is a rare and highly desirable example from Gibson's early 1980s production, finished in one of the most striking custom colours ever offered on a Les Paul. Featuring a Candy Apple Red finish applied over a silver metallic undercoat and complemented by chrome hardware, this guitar stands apart from the traditional sunbursts, goldtops and wine red finishes more commonly associated with the era.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe early 1980s marked an interesting period in Gibson's history, with custom colours becoming increasingly uncommon compared to the 1960s and 1970s. As a result, genuine factory-finished custom colour Les Pauls from this period are significantly rarer than standard production models and have become increasingly sought after by collectors and players alike.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis pre-owned 1983 Gibson Les Paul is presented in excellent condition for its age and includes its Gibson hardcase. Combining vintage Gibson character, classic Les Paul tone and a rare custom colour finish, this is an outstanding opportunity to acquire a genuinely eye-catching and collectable instrument.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch1\u003eCondition Overview\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eExcellent Condition\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis guitar is in excellent condition for a 1983 instrument.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt shows only light signs of ownership and has clearly been carefully looked after throughout its life. The finish presents exceptionally well, retaining the visual impact that makes this custom colour Les Paul so special.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch1\u003eWhat's Included?\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e✔ Gibson Hardcase\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e✔ Fully Checked \u0026amp; Tested by Fair Deal Music\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch1\u003eCondition Notes\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eExcellent condition for a 1983 instrument\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFactory custom colour Candy Apple Red finish\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSilver metallic undercoat\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eChrome hardware\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eReplacement pickguard fitted\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLight signs of age and use consistent with careful ownership\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eElectronics functioning correctly\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHardware functioning correctly\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch1\u003eFair Deal Quality Control Assessment\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOur team has thoroughly inspected and tested this Gibson Les Paul to ensure it is functioning correctly and ready for its next owner.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eChecks completed include:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e✔ Pickups tested\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e✔ Controls verified\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e✔ Selector switch checked\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e✔ Output jack inspected\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e✔ Neck assessed\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e✔ Fingerboard inspected\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e✔ Frets checked\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e✔ Tuners tested\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e✔ Hardware verified\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e✔ Structural integrity assessed\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e✔ Playability evaluated\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e✔ Overall condition verified\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch1\u003eService \/ Setup Work\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePrior to sale, this guitar has been checked and prepared by our team.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWork completed includes:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e✔ Neck relief checked\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e✔ Action checked\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e✔ Electronics tested\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e✔ Hardware inspected\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e✔ Frets assessed\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e✔ General playability evaluated\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e✔ Restrung where required\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAll pre-owned guitars are set up and checked before leaving the shop. Please note that setup can occasionally shift during delivery due to changes in humidity and temperature, as wood naturally responds to environmental changes.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch1\u003eWhy Choose The 1983 Gibson Les Paul Custom Colour Candy Apple Red?\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eRare Factory Custom Colour Finish\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFactory Candy Apple Red Les Pauls from the early 1980s are significantly less common than standard finishes. The silver metallic undercoat creates remarkable depth beneath the translucent red topcoat, giving the guitar a distinctive appearance that immediately stands out.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eGenuine Vintage Gibson Character\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBuilt during Gibson's Nashville-era production, this guitar offers the feel, craftsmanship and tonal character that continue to attract players to vintage Gibson instruments.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eClassic Les Paul Sound\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Les Paul platform remains famous for its sustain, rich midrange, powerful humbucking tones and remarkable versatility across countless genres.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eExcellent Condition For Its Age\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFinding a custom-colour Les Paul from the early 1980s in this condition is becoming increasingly difficult, making this an especially attractive example for players and collectors.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eDistinctive Chrome Hardware\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe chrome hardware complements the Candy Apple Red finish beautifully, enhancing the guitar's unique visual identity compared to more traditional Les Paul specifications.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eStrong Collector Appeal\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eVintage custom-colour Gibsons continue to generate strong interest due to their rarity, individuality and desirability amongst collectors.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003ciframe width=\"560\" height=\"315\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/jwrm9eqe9aE?si=J4sGR6vNwU7YoVOn\" title=\"YouTube video player\"\u003e\u003c\/iframe\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch1\u003eComparison Against Popular Alternatives\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e1983 Gibson Les Paul vs Gibson Les Paul Standard\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBoth deliver the classic Les Paul formula, but this custom-colour example offers significantly greater rarity and collector appeal than a standard production finish.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e1983 Gibson Les Paul vs Gibson Les Paul Custom\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Les Paul Custom offers premium appointments and a different aesthetic, while this model stands out through its rare Candy Apple Red finish and vintage individuality.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e1983 Gibson Les Paul vs Modern Gibson Les Paul Standard\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eModern models offer contemporary manufacturing consistency, while this 1983 example provides genuine vintage character, ageing and historical significance.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e1983 Gibson Les Paul vs Heritage H-150\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Heritage offers excellent USA craftsmanship, but the Gibson carries the original Les Paul legacy and the appeal of a rare vintage custom-colour finish.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch1\u003eWho Is It For?\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eBeginners\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhile primarily suited to experienced players and collectors, dedicated beginners looking for a lifelong instrument may appreciate the guitar's quality and heritage.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eIntermediate Players\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAn excellent opportunity to step into vintage Gibson ownership with a genuinely unusual and desirable example.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eProfessional Players\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIdeal for recording artists, touring musicians and collectors looking for a vintage Les Paul that stands apart from the crowd.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eParticularly Recommended For\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eClassic rock players\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBlues guitarists\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSession musicians\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCollectors\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eVintage guitar enthusiasts\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRecording artists\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGibson enthusiasts\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eProfessional gigging musicians\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch1\u003eWhy Are Custom Colour Vintage Gibsons So Desirable?\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMost vintage Gibson guitars were produced in relatively small ranges of standard finishes. Custom colours were often produced in far lower numbers, making surviving examples significantly harder to find today.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBenefits of owning a custom-colour vintage Gibson include:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGreater rarity\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eStrong visual appeal\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEnhanced collector interest\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIncreased individuality\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHistoric significance\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDistinctive stage presence\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor many collectors, factory custom-colour examples represent some of the most interesting instruments Gibson has ever produced.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch1\u003eProduct Story \/ Context\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBy the early 1980s, Gibson was producing far fewer custom-colour instruments than during the company's earlier decades. While sunbursts, wine reds and black finishes dominated production, occasional custom-colour instruments were built for dealers and customers seeking something more distinctive.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCandy Apple Red, particularly when applied over a metallic silver undercoat, remains one of Gibson's most visually striking finishes. The process creates a deep, layered appearance that changes under different lighting conditions, making every instrument visually unique.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eToday, original custom-colour Les Pauls from this era remain highly desirable amongst collectors because of their rarity and individuality.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch1\u003eAssociated Artists \/ Songs \/ Performances\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhile this specific guitar is not associated with a particular artist, Les Paul guitars have shaped the sound of countless recordings and performances.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNotable Les Paul players include:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eJimmy Page\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSlash\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGary Moore\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eJoe Perry\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRandy Rhoads\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAce Frehley\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Les Paul remains one of the most iconic electric guitar designs ever created and continues to be a benchmark for sustain, tone and versatility.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch1\u003eTechnical Specifications\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003ctable\u003e\n\u003cthead\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eSpecification\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eDetails\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/thead\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eProduct Name\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eGibson Les Paul\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eYear\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e1983\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eFinish\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eCandy Apple Red\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eUndercoat\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSilver Metallic\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eHardware Finish\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eChrome\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eType\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSolid Body Electric Guitar\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eBody Material\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eMahogany with Maple Top\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eNeck Material\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eMahogany\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eFingerboard\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eRosewood\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eScale Length\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e24.75\"\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003ePickup Configuration\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eHH\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eElectronics\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003ePassive\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eControls\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e2 Volume, 2 Tone, 3-Way Toggle\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eBridge\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eTune-O-Matic with Stopbar Tailpiece\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eOrientation\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eRight-Handed\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eCountry of Manufacture\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eUSA\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eCase Included\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eGibson Hardcase\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eCondition\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eExcellent for Age\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch1\u003ePower Requirements\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNot applicable.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is a passive electric guitar and does not require batteries or external power.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch1\u003ePairs Perfectly With\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eVintage-style valve amplifier\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTransparent overdrive pedal\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBritish-voiced amplifier\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePremium instrument cable\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eStrap locks\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eProfessional guitar stand\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHumidification system\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBoutique effects pedals\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRecording interface\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSelected pre-owned amplifiers\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch1\u003eWhy Buy From Fair Deal Music?\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFair Deal Music is a family-run independent music retailer founded in 1987 and Birmingham's largest independent music store. We've spent decades helping musicians, collectors and enthusiasts find the right instruments, from everyday workhorses to rare vintage pieces.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWith over 6,000 Excellent Trustpilot reviews, knowledgeable musicians available by phone, online and in-store, fast UK delivery and secure online ordering, customers across the UK trust us when purchasing significant instruments.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOur Birmingham showroom features a constantly changing range of new, vintage and pre-owned gear, and we actively buy, sell and trade musical equipment. Every pre-owned instrument is carefully inspected and accurately described by our experienced team.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhen purchasing a rare vintage Gibson, expertise and trust matter. Our team understands what makes instruments like this special and can help you buy with confidence.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr\u003e\n\u003ch1\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eIs this a genuine factory Candy Apple Red finish?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes. This guitar is an original custom-colour 1983 Gibson Les Paul finished in Candy Apple Red over a silver metallic undercoat.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eWhy is the silver undercoat important?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe metallic undercoat creates the depth and reflective quality associated with traditional Candy Apple Red finishes, giving the guitar its distinctive appearance.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eWhy are custom-colour Les Pauls desirable?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFactory custom-colour Gibsons were produced in significantly smaller numbers than standard finishes, making them rarer and more collectable today.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eWhat styles of music does it suit?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Les Paul excels in rock, blues, classic rock, hard rock, session work and recording applications.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eIs this suitable for gigging?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAbsolutely. Vintage Les Pauls remain professional-level instruments capable of handling both studio and live performance environments.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eIs it more of a player's guitar or a collector's piece?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt appeals strongly to both. The rarity of the finish attracts collectors, while the classic Les Paul design makes it a highly usable professional instrument.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eCan I try it in-store?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes. You're welcome to visit our Birmingham showroom to view and play available vintage instruments and speak with our experienced team.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"USED","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":56998142214524,"sku":"1983 Gibson Les Paul Custom Colour Candy Apple Red Electric Guitar, (Used, Comm)","price":4999.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0441\/6457\/9484\/files\/DSC07848_a242314a-17e6-4828-8bdb-d2a09e7f780d.jpg?v=1781866481","url":"https:\/\/www.fairdealmusic.co.uk\/products\/1983-gibson-les-paul-custom-colour-candy-apple-red-electric-guitar-used-comm","provider":"Fair Deal Music","version":"1.0","type":"link"}