A Modern Custom Shop Les Paul Unlike Any Other
The Les Paul has spent more than seventy years defining what players expect from a premium electric guitar. Thick sustain, unmistakable looks, and a voice that has powered countless recordings are all part of the formula. The Gibson Custom Shop Les Paul Axcess Custom takes that legendary platform and reimagines it for the modern player, combining traditional craftsmanship with performance-focused enhancements that simply weren't available on vintage instruments.
This particular example is something even more special. Finished in a stunning Purple Widow Burst Gloss, this guitar was built as part of an exclusive Dealer Select run, with only two examples produced in this exact configuration. From its hand-selected AAA figured maple top to its premium Custom Shop appointments, every detail was chosen to create a guitar that stands apart from even other high-end Les Paul Customs.
Weighing just 8lbs 3oz, this Axcess Custom delivers the look and authority of a Les Paul while offering enhanced comfort and playability for today's players. Whether you're a collector seeking an ultra-limited Custom Shop piece or a guitarist looking for a premium instrument without compromise, this guitar deserves a close look.
Pictures are of the actual guitar you will receive.
Body & Construction: Classic Les Paul DNA with Modern Refinement
At its core, this guitar remains unmistakably a Les Paul. The body begins with mahogany construction topped by a hand-selected AAA figured maple cap that displays dramatic figuring beneath the Purple Widow Burst Gloss finish. The result is a visual presentation that shifts and changes under different lighting, making this one of those guitars that continually draws attention.
Unlike traditional solid-body Les Paul Customs, this Axcess model incorporates Gibson's LP Axcess weight relief system. The result is a more comfortable instrument without sacrificing the resonance, sustain, and tonal richness players expect from a premium Gibson.
One of the defining features of the Axcess platform is the sculpted rear heel. Traditional Les Paul neck joints can feel substantial when accessing the highest frets, but the Axcess contour allows effortless movement throughout the upper register. It's a subtle change until you experience it firsthand, after which it's difficult to go back.
Neck & Playability: Built for Modern Performance
The Axcess Custom was designed with performance in mind, and nowhere is that more apparent than in the neck.
Featuring Gibson's fast-playing Apex neck profile, the guitar offers a sleek, comfortable feel that accommodates everything from technical lead work to aggressive rhythm playing. The profile strikes an excellent balance between substance and speed, making it equally comfortable for players coming from traditional Les Pauls or more modern instruments.
The ebony fingerboard provides a smooth and responsive playing surface and is adorned with elegant mother-of-pearl block inlays. Combined with the 24.75" scale length and enhanced upper-fret access, the result is an instrument that feels remarkably effortless across the entire fingerboard.
Additional reinforcement at the headstock contributes to long-term durability while preserving the classic Gibson aesthetic.
Pickups & Electronics: Far More Than a Traditional Les Paul
While this guitar looks every bit the part of a premium Les Paul Custom, its electronics offer considerably more versatility than most players expect.
The neck position features Gibson's powerful 496R humbucker, while the bridge houses the aggressive and articulate 498T. Together they deliver everything from warm cleans and singing sustain to high-output rock and modern gain tones.
Where the Axcess truly separates itself is in its expanded switching options. Both pickups utilize 4-conductor wiring and are paired with push/pull tone controls that engage series/parallel switching. This allows players to access traditional humbucker power as well as brighter, more articulate tones that approach single-coil territory without sacrificing noise cancellation.
The result is a guitar capable of covering an impressive range of musical styles while maintaining the unmistakable character of a Les Paul.
Hardware & Appointments: Custom Shop Quality Throughout
Every component on this guitar reflects its Custom Shop pedigree.
The hardware package includes a historic-style ABR-1 Tune-O-Matic bridge paired with a stopbar tailpiece, providing the stability and resonance that have made the Les Paul platform famous. Grover Keystone tuners offer smooth operation and reliable tuning performance, while nickel hardware throughout provides a timeless visual contrast against the Purple Widow Burst finish.
From the carefully selected woods to the premium hardware and finishing work, this guitar represents the level of attention to detail players expect from Gibson's Custom Shop division.
Product Features:
- Dealer Select Run – 1 of Only 2 Made
- Gibson Custom Shop Build
- Body: Mahogany with LP Axcess Weight Relief
- Top: Hand-Selected AAA Figured Maple
- Finish: Purple Widow Burst Gloss
- Neck: Mahogany with Apex Neck Profile
- Fingerboard: Ebony with Mother-of-Pearl Block Inlays
- Scale Length: 24.75"
- Pickup (Neck): Gibson 496R Humbucker
- Pickup (Bridge): Gibson 498T Humbucker
- Electronics: Push/Pull Tone Controls with Series/Parallel Switching
- Bridge: Historic-Style ABR-1 Tune-O-Matic
- Tailpiece: Stopbar Tailpiece
- Tuners: Grover Keystone Tuners
- Hardware: Nickel
- Enhanced Axcess Heel Contour
- Reinforced Headstock Construction
- Weight: 8lbs 3oz
- Built: USA
- Condition: Brand New
Included Accessories
- Original Gibson Custom Shop Hard Shell Case
- Certificate of Authenticity
- Original Case Candy
Brand New Condition
This guitar is in brand new condition and has been inspected and approved by our in-house technician. It will receive a full professional setup prior to shipment to ensure optimal playability and performance upon arrival.
Includes the original Gibson Custom Shop hard shell case, Certificate of Authenticity, and all original case candy.
Please note that handcrafted guitars featuring nitrocellulose lacquer finishes may exhibit minor cosmetic characteristics, slight finish variations, or small imperfections inherent to the finishing process. These are considered normal and are not defects.
Please review all photos carefully, as they are considered part of the description. Feel free to contact us with any questions prior to purchase.
Brand: Gibson
Model: Custom Shop Les Paul Axcess Custom
Finish: Purple Widow Burst Gloss
Condition: Brand New
Weight: 8lbs 3oz
Since 1872, C.A. House Music has been helping musicians across the Ohio Valley find the right gear -- with real advice from a team that actually plays. We're your authorized dealer of all the big names in guitars, keyboards, band instruments, drums, pro audio, and more. With four family-owned and operated locations in Ohio and West Virginia (plus a full online store), you don't have to go far for instruments, lessons, rentals, and repairs. No matter your musical needs, our team of musicians wants to help you Play Music for Life.
