Gibson Les Paul Custom VS Custom '68 Reissue: What are the differences?
Tuner and bridge hardware, humbuckers, and nut material.
While there's some unique nuance and detail in the 1968 that we don't really see in the Custom, there's nothing in the way of practical differences. The 1968 Reissue is a collector's item, and even somewhat of an investment. For most, we'd recommend the Gibson Les Paul Custom, which will save you a significant amount of money.
Gibson Les Paul Custom
Gibson Les Paul Custom 1968 Reissue
| Specification | Gibson Les Paul Custom | Gibson Les Paul Custom 1968 Reissue |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Number of Strings | 6 | 6 |
| Left-/Right-handed | Right-handed | Right-handed |
| Body | ||
| Body Type | Solidbody | Solidbody |
| Body Shape | Les Paul Custom | 1968 Les Paul Custom Reissue |
| Body Material | Mahogany | Mahogany |
| Top Material | 2-piece Plain Maple | 2-piece Plain Maple |
| Body Finish | Gloss Nitrocellulose Lacquer | Nitrocellulose Lacquer |
| Color | Ebony | Ebony |
| Neck | ||
| Neck Material | Mahogany | Mahogany |
| Neck Joint | Set Neck | Set Neck |
| Neck Shape | Not specified | '68 Medium C |
| Radius | 12" | 12" |
| Fingerboard Material | Ebony | Ebony |
| Fingerboard Inlay | Mother-of-Pearl Blocks | Mother-of-Pearl Blocks |
| Number of Frets | 22, Medium Jumbo | 22, Medium Jumbo |
| Scale Length | 24.75" | 24.75" |
| Nut Width | 1.6875" (1 11/16") | 1.69" (minimal difference) |
| Nut Material | Corian | Nylon |
| Hardware | ||
| Bridge/Tailpiece | Tune-O-Matic with Stopbar | ABR-1 with Stopbar |
| Tuners | Grover Kidney | Kluson Waffleback |
| Electronics | ||
| Neck Pickup | Gibson 490R Humbucker | '68 Custom Humbucker |
| Bridge Pickup | Gibson 498T Humbucker | '68 Custom Humbucker |
| Controls | 2 x Volume, 2 x Tone | 2 x Volume, 2 x Tone |
| Switching | 3-way Toggle Pickup Switch | 3-way Toggle Pickup Switch |
| Miscellaneous | ||
| Strings | Gibson, .010-.046 | Gibson, .010-.046 |
| Case/Gig Bag | Hardshell Case | Hardshell Case |
Compare Gibson Les Paul Custom and '68 Reissue Prices
Prices updated Fri, August 21st, 2026.
Custom and Reissue Differences
- Fretboard Features: The Les Paul Custom has medium jumbo frets and a Corian nut, while the 1968 Reissue sports a Nylon nut.
- Neck Shape: The Les Paul Custom does not specify its neck profile, whereas the 1968 Reissue has a '68 Medium "C" shape.
- Pickups: The Les Paul Custom uses 490R and 498T humbuckers, designed for a mix of classic and contemporary tones. The 1968 Reissue is equipped with '68 Custom humbuckers for a classic PAF tone.
- Bridge/Tailpiece: The Les Paul Custom features a Tune-O-Matic bridge with a stopbar tailpiece, whereas the 1968 Reissue uses an ABR-1 with a stopbar.
- Tuners: The Les Paul Custom is equipped with Grover kidney tuners, and the 1968 Reissue has Kluson Waffleback tuners.
- Nut Width: Slight difference in nut width, with the Les Paul Custom at 1.6875" and the 1968 Reissue at 1.69".
Les Paul Custom and 1968 Reissue Similarities
- Body Material: Both guitars have a mahogany body with a 2-piece plain maple top.
- Finish: Both feature nitrocellulose lacquer finishes.
- Neck Material: Both necks are made from mahogany.
- Fingerboard Material: Both guitars have an ebony fingerboard with a 12" radius and mother-of-pearl block inlays.
- Frets: Both are equipped with 22 medium jumbo frets.
- Scale Length: Each guitar has a 24.75" scale length.
- Hardware: Both models come with gold hardware and a hardshell case.
- String Gauge: Both guitars are strung with Gibson .010-.046 strings.
- Electronics: Both guitars feature two humbucker pickups, two volume controls, two tone controls, and a 3-way toggle pickup switch.
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Written by Guitar Chalk on Electrics & Comparisons
Written by Bobby Kittleberger on Electrics & Roundups
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