The 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.

The 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.

This 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.

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Condition Overview

Excellent Condition

This guitar is in excellent condition for a 1983 instrument.

It 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.

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What's Included?

✔ Gibson Hardcase

✔ Fully Checked & Tested by Fair Deal Music

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Condition Notes

• Excellent condition for a 1983 instrument

• Factory custom colour Candy Apple Red finish

• Silver metallic undercoat

• Chrome hardware

• Replacement pickguard fitted

• Light signs of age and use consistent with careful ownership

• Electronics functioning correctly

• Hardware functioning correctly

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Fair Deal Quality Control Assessment

Our team has thoroughly inspected and tested this Gibson Les Paul to ensure it is functioning correctly and ready for its next owner.

Checks completed include:

✔ Pickups tested

✔ Controls verified

✔ Selector switch checked

✔ Output jack inspected

✔ Neck assessed

✔ Fingerboard inspected

✔ Frets checked

✔ Tuners tested

✔ Hardware verified

✔ Structural integrity assessed

✔ Playability evaluated

✔ Overall condition verified

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Service / Setup Work

Prior to sale, this guitar has been checked and prepared by our team.

Work completed includes:

✔ Neck relief checked

✔ Action checked

✔ Electronics tested

✔ Hardware inspected

✔ Frets assessed

✔ General playability evaluated

✔ Restrung where required

All 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.

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Why Choose The 1983 Gibson Les Paul Custom Colour Candy Apple Red?

Rare Factory Custom Colour Finish

Factory 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.

Genuine Vintage Gibson Character

Built during Gibson's Nashville-era production, this guitar offers the feel, craftsmanship and tonal character that continue to attract players to vintage Gibson instruments.

Classic Les Paul Sound

The Les Paul platform remains famous for its sustain, rich midrange, powerful humbucking tones and remarkable versatility across countless genres.

Excellent Condition For Its Age

Finding 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.

Distinctive Chrome Hardware

The chrome hardware complements the Candy Apple Red finish beautifully, enhancing the guitar's unique visual identity compared to more traditional Les Paul specifications.

Strong Collector Appeal

Vintage custom-colour Gibsons continue to generate strong interest due to their rarity, individuality and desirability amongst collectors.

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Comparison Against Popular Alternatives

1983 Gibson Les Paul vs Gibson Les Paul Standard

Both deliver the classic Les Paul formula, but this custom-colour example offers significantly greater rarity and collector appeal than a standard production finish.

1983 Gibson Les Paul vs Gibson Les Paul Custom

The 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.

1983 Gibson Les Paul vs Modern Gibson Les Paul Standard

Modern models offer contemporary manufacturing consistency, while this 1983 example provides genuine vintage character, ageing and historical significance.

1983 Gibson Les Paul vs Heritage H-150

The Heritage offers excellent USA craftsmanship, but the Gibson carries the original Les Paul legacy and the appeal of a rare vintage custom-colour finish.

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Who Is It For?

Beginners

While primarily suited to experienced players and collectors, dedicated beginners looking for a lifelong instrument may appreciate the guitar's quality and heritage.

Intermediate Players

An excellent opportunity to step into vintage Gibson ownership with a genuinely unusual and desirable example.

Professional Players

Ideal for recording artists, touring musicians and collectors looking for a vintage Les Paul that stands apart from the crowd.

Particularly Recommended For

• Classic rock players

• Blues guitarists

• Session musicians

• Collectors

• Vintage guitar enthusiasts

• Recording artists

• Gibson enthusiasts

• Professional gigging musicians

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Why Are Custom Colour Vintage Gibsons So Desirable?

Most 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.

Benefits of owning a custom-colour vintage Gibson include:

• Greater rarity

• Strong visual appeal

• Enhanced collector interest

• Increased individuality

• Historic significance

• Distinctive stage presence

For many collectors, factory custom-colour examples represent some of the most interesting instruments Gibson has ever produced.

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Product Story / Context

By 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.

Candy 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.

Today, original custom-colour Les Pauls from this era remain highly desirable amongst collectors because of their rarity and individuality.

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Associated Artists / Songs / Performances

While this specific guitar is not associated with a particular artist, Les Paul guitars have shaped the sound of countless recordings and performances.

Notable Les Paul players include:

• Jimmy Page

• Slash

• Gary Moore

• Joe Perry

• Randy Rhoads

• Ace Frehley

The Les Paul remains one of the most iconic electric guitar designs ever created and continues to be a benchmark for sustain, tone and versatility.

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Technical Specifications

Specification	Details
Product Name	Gibson Les Paul
Year	1983
Finish	Candy Apple Red
Undercoat	Silver Metallic
Hardware Finish	Chrome
Type	Solid Body Electric Guitar
Body Material	Mahogany with Maple Top
Neck Material	Mahogany
Fingerboard	Rosewood
Scale Length	24.75"
Pickup Configuration	HH
Electronics	Passive
Controls	2 Volume, 2 Tone, 3-Way Toggle
Bridge	Tune-O-Matic with Stopbar Tailpiece
Orientation	Right-Handed
Country of Manufacture	USA
Case Included	Gibson Hardcase
Condition	Excellent for Age

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Power Requirements

Not applicable.

This is a passive electric guitar and does not require batteries or external power.

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Pairs Perfectly With

• Vintage-style valve amplifier

• Transparent overdrive pedal

• British-voiced amplifier

• Premium instrument cable

• Strap locks

• Professional guitar stand

• Humidification system

• Boutique effects pedals

• Recording interface

• Selected pre-owned amplifiers

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Why Buy From Fair Deal Music?

Fair 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.

With 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.

Our 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.

When 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.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is this a genuine factory Candy Apple Red finish?

Yes. This guitar is an original custom-colour 1983 Gibson Les Paul finished in Candy Apple Red over a silver metallic undercoat.

Why is the silver undercoat important?

The metallic undercoat creates the depth and reflective quality associated with traditional Candy Apple Red finishes, giving the guitar its distinctive appearance.

Why are custom-colour Les Pauls desirable?

Factory custom-colour Gibsons were produced in significantly smaller numbers than standard finishes, making them rarer and more collectable today.

What styles of music does it suit?

The Les Paul excels in rock, blues, classic rock, hard rock, session work and recording applications.

Is this suitable for gigging?

Absolutely. Vintage Les Pauls remain professional-level instruments capable of handling both studio and live performance environments.

Is it more of a player's guitar or a collector's piece?

It appeals strongly to both. The rarity of the finish attracts collectors, while the classic Les Paul design makes it a highly usable professional instrument.

Can I try it in-store?

Yes. You're welcome to visit our Birmingham showroom to view and play available vintage instruments and speak with our experienced team.