The 1976 Gibson Les Paul Artisan is one of the more distinctive and ornate Les Paul models of the mid-1970s, combining Gibson's classic mahogany-and-maple construction with an unusually luxurious specification. Finished in Walnut, this limited-run model features an ebony fingerboard, elaborate “hearts and flowers” mother-of-pearl inlays, extensive multi-ply binding and three gold-plated humbuckers.

This particular example has an additional piece of history: a Slash signature on the back of the headstock, applied in 1992. According to the information supplied with the instrument, the signature was added without altering the guitar's structural features or factory specifications, leaving the defining construction, electronics and appointments of the 1976 Artisan intact.

At A Glance

Key Detail	Information
Model	Gibson Les Paul Artisan
Year	1976
Finish	Walnut
Body	Mahogany with carved maple top
Neck	Three-piece maple with volute
Fingerboard	Ebony
Fingerboard Inlays	“Hearts and flowers” mother-of-pearl
Pickups	Three gold-plated humbuckers
Controls	Two volume, two tone
Selector	Three-way
Bridge	Tune-O-Matic
Tailpiece	Gibson TP-6
Tuners	Grover
Hardware	Gold-plated
Notable Detail	Slash signature dated 1992, on rear of headstock

What Makes The 1976 Gibson Les Paul Artisan Special?

The Les Paul Artisan occupies a particularly interesting place within Gibson's 1970s Les Paul range. Rather than simply offering another variation on the standard Les Paul formula, the Artisan was conceived around a more elaborate specification, with ornate appointments and a three-pickup layout giving it a distinctive visual and tonal identity.

The combination of a mahogany body, carved maple top and ebony fingerboard provides the fundamental Les Paul platform, while the Walnut finish, gold hardware, elaborate binding and “hearts and flowers” inlays make this model immediately recognisable.

For collectors, the mid-1970s specification is equally important. The three-piece maple neck and volute are characteristic features of Gibson's construction during this period and help place the instrument firmly within its era.

Key Features & Benefits

Mahogany Body & Carved Maple Top

The Artisan follows the established Les Paul construction of a mahogany body paired with a carved maple top. This combination gives the instrument the substantial character associated with the Les Paul family while providing the figured, carved-top aesthetic expected of a higher-specification model.

The Walnut finish is particularly effective on the Artisan, highlighting its ornate appointments rather than disguising them beneath a conventional solid colour.

Ebony Fingerboard

An ebony fingerboard gives the Artisan a premium feel and provides a smooth, hard-wearing playing surface.

More importantly from a collector's perspective, it provides the ideal backdrop for the model's elaborate “hearts and flowers” mother-of-pearl inlays.

“Hearts And Flowers” Inlays

One of the defining visual characteristics of the Artisan is its ornate mother-of-pearl fingerboard decoration.

The “hearts and flowers” inlay pattern immediately separates the model from the more conventional Les Paul designs produced during the same period and contributes significantly to the Artisan's collectible character.

Three-Piece Maple Neck With Volute

The neck is constructed from three-piece maple, incorporating the volute associated with Gibson's mid-1970s construction.

The three-piece construction and volute are important period details rather than simply cosmetic features, reflecting the manufacturing approach Gibson employed during this era.

Three Gold-Plated Humbuckers

Where many Les Paul models use two humbuckers, the Artisan is equipped with three gold-plated humbuckers, giving it an unmistakable appearance and a broader range of pickup combinations.

The three-pickup configuration is controlled through the model's two-volume, two-tone layout and three-way selector system.

Two-Volume, Two-Tone Control Layout

The familiar Les Paul control arrangement provides two volume controls and two tone controls, allowing the individual pickup outputs to be shaped and balanced.

Combined with three pickups, this gives the Artisan a distinctive control setup compared with a conventional two-pickup Les Paul.

Gold Hardware

Gold hardware is used throughout the instrument, complementing the Walnut finish and ornate fingerboard.

The specification includes a Tune-O-Matic bridge, Gibson TP-6 tailpiece and Grover tuners, completing the high-end appearance associated with the Artisan.

Gibson TP-6 Tailpiece

The Gibson TP-6 tailpiece is another notable element of the instrument's specification, contributing to its period-correct appearance and helping distinguish the Artisan from more conventional Les Paul configurations.

Grover Tuners & Large Bound Headstock

Grover tuners and the large, extensively bound headstock complete the Artisan's distinctive visual design.

The headstock also carries the 1992 Slash signature on its rear, giving this particular instrument an additional piece of provenance and historical interest.

Tone & Playing Experience

The Artisan retains the fundamental character expected from a three-humbucker Les Paul design while offering a pickup configuration that differs from the more familiar two-humbucker formula.

The three humbuckers provide a wide selection of pickup combinations through the instrument's control system, making it particularly interesting for players who want the substantial character of a Les Paul but with greater pickup-selection flexibility.

The ebony fingerboard, maple neck construction and traditional Les Paul body architecture further reinforce its identity as a substantial, full-sized Gibson electric guitar from the 1970s.

Comparison Against Popular Alternatives

Gibson Les Paul Standard

The Les Paul Standard is the more familiar reference point. The Artisan shares the fundamental mahogany body and carved maple top concept but adds substantially more elaborate appointments, an ebony fingerboard and a three-humbucker configuration.

Gibson Les Paul Custom

The Artisan sits naturally alongside the Les Paul Custom as a higher-specification, visually elaborate Gibson of the period. However, its “hearts and flowers” inlays, three-pickup layout and specific Artisan appointments give it its own identity.

Two-Pickup Les Paul Models

Compared with a conventional two-pickup Les Paul, the Artisan offers a more unusual pickup configuration and a significantly more ornate aesthetic, making it particularly appealing to collectors and players looking for something outside the standard Les Paul specification.

Who Is It For?

The 1976 Les Paul Artisan is particularly suited to:

• Collectors of vintage Gibson guitars

• Players looking for an unusual 1970s Les Paul

• Fans of three-pickup Gibson designs

• Musicians attracted to ornate vintage instruments

• Collectors interested in Gibson's mid-1970s production

• Slash and Guns N' Roses enthusiasts interested in the instrument's 1992 signature

• Players wanting a distinctive stage or studio instrument with genuine vintage character

Suitable Genres & Applications

The Artisan's three-humbucker configuration and Les Paul construction make it suitable for a broad range of applications, including:

• Classic rock

• Hard rock

• Blues rock

• Rock

• Glam rock

• Heavy rock

• Studio recording

• Live performance

• Vintage guitar collections

Its ornate appearance also makes it particularly well suited to players who want an instrument that stands out visually as well as sonically.

Story & Context

The Les Paul Artisan belongs to Gibson's mid-1970s period, when the company produced a number of distinctive Les Paul variations alongside its more familiar Standard and Custom models.

The Artisan's identity was built around luxury appointments and a visually elaborate specification. Its Walnut finish, extensive binding, ebony fingerboard, ornate mother-of-pearl inlays, three humbuckers and gold hardware collectively give it a very different personality from a conventional Les Paul.

The three-piece maple neck and volute further identify the instrument with Gibson's 1970s production practices.

This particular guitar has an additional layer of history through the Slash signature applied to the rear of the headstock in 1992. The supplied information states that the signature was added without changing the guitar's structural features or factory specification.

Technical Specifications

Specification	Detail
Brand	Gibson
Model	Les Paul Artisan
Year	1976
Body Wood	Mahogany
Top	Carved maple
Finish	Walnut
Neck Wood	Three-piece maple
Neck Feature	Volute
Fingerboard	Ebony
Fingerboard Inlays	“Hearts and flowers” mother-of-pearl
Pickups	Three gold-plated humbuckers
Controls	Two volume, two tone
Pickup Selector	Three-way
Bridge	Tune-O-Matic
Tailpiece	Gibson TP-6
Tuners	Grover
Hardware	Gold-plated
Additional Detail	Slash signature on rear of headstock, applied in 1992

Vintage Specification Note

As a 1976 Gibson, this Artisan should be considered in the context of its period of manufacture. Details such as the three-piece maple neck, volute, ebony fingerboard, ornate inlays and three-pickup configuration are important parts of the instrument's mid-1970s identity.

The information supplied for this particular guitar identifies the construction, electronics and appointments as remaining defined by the 1976 Artisan specification.

Slash Signature Note

The rear of the headstock carries a signature by Slash, applied in 1992.

This signature is an additional feature of this particular instrument and should not be confused with the original 1976 factory specification. The supplied information states that its application did not alter the guitar's structural features or factory components.

Fair Deal Music Verdict

★★★★★

A highly distinctive vintage Gibson for players and collectors who want something considerably rarer and more ornate than a standard Les Paul.

The 1976 Les Paul Artisan combines classic Gibson construction with a genuinely unusual three-humbucker layout, ornate “hearts and flowers” inlays, gold hardware and a Walnut finish. The additional 1992 Slash signature gives this individual example another layer of interest.

Its combination of vintage Gibson specification and distinctive visual character makes it an especially compelling choice for collectors and musicians who appreciate unusual instruments with a strong story.

Why Buy Pre-Owned From Fair Deal Music?

Buying a vintage Gibson is about more than simply owning an older guitar. The specification, history, condition and individual character of the instrument all matter.

At Fair Deal Music, our aim is to provide clear, useful information so you can make an informed decision before purchasing. For an instrument with an additional feature such as a historical signature, we believe it is particularly important to distinguish the original factory specification from later additions.

Why Buy From Fair Deal Music?

• Independent UK music retailer

• Specialist knowledge across vintage and modern instruments

• Honest, customer-focused product descriptions

• Practical advice from musicians and music retail specialists

• Secure online ordering

• Fast UK delivery

• Friendly support before and after purchase

• Trade-in and upgrade options available

Trade In. Trade Up. Save More.

Thinking about moving on from an existing guitar?

Fair Deal Music can help you explore trade-in and upgrade options, making it easier to put the value of your current instrument towards something special.

If you're considering a vintage Gibson such as this Artisan, our team can also provide practical guidance on choosing an instrument that suits your playing, collection and budget.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Gibson Les Paul Artisan?

The Gibson Les Paul Artisan was a distinctive, limited-run Les Paul model from the 1970s, recognised for its ornate appointments, three-humbucker configuration and premium specification.

What year is this Gibson Les Paul Artisan?

This particular Gibson Les Paul Artisan is from 1976.

What finish does the 1976 Les Paul Artisan have?

This example is finished in Walnut, which complements the ornate styling and gold hardware.

What pickups does the Gibson Les Paul Artisan use?

This Artisan features three gold-plated humbuckers controlled by two volume controls, two tone controls and a three-way selector.

Does the Artisan have an ebony fingerboard?

Yes. The 1976 Artisan features an ebony fingerboard with distinctive “hearts and flowers” mother-of-pearl inlays.

What is the “hearts and flowers” pattern?

“Hearts and flowers” refers to the distinctive decorative mother-of-pearl inlay design used on the Artisan's fingerboard, helping distinguish it from standard Les Paul models.

What type of neck does the 1976 Gibson Artisan have?

It features a three-piece maple neck with a volute, reflecting Gibson's mid-1970s construction.

What bridge and tailpiece does it use?

The guitar is specified with a Tune-O-Matic bridge and Gibson TP-6 tailpiece, both finished in gold.

Does this Gibson Les Paul Artisan have a Slash signature?

Yes. The supplied information states that Slash signed the back of the headstock in 1992.

Is the Slash signature part of the original 1976 Gibson specification?

No. The signature was added in 1992 and is an additional historical feature of this particular guitar. The supplied information states that it did not alter the guitar's structural features or factory specification.

Why is the Les Paul Artisan collectible?

Its combination of a mid-1970s Gibson specification, three humbuckers, ebony fingerboard, ornate “hearts and flowers” inlays, gold hardware and distinctive Walnut finish makes it substantially more unusual than a standard Les Paul of the period.

Is the 1976 Les Paul Artisan suitable for playing or collecting?

It can appeal to both. Its unusual specification makes it particularly interesting to collectors, while the three-humbucker Les Paul platform makes it an attractive choice for players looking for a distinctive vintage Gibson.