Used Gibson 1988 Les Paul Reissue Pre-Historic Vintage Electric Guitar

Description

The 1988 Gibson Les Paul Reissue, commonly referred to by collectors as a "Pre-Historic" Les Paul, is a particularly desirable piece of Gibson history. Produced before the launch of Gibson's dedicated Historic Collection in 1993, these early reissue instruments represent an important period when Gibson was revisiting the classic specifications and styling of its legendary late-1950s Les Paul guitars.

For collectors and serious Les Paul enthusiasts, the Pre-Historic designation carries special significance. These guitars were built during an era when Gibson was developing the vintage-inspired designs that would eventually lead to the modern Historic Reissue series. As a result, late-1980s examples have become sought after for their combination of classic Les Paul character, period-specific construction, and historical appeal.

This 1988 example delivers the unmistakable Les Paul experience: a substantial solidbody design, powerful sustain, rich midrange response, and the thick, singing tone associated with Gibson humbucker-equipped guitars. From warm, expressive clean sounds to aggressive overdriven rhythm tones and fluid lead playing, a vintage-era Les Paul Reissue offers the musical versatility that has made this design a favorite among generations of professional guitarists.

The guitar is an excellent choice for classic rock, blues, hard rock, southern rock, jazz, fusion, country rock, and studio recording. Its natural sustain and dynamic response make it especially appealing for expressive lead work, while its full-bodied rhythm sound works beautifully with both vintage-style tube amplifiers and modern high-gain rigs.

In the studio, a Les Paul of this era can be a fantastic source of thick rhythm tracks, harmonically rich leads, and warm clean tones. Its classic dual-humbucker platform provides a strong foundation for everything from blues and rock to layered contemporary guitar productions.

What makes this instrument especially interesting is its 1988 production year and Pre-Historic Reissue identity. These guitars occupy a distinctive place in Gibson's history, bridging the company's earlier reissue efforts and the more formally established Historic Collection that followed.

Collector's note: The term Pre-Historic is a collector designation rather than a single factory model specification. Gibson produced different reissue configurations during this period, so the exact 1950s year being represented, top construction, pickups, neck profile, hardware, finish, and originality should be confirmed through the instrument's serial number, identifying details, and available documentation. This listing does not assume the guitar is an exact-specification 1959 reissue or that every component is factory original.

Condition

This Gibson 1988 Les Paul Reissue Pre-Historic is used, tested, and fully functional. It shows normal signs of wear consistent with its age and previous use.

As a late-1980s instrument, it may exhibit scratches, small dings, finish checking, lacquer wear, hardware patina, and other signs of aging. Please refer carefully to the photos for the exact condition of the body, top, back, neck, headstock, fingerboard, frets, binding, pickups, electronics, controls, bridge, tailpiece, tuners, and finish.

For a collectible guitar of this age, originality is particularly important. Original pickups, potentiometers, wiring, hardware, tuners, finish, and other components should not be assumed unless documented. Any repairs, modifications, refinishing, or replacement parts should be evaluated using the photos and available instrument history.

Please also confirm the exact case, paperwork, certificates, and included accessories from the photos.

Key Features

• Gibson 1988 Les Paul Reissue
• Vintage late-1980s Gibson electric guitar
• Commonly known as a Pre-Historic Les Paul
• Produced before Gibson's 1993 Historic Collection
• Desirable early Gibson reissue-era instrument
• Classic Les Paul solidbody design
• Vintage-inspired Les Paul styling
• Dual-humbucker guitar configuration
• Rich, powerful Gibson humbucker tone
• Excellent natural sustain
• Thick and expressive midrange
• Warm clean tones
• Powerful overdriven rhythm sounds
• Singing lead guitar response
• Classic Gibson control layout
• Traditional Les Paul playing experience
• Excellent for classic rock
• Great for blues
• Ideal for hard rock
• Excellent for southern rock
• Great for jazz and fusion
• Suitable for country rock
• Excellent professional studio guitar
• Great for recording layered rhythm tracks
• Excellent for expressive lead playing
• Strong appeal to vintage Gibson enthusiasts
• Interesting collectible from Gibson's pre-Historic Collection era
• Authentic 1988 production-year appeal
• Exact reissue model and represented vintage year should be verified
• Exact top construction and tonewoods should be confirmed from available documentation
• Exact pickup models should be verified from the instrument
• Originality of electronics, hardware, and finish should not be assumed without documentation
• Exact serial number and identifying markings should be reviewed
• Any repairs or modifications should be evaluated from the photos
• Exact case, paperwork, and accessories should be confirmed from the photos

This product has been tested, is fully functional, and includes a 30-day warranty for in store purchases. For the exact condition, please refer to the photos provided. If you have any questions, call or text 770-931-9190. We are happy to assist you! If you're in the Atlanta area, stop by and bring your trades. Connect with a buyer here

Online Purchase Policy

If you are not satisfied with your online purchase, contact the originating Music Go Round store within 48 hours of receiving your shipment to obtain return authorization instructions.

• All returns must be sent to the store where the item was originally purchased.
• Customers are responsible for return shipping costs unless the item arrived damaged or has an undisclosed defect.
• Refunds are limited to the purchase price of the product. Original shipping charges are non-refundable except for returns due to shipping damage or an undisclosed defect.
• Refunds or exchanges are issued after the originating store receives and inspects the returned item.
• Returned items must include all original packaging, accessories, manuals, and any other contents included with the shipment.

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