The fingerboard was painted black by the previous owner, though the type of paint used is unknown. There’s a small nick on the top of the headstock. This guitar was owned by an active player, so it shows some wear on the aluminum parts and pickguard, as well as slight wear on the body. The pickguard has been replaced with a generic black pickguard; we do not have the original one.
Some guitars deserved far more recognition than they ever received, and the Gibson Custom Shop Les Paul “The Element Aluminum AL13” is definitely one of them. This model feels like the result of a bold idea someone in the Custom Shop pitched, and the team actually ran with it. In many ways, it represents exactly what a Custom Shop should stand for: unique concepts, artistic flair, and instruments that stand apart from anything standard.
Far from your typical Sunburst Les Paul, the Element Aluminum AL13 blends traditional tonewoods with striking metal components. It also sports what might be the coolest Gibson logo ever created. The binding, pickup rings, knobs, pickguard, toggle switch cap, and poker chip are all crafted from aluminum, giving the guitar a distinctive and almost sculptural appearance. Paired with its Ebony VOS finish, the overall look is simply exceptional.
If you want a Les Paul that’s visually impressive, genuinely different, and still delivers top-tier playability and tone, this is it. Includes the original case and certificate of authenticity.
