I’m offering a Gibson Les Paul Standard from 1997 in the classic Wine Red nitro finish.
This is a fully original, unmodified example with factory 490R / 498T pickups, original Gibson hardware and the original brown/pink Gibson case in excellent condition.
The guitar comes from one of the most respected production eras for the Les Paul Standard — the late-90s period (1996–1999), known for outstanding wood selection, stable quality control and a distinctive, resonant character that many players associate with early Custom Shop instruments.
The top shows a beautiful deep flame under the translucent Wine Red nitro, and the whole instrument resonates exceptionally well. Balanced, dynamic, with a strong, articulate midrange typical for this era.
Specifications
• Year: 1997
• Country: USA
• Model: Les Paul Standard
• Body: Mahogany with carved maple top
• Neck: Mahogany
• Neck profile: classic late-90s rounded profile
• Fingerboard: Rosewood with cream binding
• Scale: 24.75"
• Radius: 12"
• Bridge: Gibson Tune-o-matic + stopbar
• Tuners: Gibson Deluxe (original)
• Pickups:
– 490R (neck)
– 498T (bridge)
• Electronics: factory, untouched
• Pickguard: original
• Finish: Wine Red (nitrocellulose)
• Case: original Gibson brown/pink plush — excellent condition
Condition
This Les Paul is exceptionally well-preserved for its age.
The nitro finish shows normal, honest playwear — light surface marks and micro-scratches, with no structural issues, no cracks and no repairs. The flame top is easily visible under light and looks fantastic.
The neck is straight, the truss rod works as intended, and the guitar is set up with a low, comfortable action. The fingerboard is clean and properly oiled.
Frets are in very good condition with no flat spots requiring attention.
The electronics cavity is completely original — untouched factory solder joints.
Why the 1996–1999 era is so highly regarded
This period is increasingly recognized as one of the strongest modern eras for the Gibson Les Paul Standard. After reorganizing production earlier in the decade, Gibson reached a very stable, consistent level of craftsmanship.
Key factors:
• excellent mahogany and maple selection — dense, resonant, great sustain
• beautiful maple tops even on Standards
• consistent build quality and tight fit & finish
• deep and transparent nitro finish typical for this era
• comfortable, full neck profiles
• 490R/498T pickups voiced extremely well in this generation
Many players and collectors claim that late-90s Standards have more character than many 2000s models, and some individual instruments rival early-2000s Custom Shop guitars in resonance and tonal balance.
This 1997 example fully belongs to that group.
Summary
A beautifully preserved 1997 Gibson Les Paul Standard in Wine Red, fully original, with classic late-90s tone, excellent wood and the highly regarded 490R/498T pickup set.
A stable, resonant, ready-to-play LP with the original brown/pink Gibson case.
Perfect for players, collectors and anyone searching for a great late-90s USA Les Paul.