This Might Be My Greatest Find Yet! | 1986 Gibson Custom Shop Original Les Paul Artisan Trans Blue

[@Trog]

It wasn't the White one I've been hunting for... but man is it a COOL piece of Custom Order History! 🟢My Website: www.troglysguitarshow.com 🔴Reverb: reverb.com/shop/troglys?_aid=growsumo&gs_partner=Trogly ❓Private Help Sessions: troglysguitarshow.com/help-appraisals/ 👕 Merch: teespring.com/basic-logo-4245?pid=211

[@davidrosenzweig1380]

i bet it left the factory with an artisan truss rod cover thats why the screws dont fit right they probably swapped that at the same time as tailpiece to make it look more traditional

[@mattryan6886]

What a beautiful instrument!!! What a special guitar for your collection. Getting it for a price you comfortable with the icing on the cake 🎂 I would not entertain any offers fo guitar 🎸 if I owned it same as yourself. The chainsaw case is fitting imo

[@brianbeavers4659]

Very cool color, p/u configuration & accoutrements.

[@robertpurdy4452]

I knew Trent and did business with him, not as much or as well as some of the local players in the Des Moines area, but I swear I saw this guitar a few months ago - it's one you wouldn't forget. I'm a lefty so all I got to do was hold it. Fantastic find. I just wish Trent was still here with us.

[@bradford_shaun_murray]

0:07 The Trogmeister

[@RickStar72]

Trent Litten was an awesome guy. He was excellent at finding one off and odd guitars for us. When I couldn’t find the Les paul I had been looking for, Trent got it for me. He is greatly missed daily. I was fortunate enough to get his custom shop Jackson. Please don’t just throw this in a case. Trent would want it played, and played loud.

[@rocknrolla2426]

Thanks for that bit of history.

[@lazy_lefty]

Are you in des moines, iowa too? I am lol

[@RickStar72]

@@lazy_lefty I’m in Altoona

[@matthewdmalin]

Man this really hit me. I’ve bought a lot of guitars from Trent. His store was a magnet for players from all over central Iowa. Trent’s passing was a major blow. Shows how small the world is anymore.

[@robertpurdy4452]

Same here! I've bought a lot of gear from Professional Music Center and Trent himself, he was a great guy to listen to and his stories were awesome Heck, my best friend and I were just in there two weeks ago when my friend bought a Martin acoustic. I'm a lefty and I like how they always have a few cool left-handed guitars. I saw this guitar in the shop after he passed and I had no idea the story behind it. It was so cool I knew it was that guitar as soon as I clicked on Trogly's video.

[@hardstones17]

oh my GOD that blue is one of the best I have ever seen. This is an incredible axe, great to see it and the history behind it

[@VidMashUp]

That's a big score. One of the biggest scores I've seen you land. That guitar is phenomenal.

[@sebg2086]

yes he just need to learn to play now

[@fairguinevere666]

@@sebg2086 Nah, it's a rule: the better of a luthier or collector you are, the less likely you are to be a good player, because of all the time you spend doing the playing-adjacent guitar stuff!

[@stewartross13]

@@sebg2086 keep dreaming rofl

[@the_hippykiller22]

@@fairguinevere666 Not really true. Wendell, Agufish's luthier, is very skilled on both sides

[@fairguinevere666]

@@the_hippykiller22 It's mostly a self deprecating joke, esp among luthiers. It's well known Leo Fender couldn't play at all, but made some of the most iconic guitars, whereas many iconic guitar players never made a guitar. So clearly there's an inverse correlation. This is very scientific. ;)

[@ironmikezero]

In 1969 I bought a new Pontiac GTO; the color was "Liberty Blue". The color of this LP stopped me dead in my tracks - it appears identical. Awash in nostalgia, I sat stunned. Thanks, Austin . . . thank you very much.

[@Whitesp44]

Man that Liberty blue on the '69 GTO was so freaking beautiful and bad ass at the same time. 👍

[@josephculver7341]

That was part of Trent Litten’s collection here in Des Moines Iowa. Trent passed away in August very unexpectedly. This was hanging at his shop for like $4-$5k a couple weeks ago. RIP Trent

[@rodrossi9749]

How much did goober pay for it ?

[@josephculver7341]

@@rodrossi9749 ROFL no clue but it was hanging on the wall for $4 or $5k. I have a distant pic of it on my phone hanging on the wall, can’t zoom in enough to see the asking price. Cool guitar, was a dog though

[@rodrossi9749]

@@scottjunge9916 ..... I was just curious, I figured he may have overpaid. Tragic story about Trent.

[@rodrossi9749]

@@josephculver7341 ..... $ 3495 is more than fair. Sad story for sure.

[@scottjunge9916]

@@rodrossi9749 he gave me a fair price. I made a nice little profit.

[@musclecarmitch908]

I've always loved the hearts and flowers design, I used to have a banjo with them! I have a Fender stratocaster with Tim Shaw designed pickup's it's a 2019 vintera 70's model, sadly they discontinued them in 2020 because of the Ash shortage.

[@hkguitar1984]

It is a rare and special day when Austin proclaims he is not selling a guitar he's acquired! Congrats Sir, a very great find indeed. Very cool, love the trans blue. Interesting about the round body wiring passage and the ground wire as my 1986 LP Custom has the same features and was also custom ordered. I promise you Austin, as soon as I talk our Dog's Vet into letting me use his X-Ray machine I'll let you know if mine weight relived. Maybe those bodies are old stock from the Kalamazoo Plant!

[@grantcindrich]

‘86 gang💪 hope you’re well bud

[@tallthinkev]

Everyman has their price!

[@hkguitar1984]

@@grantcindrich Greetings Grant

[@hkguitar1984]

@@tallthinkev A true statement indeed

[@roebuckmckinney]

You mentioned how you like the wiring on a triple pickup custom, and I like that setting too, but here's what I did to mine, to get just a little more versatility: 1) Neck and middle pickups are wired to a push/pull on the neck tone pot, which acts as a primary pickup selector. Down is Neck, Up is middle. 2)Tone pot is wired to the the Neck side of the toggle 3) You get five total positions: Neck, Middle and Bridge alone, plus Neck/Bridge and Middle/Bridge. Everything cool about a stock triple pickup LP, plus the standard two-pickup LP middle position and most importantly, a middle pickup all by itself. And it's clearly a different tone than the neck or bridge

[@mark5150ty]

Try lowering all the pickups equally so that you have Unity volume from all three pickups and then raise the screws on the pickups to get more output. The pickups are still loud and you don't have to worry about hitting them with your pic. Doing this also Tunes the way the pickup sounds. No one ever seems to use the screws in the humbucker properly. You should give it a try.

[@jimmyjames2022]

Beautiful find, well done! Glad you're keeping this Trans Blue Artisan for the museum.

[@hkguitar1984]

Oh man, I'd have actually purchased an Artisan if they had been readily available in that Blue color.

[@jonathanhudak2059]

Congratulations Austin on a one-of-a-kind find! this is a beautiful guitar and I never knew they made an artisan Les Paul in blue like this, fantastic!

[@robertjones1409]

That's the best artisan I've ever seen. Gorgeous and cool.

[@ferox965]

Beautiful. That blue is totally electric. What a stunner.

[@strat0871]

Nice one. A guy I knew long time ago had a "regular" Artisan LP, walnut with 3 pups and gold hardware, beautiful. I played it on a L3 Lab Series amp, sounded great.

[@dirknewton9103]

I worked for Trent in Des Moines and just saw this guitar at the shop a while back. The guitar is seeing more daylight now as it was not generally displayed. Trent was very sharp on knowledge this is weird to see this out in circulation but it's being appreciated. RIP Trent.

[@dirknewton9103]

It was years back when I worked for him.

[@robertpurdy4452]

I saw it too! I moved to Marion, Iowa last year from West Des Moines and took a trip to the store and realized Trent had passed away. I'm left-handed so I only got to hold it. I knew it was the same guitar as soon as the case was opened in the video and I saw the headstock. Yeah, I was there to see if I could talk to him about maybe getting a left-handed Martin 00-28 ordered and found out he had passed a couple months previous. He was one cool dude. I always liked that BiLT guitar he had in the case.

[@tallpaul1020]

Just Beautiful!!! Love the old Gibson logo and inlays!!!. Hold on to that one Trogly!!! It will look great in the Museum 🎸👍

[@f3uibeghardt522]

That's so pretty. I'd never buy a LP with 3 pickups, but I wish Gibson would start releasing more colors like this on their Standards, or even do the Gecko Bursts and Manhattan Midnights again. And I've always really liked the look of the solid-color Les Pauls, too, especially the jewel-like look of the sapphire blue contrasted with the double binding like you have here.

[@yourdrummer2034]

I concur. Blue is left out of guitar finishes too often.

[@thebeastmaster3453]

What’s wrong with 3 pickups?

[@f3uibeghardt522]

@@thebeastmaster3453 Nothing. I just don't like them.

[@thebeastmaster3453]

@@f3uibeghardt522 Fair enough. Just on Les Paul’s or are strats out of the question?

[@f3uibeghardt522]

@@thebeastmaster3453 Oh no. Strats must have 3 pickups, or I don't like them.

[@joeturner7959]

One thing I really like about this particular 3 pickup is that the middle ring looks like its not just a re-used pickup ring from the neck, and the sound is great too.

[@martinweston7144]

There were also 6 grey colored Artisans imported into Australia in the late 70's/early 80's , I remember seeing them at a piano store called Nicholson''s in Sydney. They weren't a painted Grey, they were all the same plain wood [Don't know what type] that was stained a very light grey [Imagine old wood that has been left outdoors for years] I don't know if they were single run of LP Artisans of that finish that Gibson made, then rejected and sold on as a lot, or that they didn't pass QC, as I also remember that they all seemed to be suffering the elaborate inlay slightly popping out of the fretboard, all I know is they exist

[@christopherguzzi1316]

Great find. Beautiful guitar. I love the specs. And I especially love the black and blue color scheme. This was a popular color combination in the early to mid 80's. I remember wanting a black and blue Honda Nighthawk 700S motorcycle back then.

[@rylieriley]

I saw my first Les Paul Artisan when I was about 15 (hanging in a glass case in a pawn shop), and I was totally smitten. I've wanted one ever since. That blue one is a real beauty.

[@markfurman4386]

My biggest find is my 1st new guitar in 15 years. Been that long since I touched one. Playing, uh, practicing, on only the new one but going through my other ones, getting them freshened up. This new one, cheap 335 alt but at least it isn't lespaulized. Output jack, p/u selector switch where God and Gibson intended. Not a big deal but it allowed me the purchase decision. $189 with tax. Purdy Lil Thang. Not like my Epi Dot so far, but have to wait till some chops build back in the maimed hand. Nuttin like manually hitting every note, huh. Fifteen years since I spent time on a stage. Don't think I'm going back, but stranger things have happened. Wish an old man luck, huh.

[@zeusapollo8688]

Did you improve while not playing?

[@markfurman4386]

@@zeusapollo8688 No. It's like starting over. But I feel the need.

[@Davstarr7]

i have to say I really enjoy your web shows even though i do not play, i have collected and still own 7 guitars. but hear your enjoyment on seeing interesting ones and doing the break downs on it keeps me glued and informed on the products you get. i loved this one as the color is so nice. keep up the great work and thank you.

[@vadeking]

Hey Trogly, if its "not your favorite sounding" LP, try playing with the pickup heights. With any good set you can dial in a sweet custom voice with a few screw turns! Personally, I shoot for "as low as possible" to reduce both magnetic pull and pickup scuffing. Do it in playing position, plugged in, and its like turning a combo volume/EQ knob as you raise and lower the pickup. Huge range of tonal variety with the turn of a screw (or 6 in your case).

[@vincentrandles8105]

My 1st guitar teacher had an artesian in walnut with a tree of life motif. Even the top of the body was carved! A special piece to be sure, & I'm a overactive child (un) prodigy trying to focus on "Mary had a little lamb" or some such - (& because I'm there Voluntarily - obviously) and focusing on her guitar! Which is ALSO why I can recall it so vividly!!

[@brianbeavers4659]

I'm glad that you are very happy with your aquisition

[@I-Libertine]

That stamp in the neck pickup is "ST" (for standard)

[@rdykes828]

My 76 triple p.u. walnut ,gold hardware came with the same typ of stoptail that is on your blue !!!! Real nice !

[@bjstein4242]

I have an April 86 SG-62 with shaw pups and they are nothing short of FANTASTIC sounding.. clarity like no others.. real bonus to have 3 fine examples..!!..keeper

[@PeterMoore350]

Austin that is one beautiful guitar. I love that you can see the woodgrain too. Can you do a follow up video showing the tp6 bridge installed? Maybe do a video on guitars you own showing how you’ve made them period correct after you bought them and researched them? You continue to educate us mate and your channel helped me get through the Covid lockdowns in 2020 and i have learned so much about guitars from you. I’m gonna email you about a guitar I’m trying to find. Greetings from NZ 🎸🤘😎🍻

[@aluminati9918]

Excellent find Trogly! I have a 1987 LPC Lite with Shaws. Low output, excellent pickups. Greatly underrated era of Gibson!

[@revrenlove]

I haven't heard Floyd's name in a while! Met him several times back in the day, and, I tell ya, what a good hearted soul!

[@WalkenDead]

Gibson should really bring back the valute on all of their models, cause why not make the headstock stronger. I do really like that old gibson inlay on the headstock too

[@jakekology3016]

That guitar is so beautiful wow I love the 3 humbucker setup, a blue beauty🔥🔥💯

[@djross2043]

Even though I own a Gibson, 2019 ES 335 w/Memphis Wiring & MP90’s, ebony. Last run out of Memphis factory before closing its doors. I knew little about Gibson’s, but through your show I’ve learned a lot about Gibson’s. TY

[@timothycormier3494]

On my phone the binding looked stark white until you showed the cutaway and POP! It turned aged yellow and now I can’t unsee it. Nice guitar trogley! Congratulations!!

[@pauldavis5489]

So Beautiful! Hope to visit your museum some day!

[@vangibbs4675]

Jaw Dropping BEAUTIFUL!! Missed my chance to buy a 77 Artisan several years ago. Still kicking g myself for that one.

[@joshuataft5541]

We all have one that got away..women and guitars..lol atkeast for me ...👍😂

[@irishRocker1]

You could tell it was a future museum piece by the fact he was covering his hands to touch it whenever possible lol

[@jhwk1970]

I had a two pickup black LP Artisan back in the day. Some Artisans were anvil heavy, but mine wasn’t and it played absolutely great. It is one of the few that got away that I really wish I had hung on to. It was a sweetheart.

[@sweettoof9002]

That might be the coolest guitar you’ve ever done, man. Just wow.

[@Ranthra1]

Forgot to say this...that guitar is so very pretty. Trans finishes can be boring but that blue is so nice. The color is so vibrant and alive at first glance I'd think it was a solid color. Again, glad you got it.

[@voyager7]

Trogly: The back has a great flame 6/10, Trogly: The NECK is highly flamed too!! 9/10, Trogly: IT'S GOT A STINGER!!!!!!! 23/10 lol Seriously dude, gorgeous guitar!!!!

[@Greg-vd5om]

Trogly's in the HOUSE!!!

[@ManOrWomanIDK]

Gregular scheduled programming

[@SR-ih1be]

This is the first LP guitar I've seen on your show that would make me sell mine for.

[@davidsteuer4601]

Oh my! That's a holy grail guitar my man.

[@presmasterflash7555]

Lee Malia also plays the artisans. He’s got several Epiphone iterations as signature models.

[@mikeherrmann5360]

best color of blue I' v ever seen. I have a thing for bright white binding.

[@duanewelsh5611]

Great find, definitely a keeper. It's beautiful and sounds good. Congrats Austin glad you wound up with it!

[@rollinover]

Gorgeous. I generally don’t care for blue guitars either. Sweet.

[@imannonymous7707]

A common complaint with three pickup les pauls is the middle pickup interferes with pick travel.... you know when trogly gets excited about a guitar its a special one tho....congrats trogly, nice

[@AviMus82]

Beautiful guitar, very unique, and it sounds killer!

[@edwinstovall3334]

Austin, your remark about the sound of the bridge pickup resonates with me. I have done a little investigation of my own guitars, and I have decided that bridge pickups sound pretty much the same. It explains why you get things like EMG's 81 pickup with a ceramic magnet often paired with Alnico-driven 85s in the neck position. Why go with two Alnico pickups when a cheaper ceramic pickup sounds nearly identical?

[@jameshumbert5864]

The first run of 66' SG reissues had a hum problem. Possibly the ground wire return was due to those type of problems.

[@andrewrice6526]

This is gorgeous! Deep blue WITH GIBSON HEARTS AND FLOWERS BANJO INLAY???!!!

[@actionsf]

That is a beautiful guitar ! Kind of flashy inlays for my taste but the color is perfect. Sort of like a Sheridan … A bright neon green binding would seriously ruin the whole thing.😂 Super nice review ..Thanks !!

[@jubei7259]

I get folks say it all the time but that is a definite keeper. That neck pup man, wicked!

[@le_elexius0444]

That's one of the most beautiful Les Pauls I have ever seen... and very special

[@FUNZO1975]

My first real Gibson Les Paul was a 1978 "Artisan" with 3 pickups and the walnut brown finish. I paid $700. for it in 1988/1989.

[@scottdavidson6066]

Wow!

[@skidudek2]

You can tap the top lightly with your finger to see if it has weight relief, on my traditional 9 hole weight relief it has a very distinct hollow sound when you tap where the routes are, you should try it.

[@mikesmusicden]

That is one of the best looking Gibsons I have ever seen. Great find! You mentioned that it was previously owned by a "rock star." My vote is Ace Frehley (post KISS).

[@webbfaze124]

That thing is BLUE. I been thinking a dark blue LP Custom would be sharp. Not like a straight up blue… but more of a dark navy.

[@jwd1112]

Austin, this might be my most favorite guitar that you’ve had on the channel… I love it, it’s gorgeous!

[@drvijil]

A beautiful guitar, that shade of blue is very striking. Pretty much my favorite guitar I’ve seen on your show ! Congrats on acquiring that rare Gibson gem 😎

[@alexperez3651]

That thing is gorgeous. Would love an artisan. So tastefully fancy. Great find trogly!

[@mikaldene7146]

Did he run that body on that old Ekstrom? That's amazing considering how old that machine was. Allen-Bradley controller was older than the 78 mill I started on back in the day. I saw them haul it out when the Komo mill showed up Thanksgiving week in 93. I ran 500 bodies a night, 500 fretboards, and as many necks I could do, carve tops, and drill bodies. All the guys left that week to get trained and returned August 94. I made a bunch of guitars, too many really. Now I just build my own customs...later

[@bks2463]

That bridge pickup sounds AMAZING with some dirt on it. Would really cut through in a band/live situation.

[@richyriff]

Love that blue color and the binding!

[@ocmonman1]

It would be really something if you could get a famous artist who played something like this to play it. Nice score. Congratulations!

[@kearneydillon4803]

Been watching you for years. Love your show. I just have 1 suggestion. You should pick up a box of disposable rubber/nylon gloves so you can handle the guitars worry free. I only handle my guitars and drums/cymbals with them on now (of course not while performing, just handling) as the acid in my sweat/fingerprints is not good for finishes/metal. It saves me work in polishing and future corrosion.

[@paulburton5150]

Wow. Congrats on finding this one. Not only looks amazing but sounds great too.

[@dlux8735]

Good for you, when you least expect it! The universe delivers. Cheers!

[@illpro2]

Nice review. Extra points for the "Ride The Lightning" riff.

[@nellayema2455]

That's a beauty! With the round wire channel and the volute, I'd bet that it is a NOS Kalamazoo body and neck.

[@backpackbiker2675]

Another Great Video!! Thank you!!!

[@USWNTfan101]

I love this guitar. Would probably be something I would consider ordering from Gibson if I had that kind of money.

[@yoboisteven1741]

"TROGLY IN THE HOUSE" -Greg

[@williammcclurd7448]

Beautiful les paul. It's blue and everyone else is green with envy

[@matthewguarna2975]

I loved the sound of the bridge distorted, much more than the neck

[@timrussellguitar1516]

I didn’t think I would like the blue Les Paul, but it’s beautiful. The inlays are sick🎸

[@clarkbabin9799]

I'm not a huge fan of blue guitars but the right shade of blue as this one is makes all the difference. Congratulations on the acquisition of that beauty. Ever since you showed us the race inspired SGs I've been looking for one. If and when you do build your museum don't cheap out. Make sure you have something with a high wind rating and extra meaty construction. Your likely used to tornado's whereas I'm used to hurricanes. Ida last year did some damage to my home but it was minimal compared to others around me. Just rewatched this video October 28, 2022. I find the two pickups sound a little like a Telecaster. I hope its going to be a museum where you regularly pl or have a guest play one of your collection of guitars.

[@stevelueb7787]

Evan's Music in Houston TX had 2 (90 & 91) Translucent Blue 1960 Classic Les Paul's they couldn't sell. Evan's had the whole lineup of colors: Black, Sunburst, Tobacco Burst, Honey Burst, Cherry Burst, Translucent Burgundy & Translucent Hot Pink. I negotiated Evan's down to $850 w/case. I should've bought the Hot Pink or Honey Burst the

[@imelvino]

April Wine lead singer guitarist also had an artisan, and it's on the cover of the Power Play album

[@goodvibes4260]

Trogly keep doing your thing. Love what you got going on. You're going to be known as the ultimate guitar guru of our generation!

[@RolandSpecialSauce]

Well, the Gibson guru.

[@rickycompton2610]

What a killer score Trogly congrats on the artisan .

[@StudioBeast7575]

Such a rare and Beautiful guitar. Awesome find! As for pickups i prefer tar back over shaws. Shaws are just to muddy for me.

[@Nothing-gv8mv]

Congratulations on such a cool addendum to the dream Museum

[@ramspencer5492]

It sounds perfect...... Great tones to go with such a pretty one off guitar. You just need to adjust the heights of the pick-ups and match the pedals and amp/EQ to optimize it. That's a great sounding guitar. I can tell. Just dial it in...

[@adambennett9756]

Love that you used the Call of Ktulu riff

[@MrJermeyp]

Can’t wait to come see this in your museum Trogly . I can’t wait for that museum

[@vincentrandles8105]

Can't wait to see your museum, (After it's up & running of course) I just think it would be way cool!!

[@stomp43]

Great Find Austin. I loved all the back history as usual. Great video thanks.

[@TheLochs]

I'm a Strat guy, but I love Les Pauls as well, but 3 Humbucker Les Pauls are the Bomb. I love them. I want one. lol

[@ROBERTTIMCO]

just such dreamy tones.... this does take the cake - wanted Rock and Roll Music to the world but this west coast Gretsch guy was up on tiptoes looking over your back fence, nice one.

[@tgvettes]

Not a huge Les Paul fan but this one I would love to have. If it had had Gold hardware it would have been perfect.

[@sgt.grinch3299]

O so close! That is a great guitar.

[@hkguitar1984]

Happy Saturday Night Sarge

[@jacbo374]

Wow.. That is insanely beautiful congrats!!