les paul studio black with dot neck 82105551

by marc rubin
(cleveland ohio)

Just curious about what I have. I modified it to include split and phase on the tone and volume controls, updated the bridge and all hardware to gold, and replaced the tuners with spretzels.

Appears to have ebony neck. I think it is a 1985 model.

ANSWER

Hi, Marc--

The serial number indicates that Your guitar was made at the Nashville Plant, TN, USA July 29th, 1985 Production Number: 51

Here is the Blue Book general info:

LES PAUL STUDIO (LPST)
- single sharp cutaway mahogany or swamp ash (2003-present) body, carved maple top, raised black pickguard, 22-fret rosewood fingerboard with pearl dot inlay, tune-o-matic bridge/stop tailpiece, three-per-side tuners, chrome hardware, two covered humbucker pickups, four knobs (two v, two tone), three-way pickup switch, available in Alpine White (disc. 2008), Blue Teal Flip-Flop (disc. 2005), Classic White (disc. 2008), Ebony, Fireburst (disc. 2008), Platinum (2003-05), Pewter (2002 only), White (disc. 1994), or Wine Red (disc. 2008) finish, mfg. 1984-1998, reintroduced 2001-present.

Here is the Blue Book pricing info:

Mint $1,000
Exc.+ $850
Exc.$700
Avg.+ $600
Avg. $500
General $425

***The Rosewood fingerboard was replaced by Ebony in 1987. Is the neck on your guitar original? (Assuming that it IS Ebony)

***The vintage guitar market is pretty much dominated by the desire for original condition. This means that collectors are usually interested only in guitars that have not been modified.

If you are wanting to sell, the value may be diminished by the modifications. If you are wanting to insure it, go for the higher price.

Best Wishes,
Lynne