THE BEAST HAS ARRIVED!!!
This creation is a radical departure from Les Paul tradition, and there is nothing standard about it. From the finish, to the construction, to the electronics, to the aesthetic appointments, the dragon stands out. Nothing compares to it…
The dragon is a truly unique, one-of-one masterpiece. Even prior pieces from Gibson’s “Master Artisan Collection” can’t compare to it. The dragon has been custom-designed with the most luxurious appointments - and then some! Where to begin?
The dragon inlays are eye-catching right from the start - the intricate design is accomplished with many individual pieces of abalone, mother of pearl, and golden mother of pearl. These inlays display beautiful figuring, which dance and shimmer in the light. The inlay work is a masterpiece itself - the complexity and detail is truly a design marvel which must be seen to be believed. Both the dragon inlays within the ebony fretboard and the figured maple headstock veneer are simply works of fine art.
To address the white elephant in the room, the dragon features 3 of Gibson Custom Shop’s exposed-coil “Double Classic White” CustomBuckers - NOT ‘57 Classic pickups. The dragon is wired as typical for triple pickup Gibsons: the treble position selects the bridge pickup only, the middle position selects the bridge and middle pickups (in phase), and the rhythm position selects the neck pickup only. The electronics have been wired with paper-in-oil “Bumblebee” capacitors, and clear top hat knobs are employed to give the dragon a futuristic look. The rest of the plastics are a matching cream color, but the switch washer and pickguard have been omitted to better display the figured maple.
The Full Gloss “Purple Denim” color is also a custom-designed shade which blends blues, purples, and pinks. The staining process highlights the beautiful figuring, which was hand selected for its strong flame and consistent appearance from the top to the back. Maple backs are rarely used to construct Les Pauls, much less one this gorgeous! The rims are finished in TV white to contrast the rest of the dragon, giving it a “two-toned” appearance. The body has also been chambered to impart a lightweight feel to the dragon. Furthermore, the unusual construction and color theme continues to the neck and headstock veneer. The neck is a 3-piece figured maple neck while the headstock veneer is also figured maple - both are stained Purple Denim. The 2 “traditional” walnut stripes have been omitted from the neck for consistent color and a “wild” appearance transitioning from piece to piece within the neck. Chrome hardware helps the color “pop”, and so does the luxurious multi-ply abalone binding found all over the dragon. Additionally, the side dots of the fingerboard are also abalone.
The bridge is an ABR-1, while the tailpiece is a fancy TP-6. The tuners are Grover’s upscale 150C model, fitted with “Imperial” tuning pegs. The truss rod cover is solid mother of pearl and features the dragon motif.
This dragon is wicked!
Condition is "Excellent". Includes pictured accessories, COA, and case. An additional Gibson “Deluxe Protector” Les Paul Case is included and used for shipment.
Feel free to ask any questions!
Measurements
Weight: 8 lbs 8 oz
Nut Width: 1.67 in
12th Fret Width: 2.04 in
1st Fret Thickness: .83 in
12th Fret Thickness: .98 in
