For Sale: 1986 Gibson Les Paul Custom – Rare Ferrari Red | Factory Second | Original Chainsaw Case

Up for sale is a 1986 Gibson Les Paul Custom in the extremely rare and striking Ferrari Red finish, complete with its original Gibson chainsaw hard-shell case.

Ferrari Red is one of the coolest and much less commonly seen finishes from this era, and it looks incredible against the traditional Les Paul Custom appointments, including the ebony fingerboard, multi-ply binding, block inlays, and gold hardware.

Even better, this example remains all original, including its original Gibson Patent # humbuckers and original electronics. The potentiometers date to 1986, consistent with the year of manufacture.

This guitar has definitely been played over the years and shows plenty of honest cosmetic wear, but it remains a great-playing, great-sounding vintage Les Paul Custom with tons of character.

Condition

Very Good

This is a played vintage guitar and shows honest cosmetic wear throughout, including:

• Scratches throughout
• Various small dings
• Wear on the back of the body
• General finish and hardware aging consistent with use
• Some sanding visible on the back of the headstock
• Evidence of a small amount of glue around some tuner mounting screws

Please review all photos carefully for the most accurate representation of condition.

Important Headstock Disclosure

There appears to have been some sanding on the back of the headstock at some point in the guitar's life.

We do not know why this was done.

We carefully inspected the area and do not see any evidence of a headstock break or repair. There are no cracks or structural issues that we can identify. Rather than speculate about why the sanding was done, we want to clearly disclose exactly what we see and allow the photos to speak for themselves.

The serial number is still visible but is difficult to read due to the condition of this area. It appears to read approximately:

83505XX

We cannot confidently determine the final digits, so we are listing the serial number only as far as we can reliably make it out.

There are also a few areas around the tuners where it appears a small amount of glue may have been applied to the tuner mounting screws, presumably to help keep them secure.

Again, please review the detailed photos of these areas carefully.

Factory Second

This guitar is a factory second and is stamped "SEC" on the back of the headstock.

Factory seconds were instruments Gibson designated as having a cosmetic imperfection that prevented them from being sold as standard first-quality examples.

The SEC designation does not affect the way this guitar plays or sounds.

Originality

One of the major highlights of this Les Paul Custom is that the guitar remains all original.

It retains its:

• Original Gibson Patent # humbuckers
• Original 1986-dated potentiometers
• Original electronics
• Original tuners
• Original bridge and tailpiece
• Original hardware
• Original Ferrari Red finish

No modifications or replacement parts are known to us.

The guitar also comes with its original Gibson chainsaw hard-shell case.

Specifications

• Model: Gibson Les Paul Custom
• Year: 1986
• Finish: Ferrari Red
• Factory Designation: Second / "SEC" Stamp
• Serial Number: Appears to be 83505XX – final digits are difficult to read
• Body: Mahogany with Maple Top
• Neck: Mahogany
• Fingerboard: Ebony
• Inlays: Mother-of-Pearl Block
• Scale Length: 24.75"
• Nut Width: 1.70"
• Neck Depth: .84" at the 1st Fret
• Neck Depth: .97" at the 12th Fret
• Pickups: Original Gibson Patent # Humbuckers
• Potentiometers: Original, Dated 1986
• Hardware: Gold
• Weight: 10 lbs 0 oz
• Case: Original Gibson Chainsaw Hard-Shell Case

Original Patent # Humbuckers

A major selling point of this guitar is its original Gibson Patent # humbuckers.

These pickups are still in the guitar and deliver exactly the kind of powerful, articulate humbucker tone players look for in a great 1980s Les Paul Custom.

The neck pickup is warm, full, and smooth with plenty of definition, while the bridge has the bite and authority needed for classic rock and higher-gain tones.

Combined with the ebony fingerboard and substantial Les Paul Custom construction, this guitar has a focused attack, strong midrange, and excellent sustain.

Tone & Feel

This is a substantial vintage Les Paul Custom that feels every bit like the serious instrument it is.

The neck measures .84" at the 1st fret and .97" at the 12th fret, gradually filling out as you move toward the upper register. The ebony fingerboard provides the smooth feel and crisp response that have always helped distinguish the Les Paul Custom from other Les Paul models.

At exactly 10 lbs 0 oz, it has the solid, authoritative feel associated with many great Les Paul Customs from this period.

Most importantly, the guitar plays and sounds fantastic.

The neck is straight and stable, and there are no cracks or structural issues to note. The guitar has been professionally inspected and set up and is ready to play.

Rare Ferrari Red Finish

The Ferrari Red finish is what immediately separates this guitar from the sea of Ebony, Alpine White, and Sunburst Les Paul Customs.

It is bold, unmistakably '80s, and exceptionally cool.

Combined with the ebony fingerboard, multi-ply Custom binding, gold hardware, and mother-of-pearl block inlays, the bright red finish gives this guitar a look that is simultaneously classic Les Paul Custom and completely unique.

The years of genuine playwear only add to its vintage character.

Original Chainsaw Case

The guitar comes with its original Gibson chainsaw hard-shell case.

Having the original chainsaw case is another great addition to an already distinctive vintage Gibson and helps complete the package.

Transparency & Photos

As with all Guitar Chimp listings, detailed photos are provided of the exact instrument—no stock photos.

We have taken extra care to photograph the headstock area, factory SEC stamp, difficult-to-read serial number, tuner areas, scratches, dings, back wear, and other cosmetic imperfections.

At the end of the photo set, you'll find close-up images taken under direct lighting to make the condition as easy to evaluate as possible.

With a vintage guitar, we believe transparency is extremely important.

We don't just describe the condition—we show it in detail so there are no surprises.

Many customers tell us their guitars arrive in better condition than expected.

Why Buy From Guitar Chimp?

With over 18 years of experience, Guitar Chimp is trusted by players and collectors worldwide for high-quality, player-ready instruments.

Every guitar is thoroughly inspected and professionally set up by our in-house luthier.

We are experts at shipping and have safely shipped thousands of guitars all over the world. Every instrument is professionally packed, fully insured, and shipped with signature confirmation.

Buy with confidence knowing your instrument will arrive safely and exactly as described.

📞 Call/Text: (801) 317-9013

💬 Message anytime—we're always happy to help!

This 1986 Gibson Les Paul Custom in rare Ferrari Red is a killer vintage Gibson with tons of genuine character. It retains its original Patent # humbuckers, original 1986-dated electronics, original hardware, rare Ferrari Red finish, ebony fingerboard, and original chainsaw case.

It is a factory second with the SEC stamp and has the fully disclosed cosmetic history around the back of the headstock, but we see no evidence of a headstock break or repair and no structural issues.

If you're looking for an unusual '80s Les Paul Custom that stands apart from the typical black and white examples—and one that has been played rather than sitting untouched in a case—this Ferrari Red Custom is a seriously cool guitar.

🎸 Jerald – Guitar Chimp

Providing The Finest Guitars, Basses & Amps Since 2006