-Serial number 2106. This is THE earliest documented, surviving 1961 Les Paul Standard in the world. It is possible that there are earlier ones in existence, but they haven't been photographed, sold or recorded in dealer databases or collector archives and are not available online. There were 1662 Gibson Les Paul Standards produced during 1961. This number includes a variety of different features as the model evolved into what eventually became the Gibson SG by 1963.
-Original PAF pickups and all solder joints.
-The pot codes are 43rd week of 1960.
-Around mid 1961, Gibson shortened the magnets in the PAF pickups from 2.5" to 2.37". This guitar being from the first batch, has the same full length magnet of a 1960 "burst" Les Paul
-On the earliest 1961 guitars, the neck tenon did not go into the body as far as later in 61 when it was strengthened. This, along with other features make these first few guitar structurally and historically distinct from later 1961 guitars. This neck joint design was more delicate and less robust which is the reason they later modified it. The neck joint on this guitar remains in perfect condition.
-The cavity routing on the earliest ones is different as well.
-The pick guard on this guitar almost touches the plastic Rhythm/Treble switch ring. This is original and extremely rare.
-The truss rod cover is blank. Later in 61, the Les Paul name was added.
-The second owner bought this guitar in London, Ontario in 1967. He added the decal to the case at that time. The name of the store, Chapman and Hewett, is on a sticker on the underside of the tailpiece cover. There is a picture of that store provided.
-This guitar had Grovers installed at some point which resulted in a headstock wing separation along the seam. This was professionally repaired and it now has Kluson "Double Line" tuners with double ring tulip knobs. Of course, they should be "Single Line", but the correct ones are hard to locate. These work well and match the foot prints left by the originals, so I left it alone.
-There are no cracks or finish issues.
-All original except the tuners.
-The original case is in great shape. Only the very first batch had this brown and pink case.