Gibson Historic Les Paul 1998 58 R8 Tom Murphy #30 Start Price USD 8,500.00 Current Price USD 8,500.00 Time Left - Bid Count 0 Buy It Now Price - Reserve Price - Start Time Thursday, July 03, 2008 End Time Sunday, July 13, 2008 Location Chatsworth, CA See more about 'Gibson Historic Les Paul 1998 58 R8 Tom Murphy #30 ' Description This is a 1998 Gibson Historic Les Paul R8. It is #30 of 30 which was Aged "&" Painted by Tom Murphy. This was one of the few "Murphys" that started it all . Gibson signed on to the aging process after this  & a few more Les Pauls were submitted in late 1998 early '99. A very successful run of 100 followed in *1999, & were the very last of the ones that "TM hand picked, aged & painted himself" like this one. As early as 1994 he had also painted the very first Historics, so this is a "piece" of Gibson History in and of itself ! There is nothing like the real thing . But as they say , it is what it is, & this IS the next best thing & not going to "break the bank". It plays & sounds as good as it looks. I do not have the distinction as a Players' player to truly to describe the tones this guitar will create IN YOUR HANDS adequately here. The Single Line RS Tuners were the only thing I changed up since the first wore out. Everything else shown is original to this LP & are included: the original Gibson Custom Art black tolex case with plush purple velvet interior , the "Customer Care Guide" , "Cord",  all Case Candy (*see photo). Whatever, if any, stigma that an R8 has, compared to R9, please let me know . I'll be glad to post any comments & answer any & all questions in a timely manner. The weight is 9.0 lbs. on a digital shipping scale.  ~ LONG LIVE THE R8s! ~ The guitars documentation, is on TM's shop "personal" letterhead & serves as the highly regarded LOA (letter of authenticity) . COA's did not exist until 1999. All paperwork in pictures are included. The back of the pickguard & cavity (you may wonder) were also signed for me at guitar shows by TM over the years. Now 10 years old, & getting better with age. *The "Lifton Tan" Case is from the 40th Anniversary Vintage World run in Rhode Island not included. See photos. The "Historic Custom" case started in 1997 , this is fact. Didn't Jimmy Page play another 10 yr old Burst in 1969? It is all about the wood!! This guitar will be safely packed and shipped. Buyer assumes ZERO risk of shipping loss or damage. I accept Paypal but would "prefer" a Cashier's check or US Postal money order for payment for this item.  You may request Wire transfer. Auction Winner to pay actual shipping charges in the USA only ...  my feedback is 100%, please be sure to check out my other auctions.  Please email me with ANY questions. I did the best I could to describe this as honestly as possible & Happy Hunting!  Enjoy (below) "another" Les Paul R8 Historic while you surf the bay..one of my favorites, and I hope he is one of yours ... http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=Gn09Xn9JF5s&feature=related   Place a Bid!