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Head to head

Gibson 1957 Les Paul Custom Reissue 3-Pickup, Light Aged, Ebony vs Gibson Kirk Hammett 1979 Flying V, Ebony

Gibson 1957 Les Paul Custom Reissue 3-Pickup, Light Aged, Ebony
Electric$8,999
No ratings yet
78Overall / 100
Gibson Kirk Hammett 1979 Flying V, Ebony
Electric$14,999
No ratings yet
76Overall / 100

The verdict

The Gibson 1957 Les Paul Custom Reissue 3-Pickup, Light Aged, Ebony and Gibson Kirk Hammett 1979 Flying V, Ebony are closely matched overall — 78 to 76 on our estimated score.

Estimated from specs & owner reviews — a starting point, not a substitute for playing both.

Gibson 1957 Les Paul Custom Reissue 3-Pickup, Light Aged, Ebony wins on
  • Better sound (79 vs 71)
  • Lower price ($8,999 vs $14,999)
Gibson Kirk Hammett 1979 Flying V, Ebony wins on

No standout advantage.

Scorecard

Estimated scores
Metric1957 Les Paul Custom Reissue 3-Pickup, Light Aged, EbonyKirk Hammett 1979 Flying V, Ebony
Overall7876
Build8787
Playability7575
Sound7971
Value6866

Full specifications

Specification comparison
Spec1957 Les Paul Custom Reissue 3-Pickup, Light Aged, EbonyKirk Hammett 1979 Flying V, Ebony
BrandGibsonGibson
TypeElectricElectric
Years——
CountryUSUS
Body wood1-Piece Mahogany1-piece Mahogany
Neck woodSolid Mahogany3-piece Mahogany with Volute
FretboardEbony1-piece Indian Rosewood
Strings66
Frets2222
Scale24.75"24.75"
PickupsCustombucker Alnico 3 / Custombucker Alnico 3T-Type Humbucker / T-Type Humbucker
Rating——
Price$8,999$14,999
Body FinishMurphy Lab Aged Nitrocellulose LacquerMurphy Lab Aged Nitrocellulose Lacquer
Body shapeLes PaulFlying V
Body StylesLes PaulFlying V
BridgeABR-1Custom Replica Bridge
Bridge pickupCustombucker Alnico 3T-Type Humbucker
CaseHardshellSKB Flying V Case
Control CoversTrue Historic; Custom Shop Medallion—
Control KnobsTrue Historic Black Top HatBlack Speed
Controls3 Volume, Master Tone, Vintage Taper Potentiometers, Paper in Oil Capacitors2 Volume, Master Tone; CTS potentiometers
FinishGold; Murphy Lab Light AgedChrome
Fretboard inlayMother of Pearl Custom BlockPerloid Dot
Fretboard radius304.8mm / 12.0in304.8mm / 12.0in
Fret Count2222
Headstock InlayGibson Logo and Custom Split Block Inlay in Mother of Pearl—
JointGlued In, Set Neck; Hide Glue FitGlued In, Set Neck
Middle pickupCustombucker Alnico 3—
ModelCUS18834FV79KHEBCH1
Mounting RingsTrue Historic BlackBlack
Neck pickupCustombucker Alnico 3T-Type Humbucker
NutNylonCorian
Nut width42.86mm / 1.69in39.12mm / 1.54in
Output Jack1/4" Switchcraft1/4" Switchcraft
PickguardTrue HistoricFour-ply, White
Pickup Selector3-way Switchcraft Toggle3-Way Switchcraft Toggle
Profile50s Rounded Medium CKirk Hammett V Profile
Scale length628.65mm / 24.75in628.65mm / 24.75in
Strap Buttons2 - Brass2 - Schaller Strap Locks (Black)
String gauges.010, .013, .017, .026, .036, .046.010, .013, .017, .026, .036, .046
Switch TipTrue Historic AmberCream
SwitchwasherTrue Historic Black—
TailpieceStop BarStop Bar; Heavy Chrome
Truss rodAuthentic 1950s No-TubeAdjustable
Truss Rod CoverTrue Historic'79 V
Tuner PlatingGoldChrome
TunersKluson Waffleback with Plastic ButtonsM6 Schaller
Accessories—Certificate of Authenticity
End Of Board Width—50.04mm / 1.97in
Headstock—1979 Flying V
Jack Plate Cover—Aged Black Switch Washer (Around Output Jack)
Pickup Covers—None
Plastic Parts—Black

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