Les Paul KM (“Kalamazoo Model”)
The Les Paul KM model was made in the Kalamazoo plant in 1979, supposedly at the request of a southern sales district, according to one account (this history is refuted by another account). The guitar was intended be a sunburst Les Paul that more closely approximated ’59 Standard specs. The result, the KM model, is a nice guitar but does not come close to a ’59 reissue. The guitar has two exposed coil, double cream colored T-top humbuckers, speed knobs, large black side dot markers, a Nashville bridge, stop tailpiece, Grover tuners, wide binding in the cutaway, brown backplates, and “Les Paul K.M.” engraved on the truss rod cover. The guitar has an unusually wide headstock and a volute and three piece mahogany neck. The Gibson logo on the headstock has a closed “b” and “o”. The first run had a “Custom Made” plaque that was either left loose in the case or mounted below the tailpiece. The guitar came in antique sunburst, natural, or cherry sunburst finish. Many examples of this model in bright cherry sunburst or dark sunburst have been available, many with plain tops. It is reported that some flametops were made, such as this example. Many of which were shipped to Japan. A total of approximately 1,500 Les Paul KMs were made. To find one in such fine 100& original condition with a flamey top and Custom Made plaque is very rare. First one I have come across in my experience. Super guitar.
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