1980 Custom Colour Gibson Les Paul Standards

At MEZZO FURIOSO we have been fortunate enough to have one of these ultra rare models fall into our hands - that would be a 1980 Gibson Les Paul Standard in Holly Green S/N: 82890014.

There are many narratives surrounding these elusive models, one of which is that only 25 examples of this particular finish were manufactured (although not confirmed by Gibson) and were ultimately the product of a 'mistake' - Gibson supposedly set out to make a Bahama Blue mix which resulted in a much darker green product.

Here are some of the key details relating to this 'rare bird' of a Les Paul Standard:

• Production: The commonly cited figure is 25 guitars produced during 1980–1981. This number has been repeated by dealers and owners who say Gibson confirmed it when contacted, although Gibson has never published an official production list.

• Model: Most known examples are Les Paul Standards, though there are also reports of similarly coloured Les Paul Customs from the same period.

• Finish: Holly Green is an opaque metallic green, distinct from Bahama Blue. Because Gibson's clear nitro lacquer yellows with age, many guitars now appear more olive or teal than they originally did, which has led to confusion over the colour.

So to conclude, it's safe to say that the 1980–81 Holly Green Gibson Les Paul Standard is one of the rarest documented factory custom-colour Les Pauls of the Norlin era.

Although it was never a regular catalogue finish, the available evidence indicates it was a genuine Gibson factory colour produced in a very small run rather than a later refinish. The often-quoted figure of around 25 guitars is widely accepted among collectors, but it has not been supported by published Gibson production records, so it should be treated as informed collector consensus rather than an officially verified total.

Thanks again!

MEZZO FURIOSO