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Gibson Custom Peter Frampton Phenix Inspired Les Paul Custom
Gibson Custom 1968 Les Paul Custom Reissue
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Playability
77
Sound
75
Build
77
Value
61
Score
76
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Playability
73
Sound
72
Build
72
Value
57
Score
72
FIND IT ON:
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Gibson Custom Peter Frampton Phenix Inspired Les Paul Custom vs 1968 Les Paul Custom Reissue

Reasons to Get
Gibson Custom Peter Frampton Phenix Inspired Les Paul Custom over 1968 Les Paul Custom Reissue

Weight Relief
Yes vs None
Lighter Body
Decorative Top
Solid Mahogany vs None
Finished with beautiful natural wood patterns
Frets Height
Taller vs Shorter
Easier to press down strings and bend them
Type of Frets
Jumbo vs Medium Jumbo
You won't feel the fretboard when pressing down the strings
Pickups
HHH vs HH
High output without hum and tons of tone versatility
Strap Lock
Yes vs None
Protects your guitar from dropping by locking the strap
Value Score
61 vs 57
Better price/quality relationship

Reasons to Get
Gibson Custom 1968 Les Paul Custom Reissue over Peter Frampton Phenix Inspired Les Paul Custom

Type of Frets
Medium Jumbo vs Jumbo
You'll feel the fretboard when pressing down the strings
Pickups
HH vs HHH
High output without hum

Other Key Differences
Gibson Custom Peter Frampton Phenix Inspired Les Paul Custom vs 1968 Les Paul Custom Reissue

Bridge Pickup
Custombucker vs 68 Custom Humbucker
Different Bridge Pickup
Neck Pickup
Custombucker vs 68 Custom Humbucker
Different Neck Pickup
Nut Material
Bone vs Nylon
Different Nut Material

Shared Features
Gibson Custom Peter Frampton Phenix Inspired Les Paul Custom vs 1968 Les Paul Custom Reissue

Body Wood
Mahogany
Same Body Wood
Neck Wood
Mahogany
Same Neck Wood
Fretboard Wood
Ebony
Same Fretboard Wood
Headstock
3-3
Same Headstock
Strings
6
Same playing style
Body Type
Solid Body
Feedback free
Switch Positions
3
Same pickups versatility
Volume Knobs
2
Same volume control
Tone Knobs
2
Same tone control
Number of Frets
22
Same maximum octave
Nut Width
1.688'' (42.9mm)
Same string separation at the nut
Paint Finish
Nitro
Thin finish that creates aging marks faster
Bridge
Fixed
Good sustain and needs no set-up
Scale Length
24.75'' (628.7mm)
Same string tension and fret separation
Fretboard Radius
12'' (304.8mm)
Same fretboard comfortability
Pickups Power
Passive
Cleaner sound and no battery needed
Neck Profile Type
C
Comfortable neck that works for most people
Neck Joint
Set
Neck is glued to the body

Common Strengths

  • High-Quality Nut
  • From a High-Quality-Standards Country
  • Top Pickup Brand
  • Expensive Wood

Common Weaknesses

  • Neck-Through Build
  • Pickup Alter Switch/Knob
  • Locking Tuners
  • Stays in Tune (Evertune)
  • High-Quality Frets
  • Compound Radius Fretboard
  • Luminescent Sidedots
  • 21:1 Tuner Ratio
  • Active/Passive Preamp

Table of Contents

Price History Comparison

Gibson Custom Peter Frampton Phenix Inspired Les Paul Custom Prices

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Gibson Custom 1968 Les Paul Custom Reissue Prices

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Which One is Better Overall?

After going through our comparison algorithm, the results show that the Gibson Custom Peter Frampton Phenix Inspired Les Paul Custom is probably the better product overall with its final score of 76 compared to the Gibson Custom 1968 Les Paul Custom Reissue's 72 score, although not by a lot.

The Gibson Custom Peter Frampton Phenix Inspired Les Paul Custom wins when it comes to sound, playability, build quality, value for the money. This means that it wins over the Gibson Custom 1968 Les Paul Custom Reissue in every aspect.

However, there's still a reason to choose the Gibson Custom 1968 Les Paul Custom Reissue instead. If you got small hands, you'll probably feel that the Gibson Custom 1968 Les Paul Custom Reissue is easier to play.

Which One is Better for Beginners?

Both meet 4 out of our 8 criteria items for beginner friendliness. This takes into account the type of frets, scale length, nut width, bridge type, fretboard radius, and neck profile to determine the easiest combination for new players. If you're looking for your first guitar to learn how to play, you can't go wrong with either of them.

New Player Friendliness

Gibson Custom Peter Frampton Phenix Inspired Les Paul Custom
  • Comfortable shape
  • Easy-to-use bridge
  • Tall frets
  • Comfortable neck
  • Comfortable fretboard
  • Narrow nut
  • Short scale
  • Locking tuners

New Player Friendliness

Gibson Custom 1968 Les Paul Custom Reissue
  • Comfortable shape
  • Easy-to-use bridge
  • Tall frets
  • Comfortable neck
  • Comfortable fretboard
  • Narrow nut
  • Short scale
  • Locking tuners

Nevertheless, when it comes to choosing an instrument, you should pick the one more compatible with your personal style. Still, below we'll try you to give you our results as objectively as it's possible to help you decide.

Gibson Custom Peter Frampton Phenix Inspired Les Paul Custom Overview

  • From Gibson Custom's 2022 Modern Collection series
  • Peter Frampton Signature
  • Made in United States
  • 6 strings
  • 24.75"'' scale
  • 12" Fretboard Radius
  • Solid Mahogany top
  • Mahogany body
  • Mahogany neck
  • Ebony fretboard
  • Bridge pickup: Custombucker (Humbucker/Passive)
  • Middle pickup: Custombucker (Humbucker/Passive)
  • Neck pickup: Custombucker (Humbucker/Passive)
  • 2 volume and 2 tone Speed knobs
  • 3-way Switch
  • Lightweight Aluminum Stop Bar with Long Stud/Anchor bridge
  • Peter Frampton Set neck
  • 22 Jumbo frets
  • Grover Kidney tuners
  • Compare Specs >

Gibson Custom 1968 Les Paul Custom Reissue Overview

  • From Gibson Custom's 2022 Historic Collection series
  • Made in United States
  • 6 strings
  • 24.75"'' scale
  • 12" Fretboard Radius
  • 1-Piece Mahogany body
  • Mahogany neck
  • Ebony fretboard
  • Bridge pickup: 68 Custom Humbucker (Humbucker/Passive)
  • Neck pickup: 68 Custom Humbucker (Humbucker/Passive)
  • 2 volume and 2 tone Bell knobs
  • 3-way Switch
  • ABR-1 (Wired) bridge
  • Traditional 1960s SlimTaper C Profile Set neck
  • 22 Medium Jumbo frets
  • Kluson Waffleback tuners
  • Compare Specs >

Sound Quality Comparison

The wood used in an electric guitar or bass is not as important to determine the final tone. However, some people prefer specific wood types, so we'll take a look at those first. Then, we'll take a look at the electronics to determine the versatility and sound quality of each instrument.

Woods Used in Both

Mahogany wood pattern used for guitar building
Mahogany
Ebony wood pattern used for guitar building
Ebony

Mahogany is a fairly rare wood nowadays. It's used mostly for bodies due to its relatively lightweight. Gibson popularized it with their Les Paul guitars during their golden years, so this wood has a lot of good reputation behind it. The most expensive type comes from South America and it's still used by Gibson even today. Find out more about Mahogany.

Ebony is a high-end wood, so it is not cheap. It's only used for fretboards because it's also very heavy. It does an excellent job as a durable material while looking elegant. Find out more about Ebony.

Winner: Tie.

Pickup Configuration

The Gibson Custom Peter Frampton Phenix Inspired Les Paul Custom has an HHH configuration while the Gibson Custom 1968 Les Paul Custom Reissue has HH pickups.

A triple Humbucker (HHH) can be intimidating at first, but it's one of the combinations that offer the most tone versatility. You'll be able to have from a lot of output for Hard Rock genres, to warm and clean sounds that are more common in Jazz.

On the other hand, Double Humbucker (HH) is the choice for people who want a fuller, more round sound with tons of mids and lows. Humbuckers also get rid of the hum noise that plague single-coil pickups. They can work out for almost any genre going from Djent to even Jazz.

Pickups Quality

Both come with very good pickups from at least one of the specialized brands in the market. With pickups like these, you probably won't need an upgrade anytime soon.

Both use Passive pickups. This is what's used for most music genres. They have a regular output and will serve you for both high-gain and clean tones. The alternative (Active pickups) offer a higher output that is mostly used for heavy music.

Winner: Tie.

Versatility Comparison

Some instruments offer you more ways to explore your creativity than others. Below you'll find how both compare when it comes to versatility.

Switch Options

Both are equal when it comes to the pickup switching option.

Neither of them come with some kind of coil split or pickup mod option. This makes both lacking in terms of versatility.

Gibson Custom Peter Frampton Phenix Inspired Les Paul Custom pickups switch and push knobs diagram
Gibson Custom Peter Frampton Phenix Inspired Les Paul Custom's switch options
Gibson Custom 1968 Les Paul Custom Reissue pickups switch and push knobs diagram
Gibson Custom 1968 Les Paul Custom Reissue's switch options

When evaluating versatility, we also take into consideration bridge and neck joint type, number of frets, switch options, amount of pickups and more.

Winner: Gibson Custom Peter Frampton Phenix Inspired Les Paul Custom.

Final Sound Quality Scores

Gibson Custom Peter Frampton Phenix Inspired Les Paul Custom
Pickups 90
Sustain 85
Versatility 56
Tuning Stability 70
Sound 75
Gibson Custom 1968 Les Paul Custom Reissue
Pickups 90
Sustain 75
Versatility 53
Tuning Stability 70
Sound 72

Build Quality Comparison

When it comes to build quality, we like to take into account everything used to build the instrument. This includes materials, hardware and the quality control expected depending on the country where it was built. Let's see how the Gibson Custom Peter Frampton Phenix Inspired Les Paul Custom compares to the Gibson Custom 1968 Les Paul Custom Reissue.

Country of Origin

The manufacturing country can tell a lot about the build quality of an instrument. Both in this comparison where made in United States.

The United States is considered one of the best electric guitar manufacturers in the world. A guitar made in this country is supposed to have world-class quality control. Nowadays, guitars made in other countries can beat some of the ones made in the US, but most of the time, this country offers the best you can get. Of course, that comes at a price.

Winner: Tie

Nut Material

If you want your guitar to stay in tune and sound good, you need a well cut nut. Nut quality can be inconsistent even when comparing two copies of the same model. The best way to make sure you're nut will be well done is by getting a nut made by an expert company like TUSQ or Micarta.

The Gibson Custom Peter Frampton Phenix Inspired Les Paul Custom has a Bone nut. It's a type of nut found in high-quality instruments. They sound similar to Ivory since they give a lot of sustain and a bright sound (at least when striking open strings). The only problem they can run into is that you may get a bone piece that simply doesn't sound as well as others because that's just how natural materials are.

On the other hand, the Gibson Custom 1968 Les Paul Custom Reissue comes with a Nylon nut. It used to be one of the highest quality materials for nuts (and still is), but it's rare to find nowadays because it's hard to work with. It's a very resistant material with very low friction, so it will keep the guitar in tune and will last for a long time

Winner: Tie.

Fret Material

Most fret wire is made of nickel silver. This material eventually wears down after a lot of use and most instruments end up needing a complete fret replacement. However, some expensive models come with stainless steel frets. This is what you should aim for if you can afford it.

Unfortunately, none of them come with stainless steel frets.

Winner: Tie.

Bridge

The perfect bridge for you will depend on your playstyle because they all have advantages and disadvantages. However, some bridges are more expensive—like Floyd Roses and Evertunes—and thus add more value to a guitar.

Both come with a similar bridge: Fixed. It's a simple bridge that is very beginner-friendly since it doesn't require any set-up. You can swap strings easily. It might also give more sustain since it doesn't have complex moving parts that make the strings lose vibration. However, it doesn't have the same versatility as a tremolo bridge.

Since we need to be objective, the most expensive type of bridge will be the winner of this section. In the end, this doesn't matter if you're not going to use the bridge for its original purpose, so choose the bridge that fits your playing style better.

Winner: Tie.

Tuners

Both come with regular tuners. The Gibson Custom Peter Frampton Phenix Inspired Les Paul Custom's are Grover Kidney while the Gibson Custom 1968 Les Paul Custom Reissue's are Kluson Waffleback

Winner: Tie.

Neck Joint

Contrary to popular belief, the difference in sustain and tone that some neck joints give to a guitar is simply unperceivable—if they're all well built. However, some of them do have advantages over the others.

Both have a Set neck joint. This neck is tightly glued to the body. They give you the least versatility because you can't swap them for a neck that fits your hand better if you want to, unlike bolt-on necks. Some people think this gives more resonance and sustain, but there's no real difference if the bolt-on joint is well built.

Winner: Tie.

Here is the list of features that were considered when choosing the winner in the Features subcategory:

Strengths & Weaknesses
Gibson Custom Peter Frampton Phenix Inspired Les Paul Custom
  • Made in United States
  • Expensive Wood
  • Bone Nut
  • Top Brand Pickups
  • Weight Relief
  • Strap Lock
  • Cheap Fret Wire (NS)
  • No Locking Tuners
  • No Neck-Through Build
  • No Push Knob or Extra Switch Option
  • No Luminescent Inlay
  • No Tremolo
  • No Compound Radius Fretboard
  • No 21:1 Tuner Ratio
Strengths & Weaknesses
Gibson Custom 1968 Les Paul Custom Reissue
  • Made in United States
  • Expensive Wood
  • Nylon Nut
  • Top Brand Pickups
  • Cheap Fret Wire (NS)
  • No Locking Tuners
  • No Neck-Through Build
  • No Push Knob or Extra Switch Option
  • No Weight Relief
  • No Luminescent Inlay
  • No Tremolo
  • No Compound Radius Fretboard
  • No 21:1 Tuner Ratio
  • No Strap Lock

Final Build Quality Scores

Gibson Custom Peter Frampton Phenix Inspired Les Paul Custom
Quality of materials 70
Features 60
Quality Control 100
Build Quality 77
Gibson Custom 1968 Les Paul Custom Reissue
Quality of materials 66
Features 50
Quality Control 100
Build Quality 72

Playability Comparison

Let's now compare their playability. Bear in mind that the instrument will feel different depending on your hand size and play style. That's why you should always test before buying. But if you can't or want a second opinion on it, we can still take a look at each of the important measurements of the instrument for you. This way, we can predict how easy a guitar might be to play, or how different it will feel compared to the other.

Remember that, even though the difference might seem small, every inch counts when it comes to feeling of the instrument in your hands. Any variation can completely change how comfortable a guitar feels in your hands.

Nut Width

Gibson Custom Peter Frampton Phenix Inspired Les Paul Custom Nut Width
Both Guitars Have The Same Nut Width

The nut width will affect the separation between strings at the nut. In this comparison, both have a nut width of 42.9mm (1.688'').

This is within the most common range of nut widths for a 6-string guitar. It offers a good balance of string separation at the nut. It's the size that most guitarists prefer as it gives them just enough space to play open chords without muting the strings, but without spreading the strings too wide and making bar chords difficult to perform.

Scale Length

Gibson Custom Peter Frampton Phenix Inspired Les Paul Custom and Gibson Custom 1968 Les Paul Custom Reissue's Scale Length
Both have the same scale length

The scale length is one of the things that influences playability the most. This is the distance between the nut and the bridge and will affect everything from low action allowance, difficulty to perform bends, fret separation, and even tone.

In this case, both have a scale length of 24.75".

This is the scale length that Gibson uses for most of its Les Paul guitars. It's a smaller scale than the typical Stratocaster's 25.5''. Short scale lengths like this make it easier to bend the strings, which is pretty important if you have a fixed bridge. They also have a shorter fret separation, which makes it easier to change position fast at the fretboard.

On the other hand, a shorter scale like this one will make fret buzz more likely, which can affect you if you want to use thicker string gauges.

Lastly, remember that you can also affect the tension of the strings by changing your string gauge. You can use a thicker gauge for more tension and a lighter one for less tension.

Neck Profile

Gibson Custom Peter Frampton Phenix Inspired Les Paul Custom Neck Profile
Gibson Custom Peter Frampton Phenix Inspired Les Paul Custom's neck profile
Gibson Custom 1968 Les Paul Custom Reissue Neck Profile
Gibson Custom 1968 Les Paul Custom Reissue's neck profile

No single neck shape is better than others. However, most people tend to prefer a thinner necks because it doesn't get in their way when playing fast and most hand sizes can adapt to it pretty well. However, some people still prefer thicker necks for a better grip, especially if they have big hands.

Both the Gibson Custom Peter Frampton Phenix Inspired Les Paul Custom and the Gibson Custom 1968 Les Paul Custom Reissue have a C-shaped neck. This is what you'll find in most modern guitars. Most people feel like the thickness of a C neck is simply the less intrusive one for playing fast, while at the same time allowing you to grab the neck easily for resting if you want to.

Fretboard Radius

Gibson Custom Peter Frampton Phenix Inspired Les Paul Custom Fingerboard Radius
Both Guitars Have The Same Fretboard Radius

Most guitar fretboards are not flat; they usually have a curve or arc across their width. A curved fretboard will make it easier to perform chords without muting strings, while a flatter one will make it easier to play single notes, which is good for bending and soloing in general. The best fretboards have a compound radius that varies across the fingerboard, but they're not common since they take a lot more work to build.

Both the Gibson Custom Peter Frampton Phenix Inspired Les Paul Custom and the Gibson Custom 1968 Les Paul Custom Reissue have the same fretboard radius of 12". This is the radius used in most Gibson guitars. It gives you a good balance for playing chords without muting, but also good comfortability for playing single notes and bending.

Hand Size Comfortability

Everyone has a different hand size, and that's why it's recommended to try a guitar before buying, even if others tell you that it's comfortable to play. However, we can know whether a guitar favors small or large hands just by knowing its exact measurements.

And after taking into account the scale length, nut width, neck profile and fretboard radius, we can conclude that the Gibson Custom Peter Frampton Phenix Inspired Les Paul Custom favors large hands more than the Gibson Custom 1968 Les Paul Custom Reissue.

Gibson Custom Peter Frampton Phenix Inspired Les Paul Custom:
Big Hands
Small Hands
Gibson Custom 1968 Les Paul Custom Reissue:
Big Hands
Small Hands

Fret Size

Gibson Custom Peter Frampton Phenix Inspired Les Paul Custom Frets Size
Gibson Custom Peter Frampton Phenix Inspired Les Paul Custom's Frets Size
Gibson Custom 1968 Les Paul Custom Reissue Frets Size
Gibson Custom 1968 Les Paul Custom Reissue's Frets Size

The Gibson Custom Peter Frampton Phenix Inspired Les Paul Custom has Jumbo frets, which should be taller than the Gibson Custom 1968 Les Paul Custom Reissue's Medium Jumbo frets.

Some people prefer taller frets because they result in more sustain since the strings get pressed cleanly without interference from the fretboard. However, if they're too tall—like Jumbo frets—, you might change the pitch of the strings accidentally if you press too hard because you won't be touching the fretboard with your fingers. This is also why some guitarists with a heavy grip prefer smaller frets. They like to feel the fingerboard to avoid pressing down too hard and getting out of pitch.

Final Playability Scores

Gibson Custom Peter Frampton Phenix Inspired Les Paul Custom
Bending & Vibrato Ease 95
Chord Playability 55
Solo Playability 80
Playability 77
Gibson Custom 1968 Les Paul Custom Reissue
Bending & Vibrato Ease 85
Chord Playability 65
Solo Playability 70
Playability 73

Specs Side-by-Side

Gibson Custom Peter Frampton Phenix Inspired Les Paul Custom vs 1968 Les Paul Custom Reissue
General Gibson Custom Peter Frampton Phenix Inspired Les Paul Custom 1968 Les Paul Custom Reissue
Brand: Gibson Custom Gibson Custom
Year: 2022 2022
Configuration: HHH HH
Strings: 6 6
Made in: United States United States
Series: Modern Collection Historic Collection
Colors: Black Black
Left-Handed Version: No No
Body
Type: Solid Body Solid Body
Body Material: Mahogany 1-Piece Mahogany
Bridge: Lightweight Aluminum Stop Bar with Long Stud/Anchor ABR-1 (Wired)
Neck
Neck Joint: Set Set
Tuners: Grover Kidney Kluson Waffleback
Fretboard: Ebony Ebony
Neck Material: Mahogany Mahogany
Decoration: Custom Block; Frampton Signature Sandblasted into 12th Fret Inlay Mother of Pearl Block
Scale Size: 24.75" 24.75"
Shape: Peter Frampton Traditional 1960s SlimTaper C Profile
Thickness: 1st Fret: 0.88'' (22.4mm) - 12th Fret: 1.05'' (26.7mm) 1st Fret: - 12th Fret:
Frets: 22 Jumbo Nickel Silver 22 Medium Jumbo Nickel Silver
Fretboard Radius: 12" 12"
Nut: Bone Nylon
Nut Width: 42.9mm (1.688'') 42.9mm (1.688'')
Electronics
Bridge Pickup: Custombucker (Humbucker / Passive) 68 Custom Humbucker (Humbucker / Passive)
Middle Pickup: Custombucker (Humbucker / Passive)
Neck Pickup: Custombucker (Humbucker / Passive) 68 Custom Humbucker (Humbucker / Passive)
Switch: 3 Way 3 Way
Knobs: Speed Bell
Pickup Mods: None None
Volume Controls: 2 2
Tone Controls: 2 2