1974 Gibson Les Paul Custom Twentieth Anniversary (W916)

Gibson released the 20th Anniversary Les Paul Custom in 1974–75 to celebrate 20 years since the model’s debut. This marked Gibson’s first official anniversary model, featuring the "Twentieth Anniversary" engraving on the 15th-fret block inlay.

• The model was limited in production—approximately 60 guitars made between 1974 and 1975 across several finishes.

• While some accounts suggest that the “Twentieth Anniversary” inlay was more widespread in 1974 Les Paul Customs, collector records still regard the anniversary models as rare and highly collectible.

• Body: Pancake-style construction with mahogany–maple–mahogany.

• Neck: Three-piece mahogany (later years moved to maple), often with a reinforcing volute behind the headstock.
  

• Fingerboard: Ebony with mother-of-pearl block inlays and the commemorative "Twentieth Anniversary" block at the 15th fret.

• Hardware: Gold-plated—includes ABR-1 bridge, stopbar tailpiece, gold tuners, and witch-hat knobs.

• Electronics: Dual humbuckers (Pat. No. versions), typical of the era.

Notable Owner

Musician Ian Bairnson famously played a 1974 Cherry Sunburst Anniversary Les Paul Custom, citing its mahogany-pancake body and ebony fretboard. It became his signature instrument on many iconic recordings.

Summary Table