Basic cost to build a Les Paul

[LOSTVENTURE]

I know that there are several talented builders on this site and maybe a former Gibson employee. My question is to you gentlemen.
I see the prices of guitars, particularly Gibson's Les Pauls, going through the roof. You can get a Standard for just under $2000 but you can also put out close to $5000 for some models. I am not in that market right now, but I have to ask "What does it cost for Gibson to build one of those?" The Standard for example. I paid $325 for a new re-issue Custom, complete with the speed frets, back in '69. Now I'm aware of the cost of living increases and all that but does anyone know what the basic cost is now.
Thanks, Don

[KRamone27]

I agree, the price of Gibsons' guitars have gone up quite a lot. I look at the increase like this, the fuel and export tax to get the Mahogany from Honduras or where ever else they get it from might have gone up. If I recall corretly they get charged an environmental tax or something like that. But I could be wrong on these but maybe some else will chime in. Kevin

[oipunkguy]

well for one thing Gibson is making what is really a main line guitar in the VOS series, and slapping a "custom shop" sticker on the pickguard, and that is their reason to charge five grand. I built one myself, with an upgraded bridge and stopbar then the VOS models, and it cost 1200 including a case. You be the judge.
What makes me crazy is the the price jumps 2-3 grand for a flame maple top. I'm sorry, but flame maple veneer ain't that expensive. Even if the flame maple was solid, a couple hundred bucks, I can deal with, 2 grand is a rip off. I hate trash talkin my first favorite guitars, but there's only so much BS one can handle...

[oipunkguy]

a project I keep playing around with in my free time...

[Sarah93003]

That looks like fun!

[Dennisthe Menace]

Can one of you Gentlemen please Ed-u-ma-cate me what the exact lingo (VOS) from Gibson stands for???

[Sarah93003]

Can one of you Gentlemen please Ed-u-ma-cate me what the exact lingo (VOS) from Gibson stands for???

I ain't a gentleman but.....

Vintage Original Spec

is what I think you're asking about

[Dennisthe Menace]

Thanks Sarah. I guess they had to come up with a new name since too many people
were having fun with their "Histerical Collection"....errrr "Historical Collection."

[Sarah93003]

That's funny! Gretsch had it's Histeric Series as well.

[Veenture]

...I always thought "VOS" stood for "Very Old Stock"
However, I am aware of "NOS" ...preferably a Mosrite '63 sidejack, for instance

[edit] sorry Don for wandering off the road here a little... Now back to building costs.