Throughout the 1970s, Gibson had produced publicity material split into segments: thinlines, Les Pauls, solid bodies, basses etc: this 1978 catalog was the first time since Norlin took control (in fact since 1966) that a full-line electrics (no acoustic guitars or amplifiers) catalog had been printed. And Gibson did a great job, producing a very full 36 page guide to Gibson's 1978 product line. 28 pages of guitars in full-colour 11" x 8 1/2".
The 1978 Gibson catalog was most likely produced in the second half of that year: certainly it contains new models not included in the January or May 1978 price lists. The last Gibson catalog of the seventies, and also the last catalog appearance for several models. It is however, the first for quite a few more, such as the newly launched RD guitar and RD bass ranges, The Les Paul, the Les Paul Artisan, the Les Paul 55/78 and the ES-347TD.
'78 was a great year for the Gibson Les Paul - sales, especially of the Les Paul Custom, far exceeded the levels of the rest of the Gibson range. The 78 catalog featured 3 Customs; the two pickup, three pickup and the maple fretboard versions.
Click on the images for full size versions of each page, or click on the model names below
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