1979 Gibson Les Paul KM (Kalamazoo) - Cherry Sunburst

1979 Gibson Les Paul K.M. – Cherry Sunburst | Rare Kalamazoo Model with T-Top Pickups

The Altitude Summary

Here’s a rare bird you don’t come across often—a 1979 Gibson Les Paul K.M. (Kalamazoo Model) in a beautifully aged Cherry Sunburst finish. Originally produced in limited numbers during Gibson’s factory transition from Kalamazoo to Nashville, the Les Paul K.M. is prized for its unique historical significance and standout tone. Outfitted with a pair of exposed double-cream T-Top humbuckers and built with a solid mahogany body and maple top, this guitar delivers the rich, punchy tones that late-‘70s Gibsons are known for. Weighing in at 9.5 lbs with a C neck profile and a killer vintage vibe, this K.M. is both a collector's piece and a serious player's guitar.  The guitar is in excellent condition for being over 45 years old, showing only minor surface scratches/play wear, some dings on the back and sides - but nothing major.  Frets have some wear, but no notable buzzing.  The neck has some incredible flaming/figuring on the backside, with gorgeous top and back woods for the body.

Vintage Tone and Classic Construction

The Les Paul K.M. sports a solid mahogany body topped with figured flame maple, giving it excellent sustain and resonance. The factory-installed T-Top humbuckers are open-coil double creams—sought-after for their articulate, muscular tone and unmistakable midrange growl. With all original 1979 pots and a factory-wired control layout, this guitar stays true to its era both visually and sonically.

Fast Neck, Comfortable Feel

The slim maple neck features cream binding, a rosewood fretboard with trapezoid inlays, and a large volute. Frets show some wear but still play great, and the truss rod functions perfectly. Thanks to a fresh setup, this guitar is ready to plug in and play.

Condition & Vibe

This guitar shows honest wear consistent with its age—small dings, light finish checking, and a beautifully aged patina that adds to its vintage appeal. It’s got that road-worn look without any structural issues, and the original hardware and electronics remain intact and fully functional.

Key Features:

• 1979 Gibson Les Paul K.M. (Kalamazoo Model)

• Solid mahogany body with flame maple top

• Slim-taper maple neck with rosewood fingerboard

• Original double-cream T-Top humbuckers

• All original pots dated to 1979

• Factory stopbar tailpiece and Tune-O-Matic bridge

• Grover tuners, volute neck joint

• Weighs 9.5 lbs – resonant and well-balanced

• Vintage Cherry Sunburst finish

• Original hardshell case included

A Rare Vintage Find

Whether you're a vintage Gibson collector or a player chasing late-‘70s tone, the Les Paul K.M. offers a unique blend of history, mojo, and playability. This example stands out not only for its rarity but also for its clean originality and exceptional tone. Don't miss your shot at a true Kalamazoo-era gem.