Help with the Gibson ID

[cuffdc]

I'm looking at a Gibson I'm told is 1983 from the custom shop. I'm a little concerned over the truss rod cover plate.

http://photos-h.ak.fbcdn.net/photos-ak-snc1/v2066/43/100/1577783505/n1577783505_88399_6472.jpg

Has anyone seen something like this before? The serial number is consistent with it being a Gibson from 1983.

Thanks

[TL4558P]

Any additional photos?

[cuffdc]

I took the truss rod cover off:
http://photos-e.ak.fbcdn.net/photos-ak-snc1/v2066/43/100/1577783505/n1577783505_88764_2744.jpg

Also serial number and custom shop logo:
http://photos-b.ak.fbcdn.net/photos-ak-snc1/v2066/43/100/1577783505/n1577783505_88401_7023.jpg

The body. Someone sometime put a Kahler bridge on it.
http://photos-f.ak.fbcdn.net/photos-ak-snc1/v2066/43/100/1577783505/n1577783505_88397_5939.jpg

Thanks

[mc5nrg]

The TR cover isn't factory and looks like it was fabricated to conceal the holes from the missing behind the nut lock. Guitar looks like the first Studio models generally referred to as "Studio Standards" today. The Gibson Kahler is probably factory. Looks right for an '83 Gibson. Can't see fret nibs well enough in the photos, if there aren't any, its been refretted.

By the way, the "Custom Shop" decal has different connotations than the current Gibson BS. Back then it was used on limited run guitars, test market guitars, certain vintage reissue runs, etc. And apparently Studio Standard runs w/Kahlers.

[q-4000]

id say real looks like at one time it may have had a 3 hole truss rod cover prob striped out the original holes and threw something else on that fit! as far as the Kahler take it off if it has holes for the TOM bridge its not original but being an 83 I am guessing it IS!

[Flogger59]

The clownburst, knobs, sn# and MIA fonts look good. The TRC was probably a replacement , since the Kahler lock was removed.

[cuffdc]

Thanks for the insight. I also checked the pots -- their serial numbers match up with a 1983 production.