Detailed photographs and notes were made regarding all the key characteristics of the guitar, from its ultra-slim elliptical neck and its single push/pull pot to its unique wear patterns, dings, and cigarette burns. Upon the team's return to the Custom Shop, work began on the prototype that would ultimately be approved by Page just before the winter NAMM show in January 2004.
With the prototype approved, production started on the first 25 Page models, all of which were slated to be part of the exclusive “signed by Jimmy” initial offering of the guitar. As is typical with the Custom Shop, the amount of labor-intensive handwork that went into the Page model was staggering, especially considering the particular traits that Page was concerned with (neck thickness, finish color, fret shape, sound of the pickups, accuracy of the aging process) and the fact that there was very little room for error, since Page was going to personally approve each of the 25 guitars. Despite the challenges faced along the way, the Custom Shop production staff came through with flying colors, as Page approved all 25 guitars, and by all reports was blown away by accuracy of the reproduction as well as the playability and tone of the guitars. Look for the limited edition Jimmy Page Les Pauls to be in stores by early June 2004, and check out the exclusive photo gallery of the first 25 Page Les Pauls in production. Click here to view production photos.