I have one of the Les Pauls of which you speak. It is called the Silverburst. Form what I was told, they only made them in 82 and 83. Great guitar. thumbsup It definitely has a different sound and it is heavy as balls. I have another Paul, Standard, and they couldn't sound more different. The Silverburst has an almost controlled nastiness about it. Almost a bit compressed. I actually got mine around the time Tool first hit the scene...(gotta love it when everyone thinks you're copying another guy even though we probably got hooked at the same time!)
Anyway, just thought I'd throw it out there that his sound is definitely coming from that guitar. And thanks to Adam, the value of that little puppy has gone through the roof!
Last time I had it appraised a few years back for insurance purposes, it was estimated at $3600!!! RAWK!