Pricing and availability
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Average Price: $25,556
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$400
$1001+
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Description
Step back in time and experience the artistry of the 1950's Gibson Les Paul Black Beauty—a true icon in the world of electric guitars. Often referred to as the "Fretless Wonder," this instrument is revered by musicians for its unparalleled craftsmanship and distinct character. With its sleek ebony finish and opulent gold-plated hardware, it exudes a classic elegance that has captivated guitar legends like Jimmy Page and Slash.
Crafted with a solid Mahogany body and top, the Black Beauty offers a rich, resonant tone that is both powerful and nuanced. The dual P-90 pickups provide an impressive range of sonic possibilities, from warm, bluesy lows to bright, cutting highs. This versatility makes it a favorite among guitarists who crave both vintage tone and modern playability.
The Les Paul Black Beauty isn't just about sound; it's about feel. The Ebony fingerboard is smooth and fast, complemented by the classic block inlays and a bound fingerboard that offers a luxurious playing experience. The guitar's engineering is further highlighted by its Tune-o-matic bridge and stopbar tailpiece, ensuring impeccable tuning stability and sustain.
Whether you're a collector, a performer, or a passionate enthusiast, the 1950's Gibson Les Paul Black Beauty is more than just a guitar—it's a timeless masterpiece that will inspire your musical journey.
Key Features:
- All-mahogany construction with ebony fingerboard
- Dual P-90 single-coil pickups
- Gold-plated hardware
- Bound body, neck, and headstock
- Tune-o-matic bridge with stopbar tailpiece
- Classic block inlays and black pickguard
Reviews
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about 1950's Gibson Les Paul Black Beauty.
Features and functionality
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The 2020 models are confirmed to have 9-hole weight relief, unlike the Norlin era which did not.
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The 2020 model is noted to have an ebony fretboard instead of richlite, maintaining a classic feel.
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Made 2 Measure custom orders allow buyers to specify neck profiles, blending modern necks with 50s-spec bodies for personalized comfort and playability.
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Build quality
Comparisons
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The term "Black Beauty" is debated, traditionally referring to early 1950s models, but often used for any black Les Paul Custom with gold hardware.
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Other
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The '57-'59 necks are notably chunky, while the few LPs made in 1960 have significantly thinner necks, preferred by those who dislike thick profiles.
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User experience
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Some owners reported adapting to a thicker neck profile over time, eventually preferring it despite initial discomfort.
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4.0 out of 5
Based on 1 Review and 4 Ratings
56
It's only rock and roll and I like it.
Despite being very heavy, it's a great rhythm great w/ a big fat sound. Chunky chords, great neck and pick ups. For those about to rock......
Steve Marriot forever...
Artist usage
Add artist
used on recording of redymen and she looks to me and live of fortune faded
In this photo of Slash guitar collection. You can see Gibson Les Paul Black Beauty 1950s.
Billie played on it in 21 guns music video.
10:00... Gibson Black Beauty with 3 pickups...
Dexter uses Custom Mahogany Ibanez ARZs fitted with a DiMarzio Tone Zone in the bridge position, and Custom Mahogany Ibanez RGs fitted with DiMarzio Super 3 Distortions fitted in the bridge position
"'And you have a Gibson Custom Shop “Black Beauty” Les Paul especially made for Jimmy Page – but he returned it because it was too heavy for him? And you got it?'
'Yep. I call that my “Love is More Than a Feeling” guitar. It wasn’t on that first album track, but it’s on both other albums since and live for the song. I had the Bigsby taken off, and a hardtail put on. I had a Fishman Powerbridge pickup put on so I could switch to an acoustic sound,'" reads this interview.
“This was originally made for Jimmy Page, but it was too heavy for him, so basically I phoned Gibson in 2003 and said, ‘I want one of these, can you get me one?’ And Pat Foley, who was the head there at the time, he said, ‘Well, you’re in luck, because I’ve just had one come back in.’ So Jimmy Page had his ’57 stolen in 197-whatever. So he had one made to the exact same spec, because he wanted one of those again for when they reunited for that show. So they did it, sent this to him - but it was too heavy because they did it to the original spec. And it’s a monster, because it’s got so much hardware on it, it’s not chambered, and it’s got a big neck. So they built him a chambered one and they gave this one to me. The bridge pickup is out of one of Angus Young’s SGs, so the original Burstbucker can’t compete with the 498s or whatever they are in my [main Les Paul] ‘Dune’. It’s already a much brighter guitar because there’s so much metal on it. But one of my techs was given the pickup by them, so it ended up in here. I use it for Love Is Only A Feeling and the Christmas song, when we play that.”
Frans uses this guitar at this concert, among others
The real name: Gibson LP 57 Black Beauty Gloss
As used on MTV footage at MTV U VMA Rookie
In the beginning of the song "Penyanyi Muda" from 1976, Tonny Koeswoyo can be seen playing a 1950s Gibson Les Paul Black Beauty, as evidenced by the image provided on Equipboard.
Album Usage
The 1950's Gibson Les Paul Black Beauty has been featured on the following albums:
Genre Usage
Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.
Used With
Based on how musicians on Equipboard use 1950's Gibson Les Paul Black Beauty, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
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