Pricing and availability
We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 1 store. Prices updated .
Store
Reviews
Price
Average Price: $52,284
High-end/Boutique
$400
$1001+
Price Tier
Budget
Standard
High-end
* Product prices and availability are updated by Equipboard every 24hrs and are subject to change. Equipboard may receive compensation for purchases made at participating retailers linked on this site. This compensation does not affect what products or prices are displayed, or the order of prices listed. For more information, please refer to our affiliate disclosure.
Description
Dive into the realm of classic rock and refined aesthetics with the 1957 Gibson Les Paul Custom "Black Beauty". More than just an instrument, this is a piece of musical history that stands out with its alluring all-black finish and gold-plated hardware. It's not just about looks; the "Fretless Wonder" offers a unique playing experience with its super low frets. Perfect for collectors and musicians alike, this guitar encapsulates the spirit of the '50s rock 'n' roll era, bringing together unparalleled style and sound.
Key Features:
- All-black appointments and finish with gold-plated hardware for a timeless, elegant look.
- White binding on the pickguard, fingerboard, and body adds to its distinguished appearance.
- Super low frets, earning it the nickname "Fretless Wonder," for a smooth playing experience.
- Mahogany top, differing from the standard maple, enriches the guitar’s tone.
- Inlayed deco decal on the headstock for an extra touch of class.
Product specs
| Brand | Gibson |
| Model | Les Paul Custom 3-Pickup "Black Beauty" |
| Finish | Ebony |
| Year | 1957 - 1961 |
| Made In | United States |
| Categories | Solid Body Electric Guitars |
| Body Material | Mahogany |
| Body Shape | Single Cutaway |
| Body Type | Solid Body |
| Bridge/Tailpiece Type | Stop-Bar |
| Color Family | Black |
| Finish Style | Gloss |
| Fretboard Material | Ebony |
| Model Family | Gibson Les Paul |
| Model Sub-Family | Gibson Les Paul Custom |
| Neck Construction | Set-Neck |
| Neck Material | Mahogany |
| Number of Frets | 22 |
| Number of Strings | 6-String |
| Pickup Configuration | HHH |
| Right / Left Handed | Right Handed |
| Scale Length | 24.75" |
FAQs
-
What is the neck profile of the 1957 Gibson Les Paul Custom "Black Beauty"?
-
The 1957 Gibson Les Paul Custom "Black Beauty" features an early '50s rounded neck profile, which provides a comfortable grip for players who prefer a chunkier feel.
-
What kind of pickups are used in the Gibson Les Paul Custom "Black Beauty" (1957)?
-
The 1957 Gibson Les Paul Custom "Black Beauty" is equipped with three BurstBucker pickups, offering a rich, dynamic sound suitable for a variety of musical styles.
-
Is the Gibson Les Paul Custom "Black Beauty" (1957) suitable for advanced players?
-
Yes, the Gibson Les Paul Custom "Black Beauty" (1957) is ideal for advanced players due to its high-quality construction, versatile pickup configuration, and iconic tone.
-
What is the body material of the Gibson Les Paul Custom "Black Beauty" (1957)?
-
The body of the Gibson Les Paul Custom "Black Beauty" (1957) is made from solid mahogany, offering a warm, resonant tone with excellent sustain.
-
Does the Gibson Les Paul Custom "Black Beauty" (1957) have a set-neck construction?
-
Yes, the Gibson Les Paul Custom "Black Beauty" (1957) features a set-neck construction, enhancing its sustain and providing a seamless playing experience.
Videos
Chicago Music Exchange
1957 Gibson Les Paul Custom Black Beauty | CME Vintage Demo | Joel Bauman
1957 Gibson Les Paul Custom Black Beauty | CME Vintage Demo | Joel Bauman
Chicago Music Exchange
I Got a Vintage 57 LP! | 1957 Gibson Les Paul Custom 3 Pickup Black Beauty Bigsby Review + Demo
The Trogly's Guitar Show
1957 Gibson Les Paul Custom Black Beauty played by Nick Planer
Carter Vintage Guitars
Super clean 1957 Gibson Les Paul Custom Black Beauty at GuitarPoint
GuitarPoint
Reviews
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Gibson Les Paul Custom "Black Beauty" (1957).
Setup and maintenance
User experience
-
Owners have reported neck bowing issues on late 90s/early 2000s reissues, affecting playability.
Source -
Owners sometimes lower the middle pickup to avoid interference while playing, as it can obstruct picking.
Source -
Some owners describe the guitar as a "Cadillac," emphasizing its luxurious feel and aesthetic, despite its high price.
Source
Features and functionality
-
Recent Custombuckers have been praised for consistent quality, improving over previous models which were hit or miss.
Source -
The Gibson Les Paul Custom "Black Beauty" is praised for its iconic 3-pickup configuration, with some owners considering it the true representation of a Black Beauty.
Source -
The middle pickup is wired to the bridge in the middle position, limiting tonal options compared to typical two-pickup configurations.
Source -
The "fretless wonder" design features low, wide frets that can hinder string bending, making it challenging for modern playing styles.
Source
Value and pricing
Comparisons
-
'57 reissue offers a darker, richer sound due to all-mahogany construction, unlike the brighter, maple-capped '68.
Source -
Vintage '57 Customs are perceived by some as less desirable than Bursts due to their unique fret and pickup configurations, despite historical associations with famous musicians.
Source -
Customs are often fully mahogany without a maple top, contrasting with the maple-topped Bursts that are typically favored for their tonal properties.
Source -
One owner preferred the '57 reissue specs over more contemporary customs, stating they offer a special feel that newer models lack.
Source
Mods and upgrades
-
Some users considering additional purchases like R8 Bourbon Burst and Jason Becker models indicate the desire to collect complementary guitars with different tonal qualities.
Source
Use cases and applications
-
The guitar's 3-pickup setup is appreciated for its versatility, offering tonal options that might be missed with a 2-pickup configuration.
Source
Based on 0 Reviews and 0 Ratings
Artist usage
Add artist
Steve Marriott is confirmed to have used a 1957 Gibson Les Paul Custom "Black Beauty" as his main guitar during his tenure with Humble Pie and throughout his later career until his passing in 1991. He modified the guitar by removing the middle PAF humbucker pickup, covering the route hole with a tortoise-shell plate, and changing the black plastic parts to white. This information is supported by footage from the YouTube source "midnightspecial," which documents his performance with the instrument.
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 Gibson Les Paul Custom "Black Beauty" (1957), it is most commonly used with the following gear.
More Gibson Solid Body Electric Guitars
$1,899.00 - $2,799.00
in Solid Body Electric Guitars Rank
$2,309.00 - $96,389.92
in Solid Body Electric Guitars Rank
$2,199.00 - $2,222.00
in Solid Body Electric Guitars Rank
$4,499.00 - $8,977.21
in Solid Body Electric Guitars Rank
$1,333.00 - $2,741.79
in Solid Body Electric Guitars Rank
$1,254.83 - $3,040.30
in Solid Body Electric Guitars Rank
.jpg?v=1783299754)
$1,236.00 - $2,443.28
in Solid Body Electric Guitars Rank
$2,099.00 - $2,599.00
in Solid Body Electric Guitars Rank
$1,359.00 - $2,465.03
in Solid Body Electric Guitars Rank
.jpeg?v=1783323499)
$1,333.00 - $2,741.79
in Solid Body Electric Guitars Rank
$1,333.00 - $1,499.00
in Solid Body Electric Guitars Rank
$1,333.00 - $1,799.00
in Solid Body Electric Guitars Rank
$1,869.95 - $2,899.00
in Solid Body Electric Guitars Rank
$5,699.00 - $435,000.00
in Solid Body Electric Guitars Rank
$1,985.90 - $2,499.00
in Solid Body Electric Guitars Rank
$995.00
in Solid Body Electric Guitars Rank
$1,960.90 - $6,499.00
in Solid Body Electric Guitars Rank
$2,090.00 - $3,500.00
in Solid Body Electric Guitars Rank
.jpg?v=1783265545)
$2,400.00 - $2,999.00
$1,765.16 - $5,999.00
$3,499.00 - $8,200.00
-m.webp?v=1783340218)
$2,099.00 - $96,389.92
$1,285.20 - $6,388.91
-m.webp?v=1783177068)
$2,699.00 - $3,999.00
$1,700.00
$2,449.00 - $2,999.00
$3,499.99 - $3,999.00
$2,354.00 - $3,244.78
$1,399.00 - $1,499.00
.jpg?v=1783265542)
$1,331.00 - $9,890.00
.jpg?v=1783267404)
Accessories & Related Items
Community setups
Similar
Gear Guides
Most Popular Solid Body Electric Guitars
Most Popular Brands
-
Added to Equipboard on by
tim_harrisonGear IQ 1268
-
