Pricing and availability
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Price
Average Price: $6,050
High-end/Boutique
$400
$1001+
Price Tier
Budget
Standard
High-end
Price History
Based on price data from 1 merchant for "Gibson 1955 Les Paul Custom Exclusive". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 25, 2026.
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Description
Step back in time with the Gibson 1955 Les Paul Custom Exclusive, a guitar that beautifully bridges the golden era of rock 'n' roll with today's modern craftsmanship. Crafted to capture the essence of the pre-1957 Les Pauls, this exclusive model blends vintage allure with contemporary flair, making it an irresistible choice for both collectors and performers alike.
This Les Paul Custom is a throwback to the days when the electric guitar was revolutionizing music. Equipped with the P90/Staple pickups, it delivers a warm, yet biting tone that defined the early sounds of rock, blues, and jazz. The pickups offer a versatile range, from clear, bell-like tones to gritty, overdriven sounds, giving musicians the flexibility to explore diverse musical landscapes.
Aesthetically, the 1955 Les Paul Custom Exclusive is a work of art. Available in classic finishes such as Goldtop, Refin Cherry Sunburst, and Ebony, it caters to both purists and those seeking a bold statement on stage. The Ebony models come with sleek ebony fretboards, providing a smooth and fast playing experience, while the Goldtop and Refin Cherry Sunburst versions feature the warm touch of rosewood.
Key Features:
- Custom Shop recreation of pre-1957 Les Pauls
- P90/Staple pickups for versatile tonal options
- Available in Goldtop, Refin Cherry Sunburst, and Ebony finishes
- Ebony fretboards on Ebony models, rosewood fretboards on Goldtop and Refin Cherry Sunburst models
- Iconic design with modern craftsmanship
Product specs
| Brand | Gibson |
| Model | Custom Shop '55 Les Paul Exclusive |
| Finish | Ebony, Goldtop, Refin Cherry Sunburst |
| Year | 2012 |
| Made In | United States |
| Categories | Solid Body Electric Guitars |
| Body Shape | Single Cutaway |
| Body Type | Solid Body |
| Bridge/Tailpiece Type | Stop-Bar, Wrap-Around |
| Color Family | Black, Gold, Red |
| Finish Pattern | Sunburst |
| Fretboard Material | Ebony, Rosewood |
| Model Family | Gibson Les Paul |
| Model Sub-Family | Gibson Les Paul Custom, Gibson Les Paul Standard |
| Neck Construction | Set-Neck |
| Number of Frets | 22 |
| Number of Strings | 6-String |
| Pickup Configuration | HH, SS |
| Right / Left Handed | Right Handed |
| Series | Gibson Custom Shop |
FAQs
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What is the neck profile like on the Gibson 1955 Les Paul Custom Exclusive?
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The Gibson 1955 Les Paul Custom Exclusive features a '50s rounded neck profile, providing a comfortable and substantial grip suitable for players who prefer a vintage feel.
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What kind of tones can I expect from the pickups on the Gibson 1955 Les Paul Custom Exclusive?
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This model typically features dual humbucking pickups, offering rich, warm tones with excellent sustain, making it ideal for rock, blues, and jazz genres.
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Is the Gibson 1955 Les Paul Custom Exclusive suitable for advanced players?
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Yes, the Gibson 1955 Les Paul Custom Exclusive is designed with high-quality materials and craftsmanship, making it a great choice for advanced players seeking a classic, professional-grade instrument.
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What is the primary difference between the Gibson 1955 Les Paul Custom Exclusive and other Les Paul models?
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The Gibson 1955 Les Paul Custom Exclusive is distinguished by its vintage-inspired design, unique finishes, and Custom Shop craftsmanship, offering a premium build quality and distinct tonal characteristics compared to standard models.
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Does the Gibson 1955 Les Paul Custom Exclusive have a set neck or bolt-on neck construction?
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The Gibson 1955 Les Paul Custom Exclusive features a set-neck construction, which enhances sustain and stability, contributing to its rich tonal quality.
Videos
Carter Vintage Guitars
1955 Gibson Les Paul Custom played by JD Simo
1955 Gibson Les Paul Custom played by JD Simo
Carter Vintage Guitars
Vintage Guitar Demo: 1955 Gibson Les Paul Custom!
True Vintage Guitar
1955 Gibson Les Paul Custom "Black"
Rumble Seat Music Nashville
Gibson les Paul Custom 1955 black beauty
Miraldo Vidal
1955 Gibson Les Paul Custom / Yeahman's Guitars / VintageandRare.com / Yeahman's Guitar Fest
VintageandRare
Reviews
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Gibson 1955 Les Paul Custom Exclusive.
Build quality
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The aged hardware provides a comfortable feel for players who rest their hand on the bridge, enhancing the playability.
Source
Features and functionality
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The copper iridescent top is unique and draws admiration, with calls for its inclusion in other Les Paul models.
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The AlNiCo 5 pickups are noted for their exceptional sound quality, contributing to the guitar's revered tonal characteristics.
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The tuners on this model are not the typical waffle backs, being a unique feature tied to its custom reissue status.
Source
User experience
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Owners describe the guitar as having an amazing scent, adding to the sensory experience of playing.
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Despite being left-handed, one owner keeps the pickguard on, citing aesthetic preferences and minimal interference with playability.
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Some users find Gibson customer service unresponsive, particularly when trying to acquire detailed information about unique models like this one.
Source
Setup and maintenance
Mods and upgrades
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One owner uses hairbands under the knobs to prevent accidental adjustments by their forearm, suggesting a practical hack for stability.
Source
Value and pricing
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A historical note mentions that only 355 of these guitars were made in 1955, contributing to their high value and collectibility.
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While typical used Les Paul Customs may sell for around $3,500, this custom color model might fetch $4,000 due to its uniqueness, despite the market downturn.
Source
4.5 out of 5
Based on 1 Review and 4 Ratings
Artist usage
Add artist
From a Gibson article "Hendrix's Gibson Guitars" written by Daniel Eriksson in June 2014:
"Jimi Hendrix did own a 1955 Les Paul Custom that he would flip over and play lefty. From what I’ve been able to gather it appears as if Hendrix himself only used the Les Paul Custom briefly during a few months in 1968. It seems as if Jimi was trying out the guitar as a replacement for the Flying V. But after having gone back to the Flying V for a while, Hendrix moved on to the SG Custom. During his famous Woodstock performance you can see the LP Custom being played by Jimi’s old pal Larry Lee. The guitar is equipped with a Bigsby and 2 P-90 pickups, and it’s currently owned by the EMP Museum in Seattle."
The source photo shows the guitar as it is in the EMP Museum in Seattle.
1967-Guild and then in the summer he switched to a black 1957 Gibsons Les Pauls with P90's with covers removed and Bigsby tremolo
This Gibson Les Paul Black Beauty 55' Re-issue is owned by Mike Campbell
There are general scuffs and scratches. There are some small chips in the headstock. All the tuners work, there is some light fret buzz. The Vol and Tone pots are scratchy. There is a Bigsby installed with a b-bender.
At 2:19:23 in the Gibson TV video titled "The Collection: Director’s Cut, Part One," Brad Whitford is seen showcasing his 1973 reissue Custom Shop Les Paul, which is modeled after a 1955 Gibson Les Paul Custom Exclusive with staple pickups.
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 1955 Les Paul Custom Exclusive, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
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