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Average Price: $5,971
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Description
Step into the golden era of rock with the 1969 Gibson Les Paul Custom, an iconic piece of history that effortlessly combines vintage charm with robust craftsmanship. This guitar is a testament to Gibson's commitment to innovation during a time of significant transition. Crafted with a multi-ply body construction, it features a rich Mahogany base complemented by a sturdy Maple top, ensuring a resonance that is as timeless as its design.
The 1969 Les Paul Custom is more than a guitar; it's a statement. Renowned for its distinctive blend of aesthetics and sound, it comes equipped with two powerful humbucker pickups that deliver a thick, warm tone perfect for any genre. The neck is either Mahogany or Maple, paired with an Ebony fingerboard that offers smooth, fast playability. The elegant block inlays and gold hardware add a touch of luxury, making it as visually striking as it is sonically impressive.
This model also marks the introduction of the neck volute and the 'Made in USA' stamp, adding to its unique character among Les Pauls. Whether you're channeling the energy of guitar legends like Jimmy Page and Slash or carving your own path, the 1969 Les Paul Custom stands ready to inspire.
Key Features:
- Multi-ply body construction with Maple top and Mahogany body
- Mahogany or Maple neck with Ebony fingerboard
- Two humbucker pickups
- Block inlays and Kluson deluxe tuners
- Four control knobs and three-way pickup selector
- Black pickguard and bound fingerboard
- Stopbar tailpiece and Tune-o-matic bridge
- Gold hardware and headstock inlay
Product specs
| Brand | Gibson |
| Model | Les Paul Custom |
| Finish | Ebony |
| Year | 1969 |
| Made In | United States |
| Categories | Solid Body Electric Guitars |
| Body Shape | Single Cutaway |
| Body Type | Solid Body |
| Bridge/Tailpiece Type | Stop-Bar |
| Color Family | Black |
| Fretboard Material | Ebony |
| Model Family | Gibson Les Paul |
| Model Sub-Family | Gibson Les Paul Custom |
| Neck Construction | Set-Neck |
| Number of Frets | 22 |
| Number of Strings | 6-String |
| Pickup Configuration | HH |
| Right / Left Handed | Right Handed |
FAQs
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What makes the Gibson Les Paul Custom 'Black Beauty' (1969) unique compared to other Les Paul models?
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The 1969 Gibson Les Paul Custom 'Black Beauty' is distinguished by its elegant ebony finish, gold hardware, and ebony fretboard, offering a luxurious aesthetic and smooth playability. It features a set-neck construction and dual humbucking pickups, providing a rich, warm tone favored by many professional guitarists.
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How does the pickup configuration on the Gibson Les Paul Custom 'Black Beauty' (1969) affect its sound?
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The 'Black Beauty' features a dual humbucker (HH) configuration, which delivers a powerful, full-bodied sound with reduced noise and hum. This makes it ideal for a range of music genres, from rock and blues to jazz, offering both clarity and depth.
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Is the Gibson Les Paul Custom 'Black Beauty' (1969) suitable for live performances?
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Yes, the Gibson Les Paul Custom 'Black Beauty' (1969) is well-suited for live performances, thanks to its solid body construction and reliable tuning stability. Its rich tonal qualities and classic design make it a favorite among performing musicians.
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What type of neck does the Gibson Les Paul Custom 'Black Beauty' (1969) have?
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The Gibson Les Paul Custom 'Black Beauty' (1969) features a set-neck construction, which enhances sustain and provides a solid connection between the neck and body for improved resonance and playability.
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How does the ebony fretboard on the Gibson Les Paul Custom 'Black Beauty' (1969) impact playability?
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The ebony fretboard on the 'Black Beauty' offers a smooth, fast playing surface with a bright tonal quality. This makes it ideal for players who prefer quick action and precise note articulation.
Videos
Chicago Music Exchange
1969 Gibson Les Paul Custom Ebony | CME Gear Demo | Joel Bauman
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' (1969).
Build quality
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The guitar's lacquer shows signs of shrinking, indicating potential authenticity, but the headstock logo inconsistencies raise concerns about its genuine 1969 status.
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The volume and tone knobs may not be period correct, suggesting possible replacements or modifications over time.
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The three-piece top is typical of the Norlin era, distinguishing it from earlier one-piece designs.
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User experience
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The guitar is described as a "back breaker," emphasizing its heavy weight typical of Les Paul models from this era.
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Setup and maintenance
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Lacquer shrinkage and tarnished pickups are visible under sunlight, indicating aging consistent with vintage guitars.
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Comparisons
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Some 1970s models, often considered inferior at the time, now hold unique value due to their imperfections and historical context.
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Features and functionality
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The 'clownburst' finish is a distinct feature of early 1970s Les Paul models, often used to identify guitars from this period.
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Critic Reviews
Based on 0 Reviews and 0 Ratings
Artist usage
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John Frusciante is seen using a 1969 Gibson Les Paul Custom in a user-uploaded photo on Vintage Guitar's website.
“ I had this dream of finding that perfect Les Paul Custom for a long time, and it has always eluded me. But I picked this one up and my hand just fell in love with the neck. And it has that weird Les Paul Custom sound. “
Snowy White used a 1969 Gibson Les Paul Custom, distinguished by its gold microphones and black Jazzmaster knobs with a gold top, during the "In The Flesh // Animals" Tour in 1977.
In the YouTube video titled "What Makes This Guitar Great and Affordable #4," Allen Hinds discusses his 1969 Gibson Les Paul Custom 'Black Beauty,' noting it as a transitional year model that remains affordable.
Musician Makoto Ayukawa used a 1969 Gibson Les Paul Custom, originally purchased by his friend and guitarist Katsuyoshi Tsuwano at Nippon Gakki in Fukuoka. Genuine Gibsons were rare and expensive in Japan at the time, so when Ayukawa learned about Tsuwano's acquisition, he frequently borrowed it to play. He eventually bought it when Sheena & The Rockets was formed and continued using it for many years. The guitar is a reproduction 1969 model featuring a T-top pickup and a three-piece maple and mahogany body and neck, with as many original parts retained as possible. The serial number of the guitar is "907200." This information is supported by a feature article on Ayukawa from Guitar Magazine by Keita Fukuzaki.
Genre Usage
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Used With
Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Gibson Les Paul Custom 'Black Beauty' (1969), it is most commonly used with the following gear.
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