Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 1 store. Prices updated .

Average Price: $5,971

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

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

What makes the Gibson Les Paul Custom 'Black Beauty' (1969) unique compared to other Les Paul models?

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.

How does the pickup configuration on the Gibson Les Paul Custom 'Black Beauty' (1969) affect its sound?

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.

Is the Gibson Les Paul Custom 'Black Beauty' (1969) suitable for live performances?

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.

What type of neck does the Gibson Les Paul Custom 'Black Beauty' (1969) have?

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.

How does the ebony fretboard on the Gibson Les Paul Custom 'Black Beauty' (1969) impact playability?

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.

Chicago Music Exchange

Chicago Music Exchange

1969 Gibson Les Paul Custom Ebony | CME Gear Demo | Joel Bauman

Video thumbnail for 1969 Gibson Les Paul Custom Ebony | CME Gear Demo | Joel Bauman by Chicago Music Exchange

1969 Gibson Les Paul Custom Ebony | CME Gear Demo | Joel Bauman

Chicago Music Exchange

Chicago Music Exchange

Video thumbnail for 1969 Gibson Les Paul Custom Black | CME Vintage Demo | Joel Bauman by Chicago Music Exchange

1969 Gibson Les Paul Custom Black | CME Vintage Demo | Joel Bauman

Chicago Music Exchange

Chicago Music Exchange

Video thumbnail for I bought this 1969 Gibson Les Paul Custom from Tom Bukovac by Justin Ostrander

I bought this 1969 Gibson Les Paul Custom from Tom Bukovac

Justin Ostrander

Justin Ostrander

Video thumbnail for Gibson Les Paul Custom from 1969 presented by Vintage Guitar Oldenburg & Tobias Hoffmann by Vintage Guitar Oldenburg

Gibson Les Paul Custom from 1969 presented by Vintage Guitar Oldenburg & Tobias Hoffmann

Vintage Guitar Oldenburg

Vintage Guitar Oldenburg

Video thumbnail for What Makes This Guitar Great and affordable #4 by allen hinds

What Makes This Guitar Great and affordable #4

allen hinds

allen hinds

Video thumbnail for 1969 Gibson Les Paul Custom by Emerald City Guitars

1969 Gibson Les Paul Custom

Emerald City Guitars

Emerald City Guitars

Video thumbnail for 1969 Gibson Les Paul Custom by Emerald City Guitars

1969 Gibson Les Paul Custom

Emerald City Guitars

Emerald City Guitars

Video thumbnail for THE VAULT - Episode 2 | 1969 Gibson Les Paul Custom | Guitars In The Attic by Guitars In The Attic

THE VAULT - Episode 2 | 1969 Gibson Les Paul Custom | Guitars In The Attic

Guitars In The Attic

Guitars In The Attic

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

  • The guitar's lacquer shows signs of shrinking, indicating potential authenticity, but the headstock logo inconsistencies raise concerns about its genuine 1969 status.

    Source
  • The volume and tone knobs may not be period correct, suggesting possible replacements or modifications over time.

    Source
  • The three-piece top is typical of the Norlin era, distinguishing it from earlier one-piece designs.

    Source

User experience

  • The guitar is described as a "back breaker," emphasizing its heavy weight typical of Les Paul models from this era.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • Lacquer shrinkage and tarnished pickups are visible under sunlight, indicating aging consistent with vintage guitars.

    Source

Comparisons

  • Some 1970s models, often considered inferior at the time, now hold unique value due to their imperfections and historical context.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The 'clownburst' finish is a distinct feature of early 1970s Les Paul models, often used to identify guitars from this period.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • Serial number 110549 indicates production between 1970-1975, impacting collectibility and value differently than a confirmed 1969 model.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Vintage Bench Test: 1969 Gibson Les Paul Custom

guitar.com

The 1969 Gibson Les Paul Custom showcases a rich history with its iconic design and substantial build, yet it carries the weight of age—both literally and figuratively. While its robust sound and vintage appeal make it a tempting choice for rock enthusiasts, the low frets and muted string issues may deter serious players seeking versatility. The guitar's condition, with visible wear and altered hardware, adds character but raises questions about playability and value retention. It's a compelling instrument for collectors, but potential buyers should weigh its vintage charm against practical performance needs.

Based on 0 Reviews and 0 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star

Artist usage

Add artist
See how John Frusciante uses Gibson Les Paul Custom 'Black Beauty' (1969)

John Frusciante

Guitarist

Red Hot Chili Peppers

...
Verified via Photo

John Frusciante is seen using a 1969 Gibson Les Paul Custom in a user-uploaded photo on Vintage Guitar's website.

See how Joe Satriani uses Gibson Les Paul Custom 'Black Beauty' (1969)

Joe Satriani

Guitarist

Mark Knopfler’s Guitar Heroes

...
Verified via Guitar Player

“ 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. “

See how Snowy White uses Gibson Les Paul Custom 'Black Beauty' (1969)

Snowy White

Guitarist

The Bleeding Heart Band

...
Verified via Photo

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.

See how Allen Hinds uses Gibson Les Paul Custom 'Black Beauty' (1969)

Allen Hinds

Guitarist

...
Verified via YouTube
Color/Finish: Black Year: 1969

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.

See how Makoto Ayukawa uses Gibson Les Paul Custom 'Black Beauty' (1969)

Makoto Ayukawa

Singer, Guitarist

SHEENA & THE ROKKETS

...
Verified via ギター・マガジンWEB|Guitar magazine

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

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' (1969), it is most commonly used with the following gear.

Gibson 1968 Les Paul Custom
Gibson 1968 Les Paul Custom Solid Body Electric Guitars
1

1 alternative for Gibson Les Paul Custom 'Black Beauty' (1969), curated by the Equipboard community.

Gibson Les Paul Standard

$1,899.00 - $2,799.00

similar sound

Has a great feel to it with those amazing humbuckers and signature les Paul sound

More Gibson Solid Body Electric Guitars

Accessories & Related Items

Community setups

Gear Guides