Pricing and availability

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Average Price: $5,469

High-end/Boutique

$400

$1001+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

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Description

The Gibson Les Paul Custom Black Beauty is a timeless masterpiece that blends vintage allure with modern precision. Celebrated for its rich, resonant tones and impeccable craftsmanship, this guitar is a staple in the arsenal of serious musicians. Its mahogany body provides a warm, full-bodied sound, enhancing the depth of every note played. The sleek ebony fretboard complements the elegant aesthetic while offering a smooth playing experience.

Equipped with Custombucker pickups, the Black Beauty delivers a classic, yet versatile sound palette, perfect for any genre. Whether you're laying down bluesy riffs or soaring solos, these pickups ensure clarity and power. The True Historic appointments add an authentic touch, making it not just an instrument, but a piece of music history.

Offered in configurations with two or three pickups, and available with or without a Bigsby, the Black Beauty caters to your specific playing needs and style. The guitar is available in both VOS and Gloss Ebony finishes, allowing you to choose the look that best suits your stage presence.

Key Features:

  • Mahogany body for warm, resonant tones
  • Sleek ebony fretboard for smooth playability
  • Custombucker pickups for a versatile sound palette
  • True Historic appointments for authentic vintage vibes
  • Available in two or three pickup configurations
  • Optional Bigsby vibrato
  • Choice of VOS or Gloss Ebony finishes
Sonic Drive Studio

Sonic Drive Studio

GIBSON Les Paul Custom 2021 Review & Demo! (Is It Worth The Price??)

Video thumbnail for GIBSON Les Paul Custom 2021 Review & Demo! (Is It Worth The Price??) by Sonic Drive Studio

GIBSON Les Paul Custom 2021 Review & Demo! (Is It Worth The Price??)

Sonic Drive Studio

Sonic Drive Studio

Video thumbnail for WEEDEATER @ Oakland Metro 3/26/2016 by J THEJOINT

WEEDEATER @ Oakland Metro 3/26/2016

J THEJOINT

J THEJOINT

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.

Features and functionality

  • The 2009 Les Paul Customs are the last models to feature ebony fretboards before switching to Richlite, which was used until 2019 when Gibson returned to ebony.

    Source
  • The headstock of a true '57 Reissue will have a serial starting with '7', which this model lacks, confirming its standard Custom identity.

    Source

Build quality

  • Les Paul Customs from the 70s include volutes on the neck, enhancing durability and reducing the risk of neck breaks.

    Source
  • The back of the headstock repair often lacks a well-refinished appearance, raising concerns about the glue-up quality underneath.

    Source
  • The Gibson Les Paul Custom Shop Black Beauty from 2008 features speed knobs instead of the top hat style, indicating it's not a '57 Reissue model.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • A '57 reissue with a Bigsby and three pickups is a cherished model, highlighting its appeal in vintage reissues.

    Source
  • Despite the neck break, some players find repaired Les Paul Customs suitable for gigging without the stress of damaging a high-value, intact instrument.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • Post-2000 Les Paul Customs generally align in price with new models, often making them a comparable alternative for buyers.

    Source
  • In the U.S., a similar model in pristine condition can be found for around $3,000, suggesting $3,500 for a repaired one is overpriced.

    Source
  • A player’s grade 2008 model in worn condition is estimated around $2,500, showing depreciation due to cosmetic wear.

    Source

User experience

  • A 2005 LP Custom's thick 50s neck profile can be challenging to bond with for those who prefer slimmer necks.

    Source
  • Some owners emphasize that a neck break, even when well-repaired, can significantly affect resale value, typically dropping it by 30%-50% for newer models.

    Source
Add

5.0 out of 5

Based on 3 Reviews and 22 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
fuzzycat

My 1968 is my baby!

I have had this guitar for ages and will never part with it. The sound and sustain and everything about this guitar is classic Les Paul.

pepper_roberts

One of the few

This 57' Gibson LP is one of the few I'd love to have on My Rack. The first thing I'd have done to it is a Bigsby. ( a Neil Young thing I pick up working with Him years ago )

felixheathcotehobbins

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Artist usage

Add artist
See how Paul Landers uses Gibson Les Paul Custom Black Beauty

Paul Landers

Guitarist

Rammstein

...
Verified via Rammstein World

Paul Landers uses the Gibson Les Paul Custom Black Beauty, primarily in the studio, as detailed on Rammstein World.

See how Kirk Windstein uses Gibson Les Paul Custom Black Beauty

Kirk Windstein

Guitarist

Down

...
Verified via Photo

This is a picture from Kirk where he received his Les Paul Custom back from service. It's from 2021.

See how Charlie Starr uses Gibson Les Paul Custom Black Beauty

Charlie Starr

Guitarist

Blackberry Smoke

...
Verified via YouTube
Color/Finish: Ebony Year: 1958

You can see him using the three pickup version of the model in the video in a standard tuning track.

See how Teppei Teranishi uses Gibson Les Paul Custom Black Beauty

Teppei Teranishi

Guitarist

Thrice

...
Verified via Blogger

Teppei Teranishi is shown using a Gibson Les Paul Custom Black Beauty in the image titled "TeppeiLP.jpg" hosted on Blogger.

See how Adam Gontier uses Gibson Les Paul Custom Black Beauty

Adam Gontier

Singer, Guitarist

Three Days Grace

...
Verified via YouTube

In this live performance of “Riot” Adam is using a Gibson Les Paul Black Beauty that was used during 2011 Life Starts Now tour.

See how Brad Whitford uses Gibson Les Paul Custom Black Beauty

Brad Whitford

Guitarist

Hollywood Vampires

...
Verified via YouTube
Color/Finish: Black

At 12:21 in the Gibson TV video titled "The Collection: Brad Whitford of Aerosmith," Brad Whitford is seen showcasing a Gibson Les Paul Custom Black Beauty, confirming its presence as part of his guitar rig.

You're able to manipulate it more the these older guitars the tone controls are so nice they work because they actually work.

See how Albert Lee uses Gibson Les Paul Custom Black Beauty

Albert Lee

Guitarist

Mark Knopfler’s Guitar Heroes

...
Verified via Riffinteractive

"The guitar to the left (right) of the screen was given to me by Eric Clapton so that has to be one of my favorites."

See how Ben Kenney uses Gibson Les Paul Custom Black Beauty

Ben Kenney

Guitarist, Bassist

Incubus

...
Verified via Photo

Kenney shared a picture of his guitar on his Instagram account

See how Tito Fuentes uses Gibson Les Paul Custom Black Beauty

Tito Fuentes

Singer, Guitarist

Molotov

...
Verified via YouTube

At 21:00, one can see Tito using a 1957 Gibson Black Beauty.

See how Travis Stever uses Gibson Les Paul Custom Black Beauty

Travis Stever

Guitarist

Coheed and Cambria

...
Verified via Premierguitar

He had the Black Beauty custom made at some point in 2009 or 2010. He had the Coheed and Cambria logo (also known as the Keywork) inlaid on the top face of the guitar.

See how Tom Keifer uses Gibson Les Paul Custom Black Beauty

Tom Keifer

Singer, Guitarist

Cinderella

...
Verified via Photo

In the user-uploaded photo, Tom Keifer is seen with a Gibson Les Paul Custom Black Beauty on his left side.

See how Buck Dharma uses Gibson Les Paul Custom Black Beauty

Buck Dharma

Singer, Guitarist

Blue Öyster Cult

...
Verified via Photo

On Buck's official website, it says, " This guitar was used live a lot in the late '70s, after Buck bought it in Boston after a show. This Les Paul Black Beauty featured 3 Bill Lawrence pickups, two humbucking and one "blade" in the center position."

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, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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Community setups

Show yours
cathyklysmik

cathyklysmik

Gear IQ 299

daniel_mueller

daniel_mueller

Gear IQ 566

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