Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 7 stores. Prices updated .

Sweetwater
5.0 (36)
$5,499.00
Guitar Center
5.0 (7)
$5,499.00
Musician's Friend
5.0 (1)
$5,499.00
zZounds
4.5 (20)
$5,499.00
Thomann
4.8 (121)
$4,869.00 $4,799.00 $70.00 · All time low
Gear4Music
£4,899.00

Average Price: $5,962

High-end/Boutique

$400

$1001+

Price Tier

Budget

Standard

High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 5 merchants for "Gibson Les Paul Custom WS". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

* 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

The Gibson Les Paul Custom WS Black is a masterpiece of craftsmanship, bringing together elegance and formidable sound in one iconic package. Known for its ultra-responsive 490R and 498T humbucker pickups, this guitar transitions seamlessly from warm, jazzy tones to bold, searing leads with just a tweak of its controls. The mahogany body paired with a carved two-piece maple top offers a resonant sustain and articulate tone, while the smooth, fast-action neck and ebony fingerboard invite effortless playability.

A classic choice for players across genres, the Les Paul Custom is cherished for its versatility and rich sonic palette. The medium jumbo frets and 12" radius ensure a comfortable grip for complex chords and speedy solos alike. Finished with a premium nitrocellulose lacquer, this guitar not only looks spectacular but also enhances the natural sound quality, allowing it to age gracefully over time. Whether you're playing delicate arpeggios or aggressive riffs, the Les Paul Custom delivers an unparalleled musical experience.

Key Features:

  • Mahogany body with a carved 2-piece maple top
  • Ebony fingerboard with 22 medium jumbo frets
  • 490R (neck) and 498T (bridge) humbucker pickups
  • Nitrocellulose lacquer finish for enhanced tonal qualities
  • Tune-o-matic bridge with stopbar tailpiece
  • Grover kidney tuners for reliable tuning stability
  • 3-way pickup selector with individual volume and tone controls

Product specs

Number of Strings 6
Left-/Right-handed Right-handed
Body Type Solidbody
Body Shape Les Paul Custom
Body Material Mahogany
Top Material 2-piece Plain Maple
Body Finish Gloss Nitrocellulose Lacquer
Neck Material Mahogany
Neck Joint Set Neck
Radius 12"
Fingerboard Material Ebony
Fingerboard Inlay Mother-of-Pearl Blocks
Number of Frets 22, Medium Jumbo
Scale Length 24.75"
Nut Width 1.6875"
Nut Material Corian
Bridge/Tailpiece Tune-O-Matic with Stopbar
Tuners Grover Kidney
Neck Pickup Gibson 490R Humbucker
Bridge Pickup Gibson 498T Humbucker
Controls 2 x volume, 2 x tone
Switching 3-way toggle pickup switch
Strings Gibson, .010-.046
Case/Gig Bag Hardshell Case

FAQs

What kind of tones can I expect from the Gibson Les Paul Custom WS Black pickups?

The Gibson Les Paul Custom WS Black features a 490R humbucker in the neck for warm, creamy tones and a 498T humbucker in the bridge for powerful, cutting leads. This combination offers a versatile sound suitable for rock, blues, and jazz.

Is the Gibson Les Paul Custom WS Black suitable for advanced players?

Yes, the Gibson Les Paul Custom WS Black is ideal for advanced players, offering high-quality construction, premium materials, and a rich tonal palette that meets professional performance standards.

What is the neck profile of the Gibson Les Paul Custom WS Black like?

The Gibson Les Paul Custom WS Black has a set mahogany neck with a 12" radius and an ebony fingerboard, providing a smooth, comfortable playing experience suitable for both rhythm and lead playing.

How does the ebony fingerboard affect the playability of the Gibson Les Paul Custom WS Black?

The ebony fingerboard on the Gibson Les Paul Custom WS Black offers a smooth, fast feel with excellent note articulation, enhancing the guitar's playability for complex solos and chord progressions.

What type of finish does the Gibson Les Paul Custom WS Black have?

The Gibson Les Paul Custom WS Black features a gloss nitrocellulose lacquer finish, which provides a durable, visually appealing surface that enhances the guitar's resonance and sustain.

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 WS.

Mods and upgrades

  • An 80s Seymour Duncan DDJ pickup was installed in the bridge to replicate Adam Jones' tone, along with changes to the pots, bridge, and tailpiece.

    Source

User experience

  • The guitar has significant wear from extensive gigging, particularly on the neck, which is worn nearly to the wood, indicating its well-loved history.

    Source

Comparisons

  • Owners note that 1980 models are closer to Adam Jones' original than recent replicas, with one model being from the first month of 1980.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The guitar's tone versatility is highlighted, with a Rectifier amp used for Tool-like sounds and a 5150 for heavier music styles like Gojira.

    Source

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Artist usage

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See how Joel Hoekstra uses Gibson Les Paul Custom WS

Joel Hoekstra

Guitarist

Whitesnake

...
Verified via Photo

In a photo provided by Gibson, Joel Hoekstra is seen with a Gibson Les Paul Custom WS Black, highlighting his use of this electric guitar.

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

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