Ibanez Les Paul 2335 Model 1977. Rare!

Ibanez 2335 Les Paul Custom Black Beauty.

After all these years, It still surprises me when people describe any black Les Paul Custom with gold hardware as a "Black Beauty" Especially dealers that should know better! There is only one "Black Beauty" and this is a rare copy of it. The Black Beauty was first introduced in 1954. Even If you can find one of those, you may need to sell your house to own an original 54. Your next option would be the 1972 reissue, but those too are becoming quite expensive in recent years! So your only choice for a reasonably priced vintage Black Beauty is the Ibanez Black Beauty from 1977.

The Ibanez Black Beauty model was only available in 1977 and made for just that one year only. Pictures of it emerged in late 76, but stores didn’t get it until early 1977. And even then, only around 100 made it around the world according to Ibanez, because by late 1977 the entire LP range was dropped. Ibanez had decided by 1978 to simply go with their new and original designs like the "PF series" and the "Artist Series" instead. Hence this guitar being one of the last Ibanez LP copies ever made.

It was an odd decision to add the Black Beauty model to the LP line, as Ibanez was soon to quit the range altogether! But added it was, apparently at the request of Ibanez Europe, only for it to vanish from sale in just under a year from its introduction, thus making the Black Beauty model the rarest of all the Ibanez LP copies. It also seems that the very last LP copies got the better quality “star tuners” just as this one has. 

This is a one owner from new guitar and in museum / collectors condition. It’s virtually mint and unplayed, with just a few tiny dints that are hard to photograph. The gold hardware has discolouration, but given that it’s half a century old, it’s survived remarkably well. I don’t think you will ever find a better one of these, or even find one at all! I’ve seen a couple over the years, but they’ve usually been messed around with. This one is 100% untouched. 

Comes in its original black case with yellow lining and original key. The case is also in excellent condition.

Price includes FREE worldwide airmailed delivery. Thanks for looking and please see my other rare items for sale! Any questions please ask before buying!