Offered here is an exceptionally early 1957 Gibson Les Paul Custom “Black Beauty,” an all-original three-pickup example of one of Gibson’s most iconic and elegant models.

This guitar remains remarkably intact. The original owner briefly installed a Bigsby tailpiece (included with the sale), but the instrument has since been professionally returned to its factory stop tailpiece configuration. Aside from that reversible change, this is a highly original and beautifully preserved example.

It retains its original PAF humbuckers, which deliver everything you hope for from a great ’57 Custom — rich harmonic complexity, warm midrange, articulate highs, and a wide tonal palette thanks to the three-pickup configuration. The neck profile is the quintessential 1957 carve: full, comfortable, and incredibly resonant in hand. It’s a true joy to play.

This guitar includes all original paperwork and hangtags, along with its original hardshell case featuring the desirable goldenrod interior — a rare and highly collectible detail that completes the package.

Why the 1957 Les Paul Custom?

The Les Paul Custom debuted just one year after the original Goldtop and quickly established itself as the top-of-the-line model. Unlike the Standard, the Custom featured:

An all-black finish with matching appointments

Gold-plated hardware

Multi-ply white binding on the body and headstock

Bound fingerboard and bound pickguard

The iconic split-diamond headstock inlay

Ultra-low “Fretless Wonder” frets

A solid mahogany top (rather than maple, as used on the Standard)

The result is a guitar with a slightly different tonal character — warm, focused, and incredibly smooth — paired with unmistakable visual sophistication.

Condition

Condition is Excellent. The guitar shows minimal signs of wear and has clearly been well cared for throughout its life. It presents beautifully, both cosmetically and structurally, and remains an outstanding collector-grade example of a 1950s Les Paul Custom.

A rare opportunity to acquire a clean, early ’57 three-pickup Black Beauty complete with paperwork and original case. Serious inquiries welcome.