1996 Gibson Les Paul Custom – Ebony "Black Beauty"

MUST SELL. for price OBO.

The "Good Wood" Era | Solid Ebony Fingerboard | Excellent Condition

Up for sale is a stunning, collector-grade 1996 Gibson Les Paul Custom in classic Ebony. This guitar is a prime example of mid-90s Nashville craftsmanship—a period widely regarded by players as the "Good Wood" era for its high-quality timber and exceptional build standards.

This guitar was acquired as a gift and has been kept in a climate-controlled environment with very little play time. It is a "closet classic" in every sense of the word.

Why the 1996 Model Year Matters:

  • Solid Ebony Fretboard: Unlike modern versions that use synthetic materials, this 1996 model features a genuine, dark Ebony fingerboard for that signature "snap" and effortless playability.
  • Era-Correct Pickups: Loaded with the original 490R and 498T humbuckers, delivering everything from warm, jazzy cleans to the high-output punch required for classic rock.
  • Nashville Craftsmanship: Built at the Nashville plant before the Custom was moved to a separate "Custom Shop" line, these 90s models are famous for their resonance and sustain.

Condition Report:

  • Frets & Playability: Excellent. There is zero fret wear. The guitar has never required a technician's visit and remains in its factory-original state, including the original nut.
  • Finish: The nitrocellulose Ebony finish is deep and mirror-like. As is common with vintage Gibsons, there is a very minimal, faint finish check at the nut/fingerboard line.
  • Hardware: The original gold hardware shows some light, honest aging where the plating has thinned in a few spots, giving it a beautiful, authentic vintage character.
  • Overall: No chips, no deep scratches, and no "buckle rash." It presents as a nearly-new instrument.

Included:

  • Gator Hardshell Case: Includes an upgraded Gator molded plastic case with a plush maroon velvet interior. It is contoured specifically for the Les Paul shape, offering superior impact protection compared to the original cases of the era.

Seller’s Note:

This is a rare opportunity to own a "Great Value" 1990s Custom that hasn't been gigged, modified, or abused. It is a clean, honest, and heavy-hitting "Black Beauty."

This item is sold As-Described

This item is sold As-Described and cannot be returned unless it arrives in a condition different from how it was described or photographed. Items must be returned in original, as-shipped condition with all original packaging.Learn More.

Listed3 months ago
ConditionExcellent (Used)
Excellent items are almost entirely free from blemishes and other visual defects and have been played or used with the utmost care.Learn more
Brand
Model
  • Les Paul Custom
Finish
  • Ebony Gold Hardware Triple binding
Categories
Year
  • 1996
Made In
  • United States
Fretboard Radius
  • 12"
Body Material
  • Mahogany
Neck Construction
  • Set-Neck
Right / Left Handed
  • Right Handed
Number of Strings
  • 6-String
Body Shape
  • Single Cutaway
Neck Material
  • Mahogany
Offset Body
  • Non-Offset Body
Model Family
Wood Top Style
  • Plain
Model Sub-Family
Body Type
  • Solid Body
Bridge/Tailpiece Type
  • Stop-Bar
Pickup Configuration
  • HH
Scale Length
  • 24.75"
Nut Width
  • 1.6875"
Top Material
  • Maple
Fretboard Material
  • Ebony
Color Family
  • Black
Number of Frets
  • 22

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