An Iconic 'Black Beauty'
This exceptional instrument is a pinnacle of vintage guitar history: a 1958 Gibson Les Paul Custom. Revered by collectors as the "Black Beauty," this model was Gibson's premier solid-body guitar during its golden era. Its iconic status was cemented by legends like Eric Clapton, Jimmy Page, and Keith Richards, who used the Les Paul Custom to forge the sound of rock 'n' roll.
Thanks to Leon Todd for the creation of the Youtube video demonstrating this fine instrument.
The foundation of its legendary tone is its unique construction; unlike a Les Paul Standard, this Custom features a body crafted from a single piece of solid Honduran mahogany with a sleek 'dish carve' top, creating a powerful and distinct sonic signature.
The Holy Grail: A Trio of Original PAF Humbuckers
At the heart of this 1958 Les Paul Custom is its original trio of revolutionary Gibson PAF (Patent Applied For) humbuckers. These highly articulate and coveted pickups are the definitive voice of vintage Gibsons, delivering everything from smooth, vocal-like neck tones to a searing bridge attack with incredible dynamic range. The integrity of this classic circuitry is maintained with its original electronics harness, ensuring the guitar produces the authentic tones that collectors seek. To reduce noise, gold shielding paint was added to the pot and switch cavities at some point in its history.
Key Features
- Model: 1958 Gibson Les Paul Custom "Black Beauty"
- Serial Number: 8 1xxx
- Body: Single-piece solid Honduran mahogany
- Neck: Single-piece mahogany
- Fretboard: Ebony with Mother of Pearl block inlays
- Finish: Original Black Nitrocellulose Lacquer
- Pickups: Three (3) original Gibson PAF Humbuckers
- Electronics: Original wiring harness
- Hardware: Original gold-plated ABR-1 Tune-o-Matic bridge and fittings
- Tuners: Original "Waffle back" Klusons (reinstalled, no extra screw holes)
- Condition: Excellent structural integrity with no cracks or repairs. The guitar has been professionally refretted for superb playability.
- Case: Original black pebble ("Lifton" style) hard case with golden-yellow plush lining
An Early 1958 Collector's Rarity
The serial number, 8 1xxx, indicates this guitar was manufactured very early in 1958, placing it in a crucial transition period when PAF humbuckers became standard for the Les Paul Custom. As one of only 256 Les Paul Customs shipped by Gibson that year, this instrument is a genuine artifact from a highly desirable production run, significantly increasing its importance and value in the vintage guitar market.
While it proudly bears the honest play wear of a cherished vintage instrument, this Les Paul Custom is structurally perfect. The recent professional refret ensures the neck feels incredible, with low action and ample fret life for effortless playing across the ebony fingerboard.
This 1958 Gibson Les Paul Custom is a stunning investment-grade guitar, available for inspection in Perth, Western Australia. From its all-mahogany construction to its coveted PAF pickups and original Lifton case, it embodies the sound and style that made the "Black Beauty" a legend.
Completing this exceptional package is the original black pebble ("Lifton" style) hard case with its classic golden-yellow plush lining, preserving this piece of rock 'n' roll history.
| Year: | 1958 |
| Brand: | Gibson |
| Model: | Les Paul Custom 'Black Beauty' |
| Serial: | 8 1xxx |
| Body: | Single Piece Honduran Mahogany |
| Pickups: | Triple Patent Applied for Pickups |
| Neck: | Single Piece Mahogany |
| Fretboard: | Ebony |
| Markers: | Mother of Pearl Block Inlays |
| Modifications & Repairs: | Re-fret, gold shielding paint in pot and switch cavities, original Waffle-Back tuners reinstalled. |
| Case: | Original black pebble case with orange lining. |
