#8 3701

Known the world over by the nickname “Black Beauty,” the Les Paul™ Custom was introduced by Gibson in late 1953 as the company’s top-of-the-line solidbody electric. The Custom came dressed in black because Les Paul himself had requested a guitar that “looks like a tuxedo.” Of all the classy Les Paul Customs released during the Golden Era, other than vanishingly rare original twin-humbucker models, the three-pickup incarnation is the pinnacle in terms both of collectability and sheer, unadulterated cool.

Offered for sale as part of Gibson’s world-first Certified Vintage program, this 1958 Black Beauty is in all-original condition, with the exception of a professional refret that saw the original “Fretless Wonder” fretwire replaced with medium jumbos for enhanced playability. The trio of PAF pickups and Bigbsy® B7 are factory-original, while the lacquer checking and playwear are evidence that this instrument was played and loved for many years before finding its way into the Vault at the Gibson Garage in Nashville.

The guitar ships with its original black Lifton™ case plus a modern Gibson Deluxe Protector Case for ultimate peace of mind when transporting such a remarkable and valuable vintage instrument.

Availability Date: The purchased instrument will be available for pickup at the Gibson Garage in Nashville, or shipment to an address in the US, starting April 27, 2023.

A NEW WARRANTY, PLUS TWO CASES — OLD AND NEW

Alongside a certificate of authenticity and limited lifetime warranty, enclosed will be a detailed letter of appraisal confirming the provenance and history of the instrument, signed by both Gibson’s Senior Director of Product Development Mat Koehler and Director of Brand Experience Mark Agnesi.

In addition to its original black Lifton case, the guitar will also ship with a modern Gibson Deluxe Protector Case. The buyer will also be invited to visit the Gibson Garage in Nashville for a guided tour of the Vault.