You may think that the Gibson Les Paul is the highest quality instrument out there. But, contrary to popular belief, Gibson actually produces some guitars of an even higher standard than the regular Les Paul. The most prominent example of this is the Gibson Les Paul Custom. It is, by all accounts, a higher end brother to the Les Paul Standard. Learn everything there is to know about the Custom below.
About two years after the Gibson Guitar Corporation introduced its original Les Paul model, it became apparent that a few more affluent musicians would be willing to purchase a guitar even pricier than the Les Paul. Gibson's decision to make a deluxe version was facilitated by Les Paul himself, who requested that it be made. Paul had a specific vision for this new, more indulgent guitar. He asked that it be black with white accents in order to look like a tuxedo. Gibson, trying to preserve their relationship with the musician who was so integral to their business, complied. At the time of its introduction in 1954, the Les Paul Custom cost a whopping $365. It doesn't seem like much now, but when put in terms of today's money it equates to almost $3,000.
The reasoning behind the Les Paul Custom's exceptional price becomes clearer when you take a look at its specifications. Even in 1954, when manufacturing was a much slower and more laborious process, the Custom lived up to its namesake with superior craftsmanship. The neck and body were both mahogany, just like the Les Paul Standard. The original Custom, though, had a mahogany top that was painted black instead of gold. As a result, the guitar would later come to be known as the "Black Beauty". The fret board was made of solid ebony wood, and the frets were flatter and lower than the original Les Paul's. In terms of electronics, the "Black Beauty" had a P-90 in the bridge position and a specially designed Alnico V in the neck position. Its hardware, meanwhile, was either gold or silver plated.
Each minute detail of the original 1954 "Black Beauty" was carefully selected to contribute to an instrument of the highest quality possible. The solid mahogany body resulted in a heavier guitar with more sustain. The ebony fret board looked richer than the rosewood and maple ones on the Standard. From the perspective of sound, the dual P90 and Humbucker pickup combination on the Custom allowed for a more versatile sound than the Standard, which at the time just had two P90's.
From the time that the first Les Paul Custom came off the line, the guitar has maintained a certain mystique that few others can match. Since 1957, it has been offered with an option of either two or three pickups, making it truly unique among other Gibsons. Its fantastic build and impeccable looks have continually set the bar for instrument quality in the industry.
Today, the Les Paul Custom sports a few changes in look and feel that further separate it from the pack. Its top, now capped with carved maple, is available in 5 different finishes, including: silverburst, ebony, alpine white, wine red, and cherry sunburst. All but the silverburst model have gold hardware. The fret board is still made of ebony, which gives it a noticeably smoother feel to the guitarist's fretting fingers. The frets, as well, maintain their flatter and lower style, which allows for speedier playing with ease. In addition, it makes complicated chords and finger-stretching intervals less difficult to navigate. Its inlays, as opposed to the trapezoidal mother of pearls on a Les Paul Standard, are solid block mother of pearls. As a final touch of class, the headstock features a "Split Diamond" pearl inlay.
Some may deem the flourishes and stylistic details of the Les Paul Custom unnecessary. But even though the function of the Custom isn't head and shoulders above the Standard, its little nuances make it look as such. The Custom is not an instrument for anyone; especially those who abuse their guitars with constant travel and playing. There are, however, few guitars that look better in the case or showroom of a collector than the old "Black Beauty".