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Gibson CS 1954 Les Paul Custom Black Beauty (2003)
First owner · Good Wood era · Staple Alnico + P-90 · Art & Historic
| Model | Gibson Custom Art & Historic 1954 Les Paul Custom Reissue “Black Beauty” (LPB-4) |
|---|---|
| Year | 2003 (Good Wood era) |
| Serial number | 4-3221 |
| Colour | Ebony/black, high-gloss nitro |
| Body | Mahogany (solid, no maple top), multi-ply binding |
| Neck | Mahogany, bound headstock with split-diamond inlay |
| Fretboard | Ebony with mother-of-pearl block inlays |
| Scale length | 24.75" |
| Pickups | Staple Alnico (neck) + P-90 (bridge) |
| Bridge | Wraparound bridge |
| Hardware | Gold |
| Weight | 4.38 kg |
| Included | Gibson Art & Historic case, original certificate and papers — as pictured |
| Please note | Sold on behalf of a customer |
A striking R4 Black Beauty from the Custom Shop's Art & Historic era.
Black and gold, and dressed to kill — the 1954 Les Paul Custom “Black Beauty” is still one of the best-looking Les Pauls ever drawn. This one was built in 2003, which puts it right in the middle of Gibson's “Good Wood” era: the years the Custom Shop is celebrated for among people who know, because particularly dry, light and lively timber was going into the instruments back then.
The Black Beauty was Les Paul's own favourite version of his guitar: solid mahogany body with no maple top, multiple layers of cream binding, an ebony board with pearl blocks, the bound split-diamond headstock with its “Les Paul Custom” script, and gold hardware throughout. Pure tuxedo.
At the heart of it sits the correct '54 setup — a Staple Alnico at the neck and a P-90 at the bridge. That well-seasoned Good Wood mahogany gives a warm, singing fundamental with plenty underneath it: the Staple is powerful but stays clear, while the P-90 at the bridge handles the bite and the twang. At 4.38 kg it's relaxed for the model, and you can hear what that does for sustain and warmth. You'll rarely hear a Les Paul Custom sound this woody through an amp.
Condition is very well kept — just the usual playing marks, fine scratches in the clear coat. It comes in its matching Gibson Art & Historic case (worth €500–800 on its own) with the original orange certificate and papers.
Price€4,790 VAT not outlined (§ 25a UStG)