Gibson Custom Shop Historic 2-Pickup '57 Les Paul Custom Black Beauty Reissue 2010 - Ebony VOS

This is the Gibson Custom Shop LPB-7, which is Gibson’s Historic reissue of the 1957 Les Paul Custom — the two-pickup “Black Beauty.” The model designation is right on the COA, and this is the VOS version, so the subtle aging and patina you see on the gold hardware and finish are intentional factory treatment rather than normal player wear.

One of the biggest differences between this and a typical Les Paul Custom is the construction. The ’57 Black Beauty uses an all-mahogany body without the usual maple cap, paired with an ebony fingerboard. It gives these a slightly different personality from a regular Custom — there’s a lot of body and midrange behind the note, but that ebony board keeps the attack crisp and immediate. It still has all the visual stuff that makes a Black Beauty unmistakable: multi-ply binding, big pearl block inlays, split-diamond headstock, gold hardware, black plastics, ABR-1 style bridge and stopbar.

At 9.22 lbs on my scale, this one feels substantial without getting into the brutally heavy territory some Les Paul Customs can reach. The setup is excellent and it plays exactly how I want one of these to play. The frets look nearly new, the guitar feels like it has had very little actual playtime, and everything up the neck feels clean and easy.

The pickups are especially good in this one. They have a punchy, immediate response with plenty of output when you dig in, but they still retain the clarity and definition I want from a vintage-style Les Paul. The neck position has that big, full Custom sound without getting overly muddy, while the bridge has plenty of bite and authority. It’s one of those guitars that immediately sounds as expensive as it looks.

Cosmetically, I’m calling it Excellent. There is one small ding on the top that is difficult to notice unless you’re looking for it, and I photographed it clearly. Beyond that, it presents exceptionally well. Keep in mind that this is a VOS guitar, so light finish patina, softened hardware shine and subtle factory aging are part of how Gibson originally finished it and should not be confused with heavy play wear.

It comes with the Gibson Custom Shop hard case, Certificate of Authenticity, and the complete pictured case candy, including the Historic Collection paperwork and original tags.

What stood out to me

• This is the true ’57-style Black Beauty formula, not simply a modern Les Paul Custom in black.

• The all-mahogany body and ebony board give it a really satisfying mix of thickness, punch and definition.

• At 9.22 lbs, it has the substantial Custom feel without being excessively heavy.

• The VOS treatment looks right on a Black Beauty, especially against the gold hardware.

• The frets look nearly untouched and the entire guitar shows very little actual playtime.

• The pickups are extremely punchy and responsive, and this one sounds fantastic plugged in.

• The original LPB-7 COA, Custom Shop case and pictured case candy are all here.

The photos shown are real photographs of this exact guitar. I do not use AI-generated imagery, replacement backgrounds, or image manipulation to misrepresent the condition of my guitars. What you see is the instrument you’ll receive.

Like all my guitars, this one’s been cared for and dialed in—no guesswork, no surprises, just a great instrument that’s ready to play. I personally inspect and test every guitar before it ships, making sure it’s in the exact condition I’d want to receive myself. These guitars come from me, not a shop—each one gets the kind of attention and care only a real guitar lover gives. Ships fast and fully insured via Reverb Safe Shipping.

⏳ Quick note: Most of my guitars sell within 1–5 days, and I regularly hear from watchers after the listing has already sold. If this one’s on your radar, now’s the window!