The 1995 '57 Gibson Les Paul Custom Black Beauty remains an iconic and very desirable electric guitar.
 
This particular example, serial number 7 5323, combines timeless looks, superior craftsmanship, and outstanding tone. It features a professionally installed Bigsby vibrato — added with great care without any extra holes (thanks to a Vibramate V7)— preserving the instrument’s originality and value.
A professional refret ensures modern playability while maintaining vintage integrity. All original parts and the original Gibson hard shell case are included.
 
Built in Nashville, Tennessee, this Les Paul Custom hails from a period when Gibson was producing instruments of exceptional consistency and quality. The mid-1990s Customs are now considered modern classics, bridging the gap between vintage feel and contemporary reliability. Their solid mahogany construction, carved maple top, and ebony fingerboard deliver the unmistakable Les Paul power and sustain, while their fit and finish rival Gibson’s golden-era craftsmanship.
 
The Les Paul Custom story began in 1954, when Gibson president Ted McCarty and Les Paul himself envisioned a more elegant, performance-ready version of the standard model. Outfitted with multi-ply binding, block inlays, and a split-diamond headstock, it earned the nickname “Black Beauty.” Over the decades, it became the weapon of choice for players like Jimmy Page, Randy Rhoads, and Zakk Wylde — guitarists who defined the sound of rock through this very design.
 
This 1995 example carries on that proud legacy. The body features a carved maple top over a solid mahogany back, paired with a set mahogany neck and bound ebony fingerboard adorned with mother-of-pearl block inlays. Gold-plated hardware and Gibson’s factory humbuckers complete the look and sound. The Bigsby vibrato adds vintage flair and subtle pitch control without compromising the instrument’s structural originality. Importantly, it was installed without drilling new holes, so the guitar can be returned to stock configuration if desired.
 
A professional refret has been performed to a high standard, providing a fast, smooth playing surface with precise intonation. The result is a guitar that plays effortlessly up and down the neck while retaining all the warmth and bite Les Paul Customs are known for. The electronics are original and fully functional, and the finish retains its deep gloss with only light, natural signs of age.
Plugged in, this Les Paul Custom delivers everything expected from Gibson’s top-tier model: thick, rich sustain, articulate mids, and crystalline highs. The ebony fingerboard and fresh frets give it a tight response and clear attack that excel in blues, rock, and metal alike. The Bigsby adds expressive versatility while maintaining tuning stability and tonal depth.
 
Included in the sale are the original parts : Tune-O-Matic bridge, stop tailpiece, and the original Gibson hard shell case.
 
This 1995 Gibson Les Paul Custom Black Beauty (Serial No. 7 5323) is a beautifully maintained, expertly upgraded, and fully original example of Gibson’s finest craftsmanship. With its professional refret, reversible Bigsby installation, and complete originality, this “Black Beauty” is ready for the stage, studio, or discerning collection.
 
Model : ‘57 Les Paul Custom Black Beauty
Serial : 7 5323
Pickups : ’57 classic
Pots : 1379514 (14th week of 1995)
Frets : professional refret
Weight : 4,25kgs / 9,37lbs
Tuners : Original Grover
Case : Original Gibson Case