What body material is used for the 1957 Les Paul Custom Reissue?

The guitar features a single-piece solid mahogany body with no weight relief, mimicking the original 1950s specifications.

What is the Murphy Lab Light Aged finish?

It is a specialised ageing process that replicates the appearance and feel of a well-cared-for vintage instrument, including subtle lacquer checking and hardware patina.

How many pickups does this model have?

This specific reissue features three Custombucker Alnico 3 pickups, providing a wide range of vintage-voiced tonal options.

What type of fretboard is included?

The guitar is equipped with a solid ebony fretboard, which contributes to a bright and articulate high-end response.

Does this model include a tremolo system?

Yes, it is fitted with a Bigsby vibrato tailpiece, allowing for expressive pitch manipulation and subtle vibrato effects.

Is the body weight-relieved?

No, this model uses a solid mahogany body with no weight relief to maintain the authentic weight and resonance of the original 1957 design.

What is the typical price for this guitar?

The instrument is typically priced around £7,299, reflecting its status as a premium Gibson Custom Shop reissue.

How do Alnico 3 pickups sound compared to other magnets?

Alnico 3 magnets generally provide a lower output with higher clarity and a more transparent response, ideal for vintage-style sustain.

What is the primary difference between a Custom and a Standard Les Paul?

The Custom usually features an all-mahogany body and an ebony fretboard, whereas the Standard typically uses a maple cap over mahogany with a rosewood fretboard.

Is this guitar suitable for modern high-gain styles?

While it can handle high gain, its Custombucker pickups and solid mahogany construction are specifically voiced for vintage clarity and expressive midrange.

What kind of electronics are used in this reissue?

It features period-correct electronics to ensure the tone and volume controls respond in a manner consistent with a 1957 original.

Who is the Murphy Lab 1957 Les Paul Custom intended for?

It is designed for serious enthusiasts and professional players who require a guitar that offers the exact feel, sound, and look of a 1950s Black Beauty.

Gear article

Gibson Custom Shop 1957 Les Paul Custom Reissue 3-Pickup Bigsby Light Aged Ebony

The Gibson Custom Shop 1957 Les Paul Custom Reissue is a meticulous recreation of the 'Black Beauty', featuring a solid mahogany body, three Custombucker pickups, and a Bigsby vibrato tailpiece. It is finished in a Murphy Lab Light Aged Ebony lacquer to provide the authentic aesthetic and tactile response of a vintage instrument from the late 1950s.

See live prices

Overview and Design

The 1957 Les Paul Custom Reissue represents the pinnacle of Gibson's craftsmanship, designed to emulate the original high-end 'tuxedo' model of the 1950s. Unlike the Standard models of the era, the Custom was built from a single piece of solid mahogany rather than a maple-capped mahogany body. This specific version includes the iconic three-pickup configuration and a Bigsby vibrato tailpiece, finished in a Murphy Lab Light Aged Ebony treatment that provides subtle, period-correct checking and wear.

Tonewoods and Construction

The guitar is constructed from a solid piece of mahogany with no weight relief, ensuring a dense, resonant foundation that provides a rich, dark midrange. This is complemented by a solid ebony fretboard, a signature feature of the Custom line, which adds a bright and articulate top-end response. The combination of these materials creates a distinctive tonal balance that is both powerful and expressive.

Electronics and Hardware

Equipped with three Custombucker Alnico 3 pickups, the instrument delivers shimmering clarity and smooth sustain. These pickups are designed to capture the nuance of original Patent Applied For (PAF) units, providing a balanced output suitable for vintage-style amplification. The electronics are wired to period-correct specifications, ensuring a responsive tone circuit. The hardware is anchored by a Bigsby tailpiece, allowing for expressive pitch modulation and vibrato.

Target Audience and Comparisons

This instrument is primarily aimed at professional musicians and collectors seeking museum-level authenticity. While models like the Gibson Les Paul Standard 50s offer a more traditional P90 or Humbucker experience on a maple top, the 1957 Custom provides a darker, more sophisticated voice due to its all-mahogany construction. It stands in contrast to modern alternatives like the Fender American Professional II Stratocaster, which prioritises contemporary versatility over historic recreation.

Related gear

Frequently asked questions

What body material is used for the 1957 Les Paul Custom Reissue?: The guitar features a single-piece solid mahogany body with no weight relief, mimicking the original 1950s specifications.
What is the Murphy Lab Light Aged finish?: It is a specialised ageing process that replicates the appearance and feel of a well-cared-for vintage instrument, including subtle lacquer checking and hardware patina.
How many pickups does this model have?: This specific reissue features three Custombucker Alnico 3 pickups, providing a wide range of vintage-voiced tonal options.
What type of fretboard is included?: The guitar is equipped with a solid ebony fretboard, which contributes to a bright and articulate high-end response.
Does this model include a tremolo system?: Yes, it is fitted with a Bigsby vibrato tailpiece, allowing for expressive pitch manipulation and subtle vibrato effects.
Is the body weight-relieved?: No, this model uses a solid mahogany body with no weight relief to maintain the authentic weight and resonance of the original 1957 design.
What is the typical price for this guitar?: The instrument is typically priced around £7,299, reflecting its status as a premium Gibson Custom Shop reissue.
How do Alnico 3 pickups sound compared to other magnets?: Alnico 3 magnets generally provide a lower output with higher clarity and a more transparent response, ideal for vintage-style sustain.
What is the primary difference between a Custom and a Standard Les Paul?: The Custom usually features an all-mahogany body and an ebony fretboard, whereas the Standard typically uses a maple cap over mahogany with a rosewood fretboard.
Is this guitar suitable for modern high-gain styles?: While it can handle high gain, its Custombucker pickups and solid mahogany construction are specifically voiced for vintage clarity and expressive midrange.
What kind of electronics are used in this reissue?: It features period-correct electronics to ensure the tone and volume controls respond in a manner consistent with a 1957 original.
Who is the Murphy Lab 1957 Les Paul Custom intended for?: It is designed for serious enthusiasts and professional players who require a guitar that offers the exact feel, sound, and look of a 1950s Black Beauty.