What is the body material of this 1957 Reissue?

The guitar features a solid mahogany body. Unlike the Standard models, it does not have a maple top, which results in a warmer, more midrange-focused tone.

What type of pickups are installed in this model?

It is equipped with three Custombucker Alnico III pickups. These are designed to provide authentic PAF-style tones with high levels of dynamics and depth.

What does the VOS treatment signify?

VOS stands for Vintage Original Spec. It is a meticulous aging treatment applied by the Gibson Custom Shop to give the guitar the look and feel of a well-maintained vintage instrument from 1957.

What is the neck profile on this Les Paul Custom?

The guitar features a 'Chunky C-shape' mahogany neck. This profile offers a substantial and comfortable feel for players who prefer a traditional, thicker neck.

What kind of fingerboard does this guitar have?

The instrument uses an Ebony fingerboard. This wood is chosen for its bright articulation, smooth feel, and elegant dark appearance.

Does this model include a tremolo system?

Yes, it is equipped with a Bigsby vibrato tailpiece. This allows the player to add shimmering vibrato and expressive pitch bends to their playing.

What tuners are used on this reissue?

The guitar is fitted with Kluson Waffleback tuners. These are period-correct components known for their vintage look and reliable tuning stability.

How does the bridge differ from modern Les Pauls?

It features a no-wire ABR-1 bridge. This design is historically accurate to 1957 and is favoured by purists for its direct contact and traditional sustain characteristics.

Why are there three pickups instead of two?

The three-pickup configuration was a premium option for the Les Paul Custom in the late 1950s. It provides a unique aesthetic and a different range of tonal combinations in the middle switch position.

What is the typical price for this Gibson Custom Shop model?

This specific reissue typically retails in the range of GBP 6199. This reflects its status as a high-end, handcrafted instrument from Gibson's Custom Shop.

How does this guitar compare to a Fender American Professional II Stratocaster?

The Gibson features a solid mahogany body, humbuckers, and a shorter scale length, producing a warmer, thicker sound. The Stratocaster typically uses single-coil pickups and a longer scale length for a brighter, 'twangier' tone.

Who is the ideal player for the 1957 Les Paul Custom Reissue?

This guitar suits professional players and collectors seeking authentic 1950s specifications. Its versatile Custombucker pickups and substantial neck make it ideal for genres ranging from jazz and blues to classic rock.

Gear article

Gibson Custom Shop 1957 Les Paul Custom Reissue 3-Pickup Bigsby VOS

The Gibson Custom Shop 1957 Les Paul Custom Reissue is a meticulous recreation of the iconic 'Black Beauty,' featuring a solid mahogany body and a triple-pickup configuration. This model incorporates period-correct specifications including a Bigsby vibrato, Custombucker Alnico III pickups, and a Vintage Original Spec (VOS) treatment for an authentic 1950s aesthetic and feel.

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Historical Context

The 1957 Les Paul Custom represents a significant milestone in the evolution of Gibson's solid-body electric guitars. Originally introduced as the top-tier model in the Les Paul line, it was nicknamed the 'Black Beauty' due to its tuxedo-style Ebony finish and gold hardware. This specific reissue captures the transition year when Gibson moved to humbucking pickups, specifically the three-pickup configuration that became a hallmark of the Custom's visual and sonic identity.

Construction and Design

Unlike the Les Paul Standard, which typically features a maple cap, the 1957 Custom Reissue is built with a solid mahogany body. This construction choice contributes to a distinct tonal profile focused on midrange warmth. The neck features a 'Chunky C-shape' profile, providing a substantial grip preferred by players who enjoy vintage-style ergonomics. The fingerboard is genuine ebony, offering a smooth playing surface and a sharp aesthetic contrast to the gold hardware and multi-ply binding.

Electronics and Hardware

The guitar is equipped with three Custombucker Alnico III pickups, designed to replicate the original PAF (Patent Applied For) tones of the late 1950s. These pickups are known for their responsiveness and dynamic range. The inclusion of a Bigsby vibrato tailpiece allows for expressive pitch manipulation and shimmering vibrato effects. Additional period-correct hardware includes Kluson Waffleback tuners and a no-wire ABR-1 bridge, which together ensure traditional tuning stability and sustain.

Tonal Character

The sonic signature of this reissue is defined by the combination of its all-mahogany construction and Alnico III magnets. It delivers a rich, creamy midrange warmth balanced by the bright articulation provided by the ebony fingerboard. The three-pickup layout offers a unique set of wiring options, providing a broader palette of tones compared to standard two-pickup models, ranging from deep bluesy neck tones to biting bridge leads with significant depth.

Comparison to Alternatives

When compared to other high-end electric guitars, the 1957 Les Paul Custom stands apart due to its specific woods and hardware. While the Gibson Les Paul Standard 50s P90 offers a more stripped-back vintage experience, the Custom Reissue provides a more ornate aesthetic and a different harmonic profile due to the humbuckers. In contrast to Fender models like the Eric Clapton Stratocaster or the American Professional II Stratocaster, the Gibson offers a shorter scale length, a fixed-style bridge (with Bigsby), and the thicker, darker resonance associated with mahogany and humbucking pickups.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the body material of this 1957 Reissue?: The guitar features a solid mahogany body. Unlike the Standard models, it does not have a maple top, which results in a warmer, more midrange-focused tone.
What type of pickups are installed in this model?: It is equipped with three Custombucker Alnico III pickups. These are designed to provide authentic PAF-style tones with high levels of dynamics and depth.
What does the VOS treatment signify?: VOS stands for Vintage Original Spec. It is a meticulous aging treatment applied by the Gibson Custom Shop to give the guitar the look and feel of a well-maintained vintage instrument from 1957.
What is the neck profile on this Les Paul Custom?: The guitar features a 'Chunky C-shape' mahogany neck. This profile offers a substantial and comfortable feel for players who prefer a traditional, thicker neck.
What kind of fingerboard does this guitar have?: The instrument uses an Ebony fingerboard. This wood is chosen for its bright articulation, smooth feel, and elegant dark appearance.
Does this model include a tremolo system?: Yes, it is equipped with a Bigsby vibrato tailpiece. This allows the player to add shimmering vibrato and expressive pitch bends to their playing.
What tuners are used on this reissue?: The guitar is fitted with Kluson Waffleback tuners. These are period-correct components known for their vintage look and reliable tuning stability.
How does the bridge differ from modern Les Pauls?: It features a no-wire ABR-1 bridge. This design is historically accurate to 1957 and is favoured by purists for its direct contact and traditional sustain characteristics.
Why are there three pickups instead of two?: The three-pickup configuration was a premium option for the Les Paul Custom in the late 1950s. It provides a unique aesthetic and a different range of tonal combinations in the middle switch position.
What is the typical price for this Gibson Custom Shop model?: This specific reissue typically retails in the range of GBP 6199. This reflects its status as a high-end, handcrafted instrument from Gibson's Custom Shop.
How does this guitar compare to a Fender American Professional II Stratocaster?: The Gibson features a solid mahogany body, humbuckers, and a shorter scale length, producing a warmer, thicker sound. The Stratocaster typically uses single-coil pickups and a longer scale length for a brighter, 'twangier' tone.
Who is the ideal player for the 1957 Les Paul Custom Reissue?: This guitar suits professional players and collectors seeking authentic 1950s specifications. Its versatile Custombucker pickups and substantial neck make it ideal for genres ranging from jazz and blues to classic rock.