What is the 'Black Beauty' nickname?

The 'Black Beauty' is a common nickname for the Les Paul Custom, specifically those with an Ebony finish and gold hardware, first introduced by Gibson in the mid-1950s.

What does 'VOS' stand for in the model name?

VOS stands for Vintage Original Spec. It refers to a specific finish process by the Gibson Custom Shop that includes a light patina on hardware and a non-high-gloss finish to mimic a well-cared-for vintage guitar.

How many pickups does this 1957 Reissue have?

This specific model features three Custombucker Alnico III pickups, providing a wider range of tonal combinations than the standard two-pickup configuration.

What is the neck profile of this guitar?

The guitar features a period-correct chunky C-shape neck, which offers a substantial grip typical of late 1950s Gibson instruments.

What materials are used for the body and top?

Unlike the Les Paul Standard which uses a maple top, the 1957 Custom Reissue features a solid mahogany body without a separate maple cap, leading to a warmer tone.

What type of fingerboard is used?

This model uses a solid ebony fingerboard, known for its dark colour, durability, and bright, articulate tonal contribution.

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

The typical price for this high-end reissue is approximately £6,199, reflecting its status as a premium Custom Shop instrument.

How does the sound differ from a Les Paul Standard?

Due to the all-mahogany body and ebony board, it generally sounds warmer and smoother in the midrange compared to the brighter, snappier tone of a maple-topped Standard.

Is the hardware finished in gold or nickel?

Following the historical specifications of the 1957 Custom, this guitar features gold-plated hardware throughout.

What kind of pickups are Custombuckers?

Custombuckers are Gibson's premium pickups designed to replicate the original PAF (Patent Applied For) humbuckers of the 1950s using Alnico III magnets.

Is this guitar suitable for beginners?

While anyone can play it, the £6,199 price point and professional specifications make it more suitable for serious enthusiasts, collectors, and professional performers.

Gear article

Gibson Custom 1957 Les Paul Custom Reissue 3-Pickup VOS Ebony

The Gibson Custom 1957 Les Paul Custom Reissue is a premium recreation of the legendary 'Black Beauty' electric guitar, featuring a solid mahogany body and three Custombucker pickups. This specific VOS (Vintage Original Spec) model meticulously replicates the aesthetic and tonal characteristics of the original 1957 production year, including period-correct gold hardware and an ebony fingerboard.

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Overview and Construction

The Gibson Custom 1957 Les Paul Custom Reissue is defined by its all-mahogany construction, a departure from the maple-capped Standard models of the same era. This design choice results in a guitar with a focus on warm mid-range frequencies and exceptional sustain. The instrument features a solid ebony fingerboard, which contributes to increased note articulation and a smooth playing surface.

Aesthetically, the 'Black Beauty' lives up to its name with a deep Ebony VOS finish, multi-ply binding on the body and headstock, and luxurious gold hardware. The build is completed with a chunky C-shaped neck profile, providing a substantial feel that adheres to 1950s specifications.

Electronics and Hardware

This specific reissue is equipped with a triple-pickup configuration, featuring three Custombucker Alnico III humbuckers. These pickups are designed to replicate the low-output, touch-sensitive dynamics of original Patent Applied For (PAF) units, offering a broad spectrum of vintage tones ranging from mellow jazz to aggressive blues-rock.

The hardware is period-correct, featuring a no-wire ABR-1 bridge and a lightweight aluminium stop bar tailpiece. This combination is intended to maximise resonance and provide rock-solid tuning stability. The VOS (Vintage Original Spec) treatment gives the gold hardware and finish a slightly aged, authentic patina rather than a high-gloss modern shine.

Sound and Character

The tonal character of the 1957 Reissue is heavy on sustain and harmonic richness. Because of the solid mahogany body, the guitar lacks the snappy high-end 'bite' of maple-topped Les Pauls, instead offering a darker, creamier texture that sits well in a mix.

The inclusion of the third pickup introduces unique phase relationships and tonal options not found on standard two-pickup models. The ebony board ensures that despite the warmth of the mahogany, individual notes remains clear and articulated, preventing the sound from becoming muddy during complex chord work.

Target Audience and Comparisons

Priced at approximately £6,199, this instrument is positioned for professional musicians and serious collectors who demand historical accuracy and top-tier craftsmanship. It suits players looking for a 'statement' instrument that delivers a specific vintage feel and aesthetic.

Compared to modern alternatives like the Fender American Professional II Stratocaster or the Gibson Les Paul Standard 50s, the 1957 Custom Reissue offers a much more specific historical experience. While a Fender Eric Clapton Stratocaster provides modern versatility, the '57 Reissue focuses on the weight, neck girth, and resonant properties of a specific golden-era design.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the 'Black Beauty' nickname?: The 'Black Beauty' is a common nickname for the Les Paul Custom, specifically those with an Ebony finish and gold hardware, first introduced by Gibson in the mid-1950s.
What does 'VOS' stand for in the model name?: VOS stands for Vintage Original Spec. It refers to a specific finish process by the Gibson Custom Shop that includes a light patina on hardware and a non-high-gloss finish to mimic a well-cared-for vintage guitar.
How many pickups does this 1957 Reissue have?: This specific model features three Custombucker Alnico III pickups, providing a wider range of tonal combinations than the standard two-pickup configuration.
What is the neck profile of this guitar?: The guitar features a period-correct chunky C-shape neck, which offers a substantial grip typical of late 1950s Gibson instruments.
What materials are used for the body and top?: Unlike the Les Paul Standard which uses a maple top, the 1957 Custom Reissue features a solid mahogany body without a separate maple cap, leading to a warmer tone.
What type of fingerboard is used?: This model uses a solid ebony fingerboard, known for its dark colour, durability, and bright, articulate tonal contribution.
What bridge system is installed on this model?: It is equipped with a no-wire ABR-1 bridge and a lightweight aluminium stop bar tailpiece for enhanced resonance and stability.
What is the typical price for this Gibson Custom Shop model?: The typical price for this high-end reissue is approximately £6,199, reflecting its status as a premium Custom Shop instrument.
How does the sound differ from a Les Paul Standard?: Due to the all-mahogany body and ebony board, it generally sounds warmer and smoother in the midrange compared to the brighter, snappier tone of a maple-topped Standard.
Is the hardware finished in gold or nickel?: Following the historical specifications of the 1957 Custom, this guitar features gold-plated hardware throughout.
What kind of pickups are Custombuckers?: Custombuckers are Gibson's premium pickups designed to replicate the original PAF (Patent Applied For) humbuckers of the 1950s using Alnico III magnets.
Is this guitar suitable for beginners?: While anyone can play it, the £6,199 price point and professional specifications make it more suitable for serious enthusiasts, collectors, and professional performers.