Gibson Les Paul Historic Collection 1957 Custom Black Beauty Electric Guitar (with Case)

Feature:
I bought mine in South London, England in 1984 at a time when Gibson were having huge difficulties. There were just no Black Custom LPs anywhere to be found. There were a few in Cherry Red floating around. I had to wait about 10 months for one to be imported and it came to me without accessories(just in a case). The components are first class. Everything was set just right.

Quality:
Overall the product is excellent apart from a few minor snags. The nut had sharp edges to it and for some reason the grooves on the nut won't accept any other guage but .09-.42 strings. This must have something to do with the problems Gibson were having in the early 1980s. One day i will change the nut. But the guitar is rock solid! Built to last, and i'm sure it will outlive both me & my family. After 23 years it still looks almost brand new.

Value:
The thing to remember about LP Customs is that the only customised specs are the colour, gold trimmings,pearl inlays. Other than this the electric components are no different to any other LP models. So bearing this in mind i'm not sure why the price difference is so vast between the Custom & other models. It should be alot cheaper and more accessible to those less likely to afford it.

Desirability:
If you're intending to stand all night onstage with it then it might be advisable to wear an athletic support. It's hard to look sexy if your back is curving. But if you are seated then it's comfortable. The Les Paul Custom is an eye catcher and looks just the way Les Paul intended ( like an expensive Tuxedo).

Sound:
I play jazz. In comparison to other LP models this one is suited better for a jazz guitarist. It has a warmer tone, woodier & rich and that's probably why Les Paul himself used it on many of his TV appearances. It can be adapted for rock but the other LP's, i.e Standards, Classics, etc tend to be more metallic sounding.

Ease of Use:
The first thing i noticed about it was the very low action. Fast but wide neck which is chunky. I have small hands and the neck width took getting used to but the low action compensated for this.(i think the LP Standard has the thinnest neck and is great for small hands) String bends can prove a problem though with very low action. Again if you play jazz then you don't bend strings all that much. You can acheive a variety of sounds but i tend to prefer to switch to middle position where one gets a unique, hollow, almost semi-acoustic tone. The biggest problems i have with this guitar is the weight (11 lbs) and the heavily lacquered neck which tends to get grabby when hot. I have been told the remedy is to use wire wool to take a layer of lacquer off.

Support:
Tried to contact the company back in 1984 concerning the minor problems but nothing transpired.

Overall:
Well, i've had it for 23 years and i'm not sick of it yet. We humans are hard to please and we're always on the search for the ultimate. I have considered getting a lighter instrument but then perhaps the sustain would not be the same as on the Custom(?) In certain ways once you play one of these all other electric guitars feel inferior. But the price should be slightly less. It has quadrupled since i bought mine in '84.

Feature:
I have the 3 pickup model and it has a variety of sounds so no matter what syle you play you can find your own sound.

Quality:
Gibson guitars in my opinion are made the best, and this custom shop one is even a touch better

Value:
Worth the money and watch the value go up

Desirability:
I bought it

Sound:
Great sound, like an electrified guitar should sound. Sweet and responsive to it's master.

Support:
never needed any,and thats the best kind of support

Overall:
It's a keeper, if I eveer got ride of it, it would be to my son and then only if I didn't play anymore, never!