1957 Les Paul Custom Reissue The Original Black Beauty
The 1957 Les Paul Custom Reissue is a guitar that has been sought after by musicians for decades. It is a reissue of the original Les Paul Custom, also known as the "Black Beauty," that was produced in 1957. The Les Paul Custom is known for its unique look and sound, and has been used by many famous musicians over the years, including Jimmy Page, Slash, and Joe Perry. In this article, we will take a closer look at the 1957 Les Paul Custom Reissue and what makes it so special.
The History of the Les Paul Custom
The Les Paul Custom was first introduced in 1954 as a high-end version of the Les Paul Standard. It featured a solid mahogany body with a maple top, a mahogany neck with an ebony fingerboard, and a set of three humbucker pickups. The Les Paul Custom was also the first guitar to feature the now-iconic "tuxedo" look, with its black finish and white binding.
The Les Paul Custom quickly became a favorite among guitarists, and it was used by many famous musicians in the 1950s and 1960s, including Freddie King, Eric Clapton, and Peter Green. However, production of the Les Paul Custom was discontinued in 1960 due to low sales.
It wasn't until the late 1960s and early 1970s that the Les Paul Custom began to regain popularity, thanks in part to the rise of heavy metal and hard rock. Musicians like Randy Rhoads, Tony Iommi, and Ace Frehley all used Les Paul Customs, and the guitar became a staple of the heavy metal sound.
The 1957 Les Paul Custom Reissue
The 1957 Les Paul Custom Reissue was first introduced in 1993 as part of Gibson's Custom Shop Historic Collection. The guitar was designed to be an exact replica of the original 1957 Les Paul Custom, right down to the smallest details.
The 1957 Les Paul Custom Reissue features a solid mahogany body with a maple top, just like the original. It also has a mahogany neck with an ebony fingerboard, and a set of three Custom Bucker pickups that are made to replicate the sound of the original PAF pickups. The guitar also has the iconic "tuxedo" look, with its black finish and white binding.
One of the things that makes the 1957 Les Paul Custom Reissue so special is the attention to detail that Gibson put into its production. The guitar is made using the same materials and techniques as the original, and every aspect of the guitar is carefully crafted to ensure that it is as close to the original as possible.
The Sound of the 1957 Les Paul Custom Reissue
The sound of the 1957 Les Paul Custom Reissue is what truly sets it apart from other guitars. The Custom Bucker pickups are made to replicate the sound of the original PAF pickups, which are known for their warm, rich tone.
The guitar has a thick, creamy sound that is perfect for blues, jazz, and rock. The pickups are also very responsive, and they can produce a wide range of tones depending on how they are played.
The Value of the 1957 Les Paul Custom Reissue
The 1957 Les Paul Custom Reissue is a guitar that is highly valued by collectors and musicians alike. The guitar has a limited production run, and it is considered to be one of the finest reissue guitars ever made.
The value of the 1957 Les Paul Custom Reissue is also influenced by its rarity and the fact that it is a faithful replica of the original. The guitar is highly sought after by collectors, and it can fetch a very high price on the vintage guitar market.
Conclusion
The 1957 Les Paul Custom Reissue is a guitar that is beloved by musicians and collectors alike. It is a faithful replica of the original Les Paul Custom, and it is made using the same materials and techniques as the original. The guitar has a unique look and sound that is perfect for a wide range of musical styles, and it is considered to be one of the finest reissue guitars ever made.