1957 Gibson Les Paul Custom
The 1957 Les Paul Custom with PAF humbuckers is the pinnacle 'Black Beauty' — the combination of Gibson's finest cosmetics with its revolutionary new pickup technology. Three-pickup versions are particularly rare.
Current Market Value
* Prices are estimates based on recent market data. Actual value depends on originality, condition, and provenance. Pricing methodology
Specifications
| Body Wood | Mahogany (body), Maple (carved top) |
| Neck Wood | Mahogany |
| Fingerboard | Ebony (multi-ply bound) |
| Scale Length | 24.750" |
| Frets | 22 |
| Pickup Config | HH |
| Bridge | ABR-1 Tune-O-Matic, stop tailpiece |
| Tuners | Kluson Deluxe single-ring |
| Finish Options | Ebony Black |
| Est. Production | 250 |
Pickups & Electronics
Two PAF humbuckers (two-pickup model). Three-pickup version also available with PAFs at all positions.
What Changed in 1957
First year of PAF humbuckers on the Custom — the most significant upgrade to the model. Two- and three-pickup versions available. The PAF-equipped Custom is the definitive collector's 'Black Beauty.'
Collector's Notes
Three-pickup models command a significant premium over two-pickup versions. Verify all PAFs are original and date-coded correctly. The ebony fingerboard should be dense and jet black.