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
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Recent Sales
Showing 7 verified sales for 1957 Gibson Les Paul Custom. Reissues, replicas, and parts listings are filtered out.
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.
How to Authenticate a 1957 Gibson Les Paul Custom
Gibson serial numbers from this era are ink-stamped on the back of the headstock. Cross-reference with known Gibson serial tables — numbering was not strictly sequential. Potentiometer date codes are critical: look for CTS pots (code 137) with two-digit year codes matching 1957 or up to 18 months earlier. This is the most reliable dating method for Gibson guitars of this era. The finish should be nitrocellulose lacquer showing age-appropriate checking (fine crazing). Under blacklight, original nitro fluoresces a distinctive green-yellow — refinished instruments lack this characteristic. Verify original PAF humbuckers — Les Paul Customs from 1957 should have the correct number of pickups. Check baseplate stickers, magnet type, and DC resistance. Multi-ply binding on body, neck, and headstock is a key authentication point — verify correct number of layers. Ebony fingerboard should be genuine (deep black, tight grain). Gold hardware should show consistent aging. Original Kluson Deluxe single-ring should be present with no evidence of replacement (no oversized bushing holes). Original hardshell case adds provenance value.