What a pleasure it is to have this one in stock! A full '59 spec (00 serial number) Les Paul equipped with 3 superb sounding PAF pickups. This one ticks all the right boxes for players seeking that unmistakable '59 feel without the fragility of a museum-grade example. With its single-piece mahogany body/top, matching one-piece mahogany neck, and ebony board, it delivers all the resonance and snap these “Black Beauties” are famed for. 

The trio of original double-black PAFs have their stickers intact, but their leads have been cut/spliced and the covers have been off the mid and bridge pickups (the neck possibly too.). They’re the real deal and sound absolutely sensational, especially with the modified 5 way pickup switch which is a clever, reversible mod that adds some very usable tonal options without requiring any additional routing. Further changes include later amber bonnet knobs, replaced caps, and a refret with a new nut. Hardware wise the bridge, tailpiece and studs are later gold replacements, and inside the control cavity you’ll find a reinforcing plate around the bridge volume/tone pots to support an earlier repair.

The top has been given a black overspray at some point, which makes sense given the prior Bigsby installation and the small repair between the treble volume and tone controls. The finish on the neck and back/sides of the body present as original.

Condition-wise, this Custom has certainly lived a life, picking up a headstock repair and a crack between the controls along the way, both now neatly stabilised. What remains is a wonderfully honest, well-played instrument with character, vibe, and tone in spades! Crucially, it retains that gloriously full ’59 neck profile, which feels instantly comfortable and makes the guitar an absolute joy to play.

For anyone wanting a golden-era Les Paul Custom with its soul intact, with originality where it counts and musician-made tweaks that expand its palette, this one hits a very sweet spot. A really charming example.