Californiaman Posted October 3, 2009 Share Posted October 3, 2009 I know there has been many reincarnations of this iconic guitar. What I need to know is what's the difference? I found a 1982 Custom Black Beauty that I like. What's the difference between that and say the newer incarnation? I read somewhere that the '82 had a maple cap whereas the 09 or 08 doesn't. Need help here fellows. As much information on the Black Beauty as possible so as to make an informed buying decision. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tim Plains Posted October 3, 2009 Share Posted October 3, 2009 New Customs have maple tops. The only ones that have mahogany tops are the two historic reissues - '54 & '57 Black Beauties. '82/'83 was right around the time Gibson started swiss cheesing the bodies; so, the one you're looking at may or may not have a solid-body. I think it'll also have short neck tenon. You're looking for information? Best thing to do is play it and judge it for what it is - either a bad, good, great, etc., guitar. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HeadCase Posted October 3, 2009 Share Posted October 3, 2009 I don't know about the '82 but the current Custom Shop Customs (Black, White, Wine Red & Sunburst) have a maple top, 490R/498T pickups & Nashville bridge. The current Historic '57 Black Beauties (yes, Black only) have a mahogany top, Burstbuckers 1/2 & ABR-1 bridge. Again, I'm not sure, but I don't think they built the mahogany topped ones then. Try asking 1-800-4-GIBSON. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Californiaman Posted October 3, 2009 Author Share Posted October 3, 2009 The one I played was "very" heavy. Built like a tank. So I doubt that it had a "swiss cheese" body. I didn't get the year off it. Next time I'm in the shop I will. As far as the pickups go would the current '57 Black Beauties be the Classic '57 pups? An informed buyer is definitely a happy one. I have lots of questions. Here's a good sight. But it's incomplete and needs updating. Specs This is a real good sight for many stringed instruments. Vintage Guitars Info Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tim Plains Posted October 3, 2009 Share Posted October 3, 2009 The one I played was "very" heavy. Built like a tank.So I doubt that it had a "swiss cheese" body. Don't think that it's solid just because it's heavy. My Custom is 10 lbs' date=' it's swiss cheesed...and I've personally held a 13+ lb swiss cheesed LP Standard. Just sayin'... As far as the pickups go would the current '57 Black Beauties be the Classic '57 pups?An informed buyer is definitely a happy one. Try gibson.com and read the features of the various current LP Customs. All the info's there. It should help. Not to mention HeadCase already answered you. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
canon_mutant Posted October 3, 2009 Share Posted October 3, 2009 Though not black, lest we not forget about this beauty . . . http://www.privatereserveguitars.com/Gibson-Custom-Les-Paul-Custom-All-Mahogany-Electric-Guitar-482521-i1397283.guitars Played a version of this back in the 90s that had the 50s profile neck. An absolute brick that had to be over 10 lbs. but gaud I loved that guitar. Unfortunately, no money at the time or I'd be playing it now. Haven't played one of these with the 60s neck. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HeadCase Posted October 3, 2009 Share Posted October 3, 2009 http://www.privatereserveguitars.com/Gibson-Custom-Les-Paul-Custom-All-Mahogany-Electric-Guitar-482521-i1397283.guitars Dang... if that thing had a big fat neck I would so be all over it! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Californiaman Posted October 8, 2009 Author Share Posted October 8, 2009 Is it possible to custom order one with Split Trapezoids like on my ES-175? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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