I Got a Vintage 57 LP! | 1957 Gibson Les Paul Custom 3 Pickup Black Beauty Bigsby Review + Demo

[@daro3339]

Your editing skills are top notch Austin. Your commentary and guitar playing along with the freeze frames and close ups really made that Black Beauty come to life. BRAVO

[@jaco_h5013]

Jimmy pages did'nt have the black painted insert in the bigsby but that was a 1960 which is a bit later than this model so was the bigsby black insert in earlier models or later models

[@oipunkguy]

Spoke to a Gibson custom shop guy once that worked at Gibson during the Norlin era. According to him, all black beauties were a ONE PIECE mahogany body. The toggle route is done with a large a drill bit that goes in from the jack all the way to the toggle. At first i didn’t believe him until he showed me pictures. Les paul specials are done the same way. Mind blowing.

[@ChrisShortyAllen]

How else could it be done? Using a drill is not rocket science.

[@oipunkguy]

@@ChrisShortyAllen most gibsons the cavity is routed out then a mahogany or maple cap is glued on top.

[@hangingchad_]

@@ChrisShortyAllen I thought for sure it would be a one or two piece mahogany body with a mahogany cap. I can't believe the whole thing is one giant piece of mahogany.

[@hkguitar1984]

It would seem the addition of hiring a Video Editor has allowed Austin some extra time to practice his playing. Sounds great, what's not to love, an original PAF through a Marshall.

[@sgt.grinch3299]

Great point HK

[@hkguitar1984]

A Big Shout-Out to Jim @Jam City Guitars Thank You Sir, I think I can say we all appreciate your contribution to Austin's great content. Thank You again for sharing this significant piece of history with us.

[@donttalktome4696]

One of the best episodes yet!

[@sgt.grinch3299]

Agreed. Thanks for allowing us to see this beautiful instrument

[@joermnyc]

Yeah, I guess if you’re going to let someone borrow some Gibson history this valuable, it’s Trogly.

[@misterghee1]

@@joermnyc well all good but it gets some international showing as it is for sale he Trogly is being Trogly that's greay

[@misterghee1]

Great Great Great damcontroool

[@davidiwaoka4146]

The easiest way to spot a real 50's vintage custom is that the last 3 block inlays are the same size. In the re-issues they are three are different sizes. The newest 54 Custom re-issues do have the period correct sized inlays. That's super cool.

[@hughnguyen1772]

Beautiful and very well kept guitar. It looks more intact than my 2021 reissued 57 back beauty Murphy Lab light aged.

[@musclecarmitch908]

Back in 1979 I could've bought one, didn't have the Bigsby, at a pawnshop in Louisville ky. For $300.00, I checked it out and fell in love with it, sadly $300.00 back then was a big price for a 15 year old and I couldn't scratch up the cash to buy it. Makes me even sadder now, knowing what a good investment it would've been!

[@Paul_Lenard_Ewing]

I had one of those LP's in the late 60's but it was used and was definitely 50's, but just 2 PU's it also I believe was all mahogany no maple top. At the same time I had a Gold top with P90's. The thin neck and frets made it terrible to play but it sounded killer. The old top was the ultimate to play but ...

[@jefffixesit60]

That is a beauty, and I gotta say: Austin, you're playing has taken a step up! Thanks for doing what you do, I hope to see more of these in future installments

[@Kazwell111]

The Rain Song sounded great!!! I think that was your best playing Austin and I have watched a lot of episodes of your show.

[@duanewelsh5611]

One of your best reviews yet. Thanks Jim at jam city for letting Austin share this beauty with us!

[@FrehleyBurst9-1878]

Whoa! Austin! Nice job channeling your inner Jimmy Page! You definitely give The Rain Song justice Trogly Style! You need to add the 2008 Gibson Custom Shop Jimmy Page Black Beauty Signature Les Paul Custom to your collection. There are a few very nice examples available right now on the resale platforms.

[@craigusselman546]

Definately Led Zep feel there.

[@jessemiller1774]

Trogly, did sound rather good on the lep, stuff. I almost thought he would play the whole thing.

[@jessemiller1774]

Zep stuff.

[@jwd1112]

James, I got to play one at a guitar shop in Nashville a few years ago, it was awesome!

[@damiangarcia7804]

This is officially my favorite episode! Loved all of it

[@TayTayKemp]

Man that tone is so pure and natural, this guitar truly is special!

[@nycshelbygt500]

The Holy Grail almost...$95k on sale. The original Jimmy Page Gibson Les Paul Custom Black Beauty was a 1960s model stolen in Minnesota in 1970, while Led Zeppelin was on tour. It resurfaced in 1993 and again in 2014. It was returned to Jimmy Page some time later between 2015-2020. How could they tell it was the OG. Black Light Test that showed some toggle switch holes near the 6-way toggle switch. Estimated value $5 million+. Gibson reissued the Jimmy Page Gibson Les Paul Custom Black Beauty in 2008. A few were signed by Jimmy Page and the rest without an autograph are more affordable. There are 4-5 more Jimmy Page Signature reissues. The Telecaster Dragon and two Jimmy Page 1950s Les Paul Cherry Sunbursts (No. 1 and No. 2).

[@johnstrand7456]

Oh dear - you are breaking my heart!! I had one of these I bought used in 1968 for $150.00 case included - I did put a bigsby on it and it was an incredible guitar which I used as my main one - this is the part where I cry - my house was broken into mid 70s and the custom, my es295 and a 40s lgo flattop were all stolen - I have a couple old customs picked up through the years but none are like that old 57

[@vadenk4433]

🤮. That makes me wanna barf. Sorry that happened to you brother

[@jimmyjames2022]

Thanks to Jim at JamCity Guitars and Trogly for this awesome review of an original '57 LP Custom 3HB, well done! Sweet JP Rain Song demo!

[@paulraider2001]

Jimmy Page was the reason I wanted to play guitar. But then Peter Frampton came along and showed me that girls love guitar players. Finally, Ace Freely taught me that practice equals money (if you're any good). All hail the Black Beauty!

[@hkguitar1984]

Indeed yes. Back in 1974 my best friend and I decided we could meet more girls if we learned to play guitar and started a band! Mission Accomplished.

[@karengayle9331]

I was born in 57 and I have my share of cracks and dings. Good display of a very nice guitar!

[@danielmargolis3210]

Despite all the quirkiness of old guitars, they’re usually so cool. Still rockin’ my ‘72 Bigsby Telecaster!

[@myoptik3x103]

My God, what a beautiful guitar. Thanks for sharing her with us.

[@ak47dragunov]

That thing is absolutely unreal. I'd be afraid to touch it it's so beautiful

[@hifibrony]

That is the hardest-core guitar porn I have ever seen short of an original 1958 korina Flying V in Vintage Guitar many years ago. Congrats my man.

[@xorbe07]

This LP sounds totally unique to my ears, very close to single coil in clean mode but slightly different, and off the hook crunch and grind in dirty mode way beyond any "regular" 2 pickup LP. Too bad I'll never be able to afford something like this.

[@jameshumphrey2345]

Seeing you document a guitar like this clarifies one reason I dislike the entire idea of “relicking” new guitars. (Relicing? Both spellings look comical.) All the wear and aging on this wonderful instrument is so obviously honest and earned. No offense to those who love pre-worn guitars, but I cannot fathom how that adds significant value.

[@zeppelinboys]

i've heard it explained that some people like relic guitars so they do not have to worry about making a dent in it. but i have a funny feeling those same people baby those guitars anyways lol. me i don't mind any 'wear and tear'. as long as it plays and nothing is broken. besides the feel that's a great plus in my mind of thin nitro finishes.

[@michaelnachoescamilla6241]

The guitar sounds bright enough and there is this beautiful rounded top end even in the higher frequencies. What a great piece. Nice job on playing it too.

[@voyager7]

This is one of a handful of models/vintages that are jaw-dropping and "sell a limb, lung and a kidney" to acquire lol!!

[@hkguitar1984]

100% agree, as long as you just sell a lung, kidney and a leg you can still play it. A very desirable and iconic configuration of the Triple pickup and Bigsby. I can't weight to see how much it weighs.

[@bryanhoneywell896]

It's usually hard for me to tell how a guitar sounds on my crappy computer speakers but this was an exception. Wow. I have a '80 custom but things thing oozes class and cool.

[@Wargasm54]

The real deal. Buy it Trogly. You need a legit vintage guitar in your collection 🤘🏻😎

[@b5846967b]

one of your best recent reviews. THE RAIN SONG!!!! Lovin all of what you played. The owner got a great deal by having you document this piece it will help him sell it for sure. You are doing such a great job with your TV SHOW!!!!!

[@OldManBadly]

You can absolutely here the sound difference on this one, such a nice full tone without it having to scream. It can do it, but it doesn't have to be way up there to show amazing tone and depth to the sound.

[@Relayer6a]

A thin finish is part of the vintage spec. It's not because they are cheaping out on the new ones. Purists believe it makes a difference in the tone. Just like lacquer does vs finishes that typically come on guitars these days. And for a 1957 that's amazing condition. It's 65 years old! It obviously hasn't been used tons. Original frets and no finish worn off shows us that. It hasn't been exposed to a lot of changes in temp and humidity either. Very little finish checking and I didn't notice any fret sprout.

[@qwertpoiuy430]

It comes from violin and classical guitar making. The heavier the varnish, the more vibrations it takes away. The thinner, and the better it can resonate. You want enough to protect your wood, and no more

[@Relayer6a]

@@qwertpoiuy430 Yes, that's the reason. That's the reason for a lot of the build techniques Gibson uses and why their fans love them. ;-)

[@RussBMCSGT]

You have no idea how friggen AWESOME this video is to me!! I bought a 2021 57 3 pickup re-issue Custom in Feb it’s so insanely cool to see a real one like this. Yes, I took the control cavity cover off & looked at the electronics, how they were wired AND I could be wrong but I think Gibson even used the 2 wire braided lead shielding as opposed to the modern 3 wire on the braided leads. I distinctly remember looking at that and only seeing 2 whereas leads on a modern set of 57 Classics have 3 or the other way around whatever it is.

[@vadenk4433]

That is correct. No manufacturers make the 2 strand braid anymore. That’s one of the things vintage guitar authenticators look for when going over a 50’s Gibson with a fine tooth comb.

[@Glicksman1]

I had an opportunity for a 1958 Gibson Les Paul Custom like this one, but without a bigsby, to be my first electric guitar in 1965. I knew nothing of vintage guitars (we called them "used"). The store in Freeport had two nice electrics in the window, the Gibson and a 1957 Gretsch sunburst "Streamliner" with one patent pending filertron at the neck. I tried the Gibson on and it was like a boat anchor, so I didn't even plug it in. I couldn't imagine standing during a gig with that 10+ pound thing on my neck. The Gretsch was so light (fully hollow) and hey, George Harrison played a Gretsch. Both cost $125 ($1,175.84 today, making it a very expensive guitar for a 17 year-old then) with a free Univox 10watt amp thrown in. I bought the Gretsch, or I should say, my Father bought it for me. I used it for years and on my first few recording sessions at Scepter Records two years later. Wish I still had it.

[@franciskyu]

Amazing episode, That is not just a guitar, it’s a piece of history!

[@garthkolbeck8674]

Glad you showed the Mikey Baker, he was a great player... I wonder how many of his model they made?

[@Pandamasque]

Robert Fripp was famous for using a 3-pickup black '59 LP Custom in the '70s and '80s.

[@Guitar5986]

Hell yes!!!! I've been hoping you would someday document some real vintage guitars! This is great!!!

[@jowyong6769]

Oh my lord!! What an incredible guitar!! Those PAFs sound unbelievable, gave me goosebumps and brought a tear to my eye it did...

[@SwirkH]

Wow ! I've been here since the channel had 70k subs, and I've always hoped one day we would see episodes like this, with true vintage Gibsons. So stoked for this

[@philliprowe2656]

Amazing the plastic knobs on the Klusons are in such great shape

[@bdogjr7779]

Wow🎸《☆》Nice tones from the vintage PAFs👍🍺🍕I had a 79 Black beauty 2 pup. It had a headstock repair but I got it for $250 in 92. With a baby on the way I sold it In 94. We had a yard sale. I priced it at $500 hoping that it wouldn't sell. An older gentleman swooped in & bought it quickly no questions asked😁

[@kentfranklin736]

👍👍At 14:25 you can see the circular route going into the control cavity. They used a long drill bit that went all the way thru to the selector switch cavity because these were all mahogany bodies, no separate top

[@chrisruef9221]

Changing the title yesterday was a good decision. I glanced when I saw Jimmy's guitar and passed. So glad I came back today. She almost plays herself. And those PAFs are blowing my mind

[@Gretev1]

Trogly, your playing seems to have improved by miles. You are a really decent player. Sounds beautiful! And what a special guitar!

[@ddbrock9675]

It has the extra thumbwheels on the bridge. Old school trick for stabilizing the ABR-1 and prevent it from leaning.

[@johnpick8336]

Your playing has really improved. Congratulations some of us never improve !

[@jeromewagschal9485]

Gorgeous... It always amazed me that these beautiful guitars that were originally designed for jazz could deliver that LOUD and THICK distortion... And this one is no exception...

[@Chris-wy7je]

Love seeing you document older guitars, and this is very cool example.

[@sixstringer3783]

What a beautiful piece of history just fantastic not really a Bigsby guy but it sounded magical when you played the Rain Song thanks a bunch Jim 🤘👍👏

[@Winterfell1066]

Vintage guitar cases and guitars do SMELL GREAT! I love opening a vintage case with an old acoustic in it. It has a slightly musty old odor. Like Grandma's house. It is part of the experience.

[@davidparker1037]

Oh my god... Literally the best sounding instrument I've heard on your channel

[@davidmeltzer1715]

Amazing guitar. What a piece of history!

[@brianphelps1183]

My father had one of those 1957’s looked just like that. He sold it in 1962 and bought a 1960 ES355 TDSV which he still owns today.

[@PATKRO]

17:59 is terrifying! One hand on at all times if there are no strap locks :) Your playing has gotten a lot better

[@edringo9442]

Cool looking. I have a 58 3-pickup LP Custom. Honestly, its a tough guitar to play. I way prefer my 70s guitars.

[@vadenk4433]

I’ll buy it.

[@edringo9442]

@@vadenk4433 thanks. But it will be a university gift to my kid. Can probably get a condo for it by then.

[@jonnymoka]

My old friend is into vintage Gibson and it’s great to hear those original pickup customs. They sound like how I remember

[@jonnymoka]

It blew me away

[@-processdrone-]

I was only here because I'm a sucker for 3 shiny humbuckers but , wow, I really enjoyed the journey . I'd be terrified to take one of these apart like that. As soon as you started playing it, it was stunning! The only pickups I've ever heard that compare are the incredible Entwistle HV58 s which are the best pickups I've ever heard until these matched the sound and made me swoon the same way.

[@deplinenoise]

Great job on this video! Hope we see more of these “guest guitar” appearances in the future.

[@jigilous]

One of the best sounding guitars I’ve heard on this channel so far.

[@davidgirst5399]

Just so you know. The "dome cap" screw for the pickguard is referred to as an "oval head "screw. In case you were wondering. This thing is fantastic 👏

[@geraldrauch1701]

or may b a "pan head"???

[@davidgirst5399]

@@geraldrauch1701 a pan head is flat at the base. Meant to mount on a flat surface. An oval head is for a countersunk hole (like in this pickguard)

[@geraldrauch1701]

@@davidgirst5399 thank you brother...makes sense...its always good to see/hear new things...have a great night...cheers all!!!

[@stringlocker]

It sounds really good. And in tune you can't squeeze those Sharp.

[@OfficialKevinFox]

Austin, If you look closely, you can see that all the mounting screws for that Bigsby are gold. And when you took it off, you can see on the underside where there is Reminence of gold plating. From the looks of it, it really could be the factory original. Although it is hard to tell. Especially the screw for the tremolo arm itself. When nickel oxidizes it turns a more stark gray color. When Gold oxidizes, it turns a brownish red color. And that’s what that screw on arm looks like. I am leaning more towards it being original

[@ericbgordon1575]

So awesome that you chose to rock "Rain Song" when you strapped on, eventually wrapping it up with Frampton. All that on this particular guitar is only good. All the different pros and cons that you mentioned have only served to reinforce for me how I would prefer having a reissue over a vintage any day. Not that this is so relevant, but that mindset is reinforced by something I saw earlier tonight in my brother's home. A client previously gave him a reissue edition of a Transformers gen 1 toy, Optimus Prime.

[@richsoryu]

Nice! I have been hoping to see you do a review of an actual '57 custom with 3 pickups and a Bigsby. I got a 2022 '57 reissue with 3 pickups and a Bigsby direct from Gibson earlier this year and it is crazy how spot on the details and finish are. Absolutely love the middle position on it.

[@only_sony7412]

Are the inlays real mop?

[@richsoryu]

@@only_sony7412 Yep. I am pretty sure all the LP Customs with the block inlays in the current Gibson lineup are MOP. My regular 2021 LP Custom has the mother of pearl block inlays as well.

[@only_sony7412]

@@richsoryu alright

[@mikes9759]

I've been waiting for you to document one of these! I had one without the Bigsby, I bought right from the Gibson rep. in Chicago in 71. He told me it was from the Custom shop and it was an LP Custom Artist model and they only 5 of them. It was more like Fripps or Frampton's. It was an amazing guitar!! And unfortunately I lost it just like Page did and I surely can't replace it now!! Bummer!!!!

[@cherrypickerguitars]

I totally love these! I’m not a Gibson owner, but I’m a true guitar guy, and this Les Paul is so much more desirable for me, than the standards. Crazy, because I loved the “Senior” you just did, too! I’m shopping for a real vintage bargain, though - a Coronado II. !!!

[@vadenk4433]

It’s probably too late…. But stay away from the Coronado II. It’s not a good guitar. And this is coming from a Fender lover. Be sure to play it in person before you buy if possible cause the ones I’ve played are pretty bad.

[@cherrypickerguitars]

@@vadenk4433 Hey! That was good advice! I ended up NOT buying a vintage Coronado. I bought a Godin Montreal Premier. A new one! And I couldn’t be happier with any other “trestled semi-hollow body” ! I’ve onwned a couple of Godin’s, but never thought they could be THIS good! (and it’s a single cut, which soothes my “Gretsch” side!)

[@glenfougeron2823]

Man, Austin. Such a great documentary of an amazing piece of history!!

[@jeffgualandijr9420]

nothing like that old PAF sound. haven't been able to replicate that since.

[@stevem.1853]

I've often wondered if Jimmy Page modified his bursts with the extra switching because he missed the extra tonal possibilities that his custom had...?

[@tedgerard333]

Your playing has improved greatly. I really enjoyed this guitar, and the riffs you chose. I have a black beauty myself.

[@Heavymetallord1]

For a 65 year old guitar it is in amazing shape, always loved the black beauties

[@jothanankrogh]

The reason it could be one piece mahogany block body instead of a separate mahogany top- you can see there's a hole drilled from the control cavity to the bridge pickup cavity for the wires. A separate top like the Standard would have the square cross section wiring channel, which is routed into the mahogany before the maple top is glued on. On this a big drill bit goes in from the output jack hole, to the toggle switch hole, meeting the controls and pickup cavities on the way.

[@vadenk4433]

That’s how they built them back in the day. All 1950’s Les Paul Customs have mahogany tops. When the Les Paul body shape was reintroduced in 1968 they switched to a maple top on all LP Customs.

[@atbear]

Wow, awesome! I'm no expert, but I'm thinking that's a replacement ABR-1 bridge. No saddle retaining wire, saddles themselves look more modern, and the Gibson ABR-1 stamp under the bridge also looks modern. Either way, KILLER guitar!

[@kc0lif]

i think keith richards had one too. i like how the white binding turns yellow. i like black beauty customs of that generation. they usually lead is bridge then middle is bridge -middle then rhythm is neck pickup.

[@MikeE-]

Thank you. Do as many of these as possible. I don’t care if you own or not, I just want to see you do a workbench with vintage gibsons/guitars. Looking in depth at vintage guitars always gets me pumped up to play.

[@brettgussey6015]

That is the best sounding guitar you have reviewed ever ,hands down ,,the best ,

[@chriswoodside5385]

Loved this however I had hoped you might confirm the one piece solid mahogany body beyond reasonable doubt and also the drill though from Jack socket to selector switch cavity. How wide were the frets and how low were they to be called fretless wonder?I loved the sound and you did credit to the guitar. I learned a lot from this episode. Great job!

[@joermnyc]

Jimmy Page actually replaced the switch with (I believe) 3 on/off switches for each pickup, and somewhere along the way it was changed back to just the one switch and the holes were filled. The evidence of his mod was only visible under blacklight.

[@JokersWild70]

Yes, his 1960 model was heavily modded

[@stereoroid]

I associate this model with Robert Fripp too. It would be awesome to plug one of these in to a 70s HiWatt and crank out some Larks’ Tongues In Aspic (Pt. 2).

[@ianfurqueron5850]

Really cool guitar. Thank you to Jam City Guitars! I don't see any guitars listed for sale on his website, nor do I see this one in his Reverb store?

[@sammycoppens5470]

Just imagine reviewing a 65 year old guitar and your shirt being the most worn in the shot... None the less, this might be your coolest review yet. thanks!

[@samright4661]

The Neck pickup sounds Clapton's Woman Tone without rolling down the Tone . That's a Awesome Guitar..

[@jamestoops7228]

That's I what all Les Pauls should try to sound like . Great job playing the Rain Song one of my favorite Led Zep songs

[@mikepfeifer3687]

Best episode of the year!!! Hands down!!!!

[@svtman93]

Interesting that you say the neck is smaller on this. I have a 1957 ES-225 with a near baseball bat kind of neck. I also have a 1953 Goldtop with a big neck but has a slight "V" to it.

[@mp-kq3vc]

I know this video is about the '57, but I have to say that your Marshall Bluesbreaker is the best sounding amp I have ever heard. So jealous!

[@30years2late]

The middle pickup is the opposite direction on this guitar and the reissue you shared pics of.

[@agriff4795]

The middle pickup on my 1988 Black 3 pickup Custom was oriented the same as this guitar, same direction as the bridge pickup.

[@markcampbell7554]

I really liked this '57 Les Paul custom. It definitely has a great vintage tone to it. I'm not at all a fan of the Bigsby vibrato's but this is such a cool guitar otherwise I would give it a thumb's up!

[@saulgoodman1390]

What a beauty! My dream LP is a '56 Custom Black Beauty with the staple and p90 pickups... One day when I win the lotto

[@hiimawasteoftime8678]

Beautiful guitar. I love that u could see how much trogly enjoyed it in the playing part

[@reddragon3733]

Nice to see you playing. Especially Iconic Rock & Roll!🎸

[@michaeloakes3667]

That tone and sound is out of this world!

[@dw7704]

To bend on those frets, raise the action slightly. Still more effort than larger frets, but possible

[@jjdillon2007]

Those PAFs sound so great!

[@vernonhoover1387]

Wow,what a nice loan.very special! The sent you smell is rock-n-roll. The neck pu sounds sweet

[@silverfr3ak]

Absolutely amazing! Great review and great play! Surely a historic episode!

[@taokichavez9319]

If You played that guitar on the same amp and settings than all other demos then it sounds frickin AMAZING!

[@john564holloway]

Now, I can hear just why everyone wants these PAFs! I would definitely ROCk this, eat/sleep/drink with this axe! Thank you so much, Austin, for demoing this!...So glad there was no neck damage during the black light test!