Gibson USA Les Paul Custom Black Beauty "Ebony + Ebony" (1990)
Specifications
Model: Les Paul Custom Black Beauty
Year: 1990
Finish: Ebony (Gloss Nitrocellulose Lacquer)
Body: Solid Mahogany with Multi-Ply Binding
Neck: Mahogany
Fingerboard: Ebony with Pearl Block Inlays
Neck Profile: Slim 60s
Frets: 22 Medium Jumbo
Pickups:
Neck: Gibson 490R
Bridge: Gibson 498T
Electronics: 2 Volume, 2 Tone, 3-Way Selector Switch
Bridge: ABR-1 Tune-O-Matic with Stop Bar Tailpiece
Tuners: Grover Kidney Tuners
Scale Length: 24.75"
Nut: Corian
Hardware: Gold
 
Personal Thoughts
This 1990 Gibson Les Paul Custom Black Beauty is a spectacular example of Gibson’s iconic "tuxedo" Les Paul design. Known for its elegance and power, this model combines an Ebony gloss finish with the premium appointments of a Custom, including the ebony fingerboard, multi-ply binding, and gold hardware.
The tone from the 490R/498T pickups delivers a perfect blend of warmth, clarity, and bite, making it versatile enough for everything from jazz and blues to hard rock. The Slim 60s neck profile provides smooth, fast playability, and the substantial weight of the mahogany body adds sustain and resonance, delivering that legendary Les Paul sound.
This is a true "under the bed" find, incredibly well-preserved and sure to impress both players and collectors.
 
Condition Report
This guitar is in near-mint condition, especially considering its age. The Ebony finish is remarkably clean, with only the faintest signs of play visible upon close inspection. The frets and fingerboard are in excellent shape, and the gold hardware shows minimal wear, retaining its original luster. As mentioned, you’d have to be extremely fussy to find any fault with its condition—this is truly an exceptional example of a 1990 Black Beauty.
 
Why It’s Special
The Les Paul Custom Black Beauty has always been a symbol of elegance and superior craftsmanship. Finding one in this condition, over 30 years after its production, is incredibly rare. Whether you’re a collector looking for a pristine piece or a player seeking a classic instrument with stunning aesthetics and tone, this guitar is a top-tier choice.