Gibson Les Paul Custom Black 1970

No sales tax for customers outside California.

This 1970 Gibson Les Paul Custom in classic Ebony is a powerful representation of Gibson’s craftsmanship at the dawn of the Norlin era. Known affectionately as the “Black Beauty,” this model features the elegant multi-ply binding, split-diamond headstock inlay, and gold hardware that have defined the Custom since the 1950s. With its mahogany body, maple cap, and three-piece mahogany neck with an ebony fingerboard, this Les Paul delivers exceptional sustain and tonal authority.

The Les Paul Custom’s “Black Beauty” lineage dates back to 1954, but the 1970 version carried that legacy into a new era. The model had just been re-introduced in 1968 after being replaced by the SG format in 1961, and the resurgence was welcomed by players around the world.  Used by players like Randy Rhoads, Peter Frampton, and Mick Ronson, these early Norlin-era Customs have become increasingly collectible for their robust build quality and timeless aesthetic. Their tone bridges the warmth of ’60s Gibsons with the punch and clarity of ’70s rock.

The guitar presents like an all-original piece, but the guitar has seen some changes.  The pots are not original, but the original tone caps were used with the replacements.  The guitar had Grover tuners on it at some point and now has original "Waffle Back" tuners.  The Grover change did result in widening of the tuner post holes, now hidden behind the existing parts.

The frets have been changed.  The pickups are original, but the covers have been removed and reinstalled.  The knobs are ages reproductions.  

Everything else is original and there is no finish overspray, no breaks or cracks, and no major issues.  The original case is included.  The truss rod has room for future neck relief adjustments.  The guitar set up extremely well and plays perfectly.  

At Mahar’s Vintage Guitars, every instrument is inspected, photographed accurately, and professionally set up. We buy, sell, and accept trades on vintage Gibson guitars and other collectible instruments. Explore our Gibson Guitars Collection, Vintage Fender Guitars, or visit our Sell or Trade Your Gear page.

• Color: Black
• Weight: 11lbs
  
• Top: Maple
• Body: Mahogany
  
• Neck: Maple with a 1970s profile, which includes a volute for headstock stability.
  
• Fretboard: Ebony 
  
• Inlays: Mother of Pearl Block
  
• Frets: Original
  
• Fret Count: 22
  
• Nut: Original
  
• Nut width: 1-11/16"
  
• Radius: 12"
  
• Scale: 24.75"
  
• Neck thickness at 1st Fret: .84"
• Neck thickness at 10st Fret: 1.85"
• Action 1st String at 12th Fret: 2/32"
  
• Action 6th String at 12th Fret: 2/32"
  
• Total length: 38-3/4"
  
• Lower bout: 13"
  
• Waist: 7-1/4"
  
• Upper bout: 9-1/4"
  
• Body depth/thickness outside edge: 2"
  
• String gauge: 10-46
  
• Hardware Color: Gold
• Bridge Pickup/Brand: Calibrated T-Type humbucker
• Pickup Reading: 7.39k
• Original?: Yes
• Neck Pickup/Brand: Calibrated T-Type humbucker
• Pickup Reading: 7.44k
• Original?: Yes
  
• Bridge: Tune-O-Matic / Nylon Saddles
• Tuners: Original 
• Knobs: Original
  
• Switch: 3 Way
• Pots/Codes: Original
• Case: OHSC
• Notes: 

Shipping policy:

There are multiple shipping cost options for purchases made on our site.  Select Ground, 3 Day, 2 Day, or Next Day Air Saver.  For Reverb purchases, there is one cost option for these Eastern states and shipment will be made by UPS three-day-air.  Shipments will require signature on delivery, no exceptions.  If there is damage, the buyer must retain all packing materials intact and picture them immediately and send them to sales@maharsvintageguitars.com.  Less than 1% of our shipments are damaged in transit, and we are committed to making sure your item arrives safely, but we are taking these additional measures to make sure you are happy with your purchase.