1957 Gibson Les Paul Custom

Introduced initially in 1954 as a dual P90 equipped guitar, the Gibson Les Paul Custom has always been the pinnacle of the companies solid body electric guitar line. Reinvented and reworked countless times since 1954, the Les Paul Custom has had P90s, humbuckers, 2 or 3 pickups, and adopted the SG body shape in 1961. However, throughout these different variations, it has maintained a luxurious, top tier quality and level of finishing that has both set it apart from the rest of the Gibson solid body range, and ensured that it would become a mainstay for vintage guitar collectors for the last 70 years. 

This 1957 Gibson Les Paul Custom is a particularly interesting example, with a cool back story and some changes acquired over the years, making it one of the most affordable late '50s, PAF equipped Les Pauls currently on the market. 

This Les Paul Custom was originally owned by guitarist Kent Henry, guitarist for a number of bands in the Los Angeles area from the early '60s to the early '70s. Perhaps most notable, Henry played with Blues Image in 1970, and would go on to record one album with Steppenwolf prior to their initial break up in 1972. He also recorded the LA psych cult classic 'In The Beginning' with his band Genesis, and although the band never became a household name, they shared bills up and down the West Coast from 1967-1969 with the likes of Jefferson Airplane, The Byrds, the Mothers Of Invention, Them and Muddy Waters to name but a few. Born and raised in Hollywood, Henry's first forays in to music came with the band Lost Souls, playing around Hollywood in the mid '60s. This 1957 Gibson Les Paul Custom was sold to his bandmate Billy Powell for $500 in 1968, and remained in his possession until 2020. 

This 1957 Gibson Les Paul Custom has sustained some repairs and alterations over the years that are reflected in its price. Firstly, there has been a previous headstock repair which is clearly visible to the rear of the neck. The previous owner states that the guitar had been repaired prior to him acquiring in 1968. This guitar has also been previously fitted with a Bigbsy tremolo, again supposedly removed by the original owner in the mid '60s, with patched holes visible around the end pin and below the stop bar tailpiece. The finish black lights correctly as an old nitro finish, however there are inconsistencies present that lead us to believe that the original Ebony finish has been blown over a long time ago. It appears that the front and rear of the body has been buffed or cut back before having a new layer of finish applied, leaving a more translucent look with areas of the Mahogany particularly visible in some patches. The rear of the headstock and neck appear to have been blown over the original finish, with the finish appearing much heavier and darker, and reacting slightly different under blacklight than the rest of the guitar.  

The three PAF humbuckers are correct for the period and appear to be original to the guitar. The neck pickup cover has been removed, but there is no evidence of a rewind. Although all the gold plating has been worn away from the top of the covers, it is visible below the pickup rings. The pots, wiring and capacitor are correct, with readable date codes showing 304 738. The pickguard and control knobs are newer repros. This guitar currently features period correct Waffleback tuners, although at some point this guitar has been fitted with Grover Rotomatic style tuners, with previous imprints visible under the current tuning machines. 

This guitar has been given a full service and appraisal by our luthiers at the Vintage Instrument Workshop, and includes a 3 year warranty. This guitar also includes a non original flight case.