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.
@daro33392 жыл бұрын
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
@hkguitar19842 жыл бұрын
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.
@donttalktome46962 жыл бұрын
One of the best episodes yet!
@sgt.grinch32992 жыл бұрын
Agreed. Thanks for allowing us to see this beautiful instrument
@joermnyc2 жыл бұрын
Yeah, I guess if you’re going to let someone borrow some Gibson history this valuable, it’s Trogly.
@misterghee12 жыл бұрын
@@joermnyc well all good but it gets some international showing as it is for sale he Trogly is being Trogly that's greay
@misterghee12 жыл бұрын
Great Great Great damcontroool
@hkguitar19842 жыл бұрын
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.grinch32992 жыл бұрын
Great point HK
@shovington672 жыл бұрын
I actually got to hold and play Peter Frampton's three pickup black beauty at work a couple of years ago. His guitar tech was impressed that I knew the story of it falling from the exploding plane in the Brazilian jungle in 1980, and its subsequent return in 2011, after an associate recognized the guitar being played by a Brazilian national in a bar in the town near the plane expand crash. The associate walked up to take a look at the Les Paul during one of the bands intermissions, and got in contact with Frampton's management company to ascertain the serial number. He then apparently threatened the Brazilian with police involvement in regards to the famous instrument, and the guy gave it up. Crazy. Wonderful 1954 Les Paul, a little worse for wear, although it looked a lot better in person than some of the scorched pictures I've seen after it was found. Not perfect, but surprisingly good for being set on fire and falling from the cargo plane.
@moraltf42 жыл бұрын
Not Brazil, dude.... this happened in Venezuela. The story is well documented all over internet, as well as in Frampton''s FCA35 documentary/dvd
@stewartross139 ай бұрын
@@moraltf4LOL
@jefffixesit602 жыл бұрын
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
@Paul_Lenard_Ewing2 жыл бұрын
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 ...
@voyager72 жыл бұрын
This is one of a handful of models/vintages that are jaw-dropping and "sell a limb, lung and a kidney" to acquire lol!!
@hkguitar19842 жыл бұрын
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.
@duanewelsh56112 жыл бұрын
One of your best reviews yet. Thanks Jim at jam city for letting Austin share this beauty with us!
@musclecarmitch9082 жыл бұрын
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!
@paulraider20012 жыл бұрын
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!
@hkguitar19842 жыл бұрын
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.
@FrehleyBurst9-18782 жыл бұрын
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.
@craigusselman5462 жыл бұрын
Definately Led Zep feel there.
@jessemiller17742 жыл бұрын
Trogly, did sound rather good on the lep, stuff. I almost thought he would play the whole thing.
@jessemiller17742 жыл бұрын
Zep stuff.
@jwd11122 жыл бұрын
James, I got to play one at a guitar shop in Nashville a few years ago, it was awesome!
@davidiwaoka41462 жыл бұрын
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.
@Kazwell1112 жыл бұрын
The Rain Song sounded great!!! I think that was your best playing Austin and I have watched a lot of episodes of your show.
@karengayle93312 жыл бұрын
I was born in 57 and I have my share of cracks and dings. Good display of a very nice guitar!
@hifibrony2 жыл бұрын
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.
@Wargasm542 жыл бұрын
The real deal. Buy it Trogly. You need a legit vintage guitar in your collection 🤘🏻😎
@TayTayKemp2 жыл бұрын
Man that tone is so pure and natural, this guitar truly is special!
@hughnguyen17722 ай бұрын
Beautiful and very well kept guitar. It looks more intact than my 2021 reissued 57 back beauty Murphy Lab light aged.
@damiangarcia78042 жыл бұрын
This is officially my favorite episode! Loved all of it
@johnstrand74562 жыл бұрын
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
@vadenk44335 ай бұрын
🤮. That makes me wanna barf. Sorry that happened to you brother
@michaelnachoescamilla62412 жыл бұрын
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.
@ak47dragunov2 жыл бұрын
That thing is absolutely unreal. I'd be afraid to touch it it's so beautiful
@Pandamasque2 жыл бұрын
Robert Fripp was famous for using a 3-pickup black '59 LP Custom in the '70s and '80s.
@nycshelbygt5002 жыл бұрын
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).
@myoptik3x1032 жыл бұрын
My God, what a beautiful guitar. Thanks for sharing her with us.
@jameshumphrey23452 жыл бұрын
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.
@zeppelinboys2 ай бұрын
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.
@OldManBadly2 жыл бұрын
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.
@danielmargolis32102 жыл бұрын
Despite all the quirkiness of old guitars, they’re usually so cool. Still rockin’ my ‘72 Bigsby Telecaster!
@xorbe072 жыл бұрын
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.
@RussBMCSGT2 жыл бұрын
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.
@vadenk44335 ай бұрын
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.
@Relayer6a2 жыл бұрын
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.
@qwertpoiuy4302 жыл бұрын
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
@Relayer6a2 жыл бұрын
@@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. ;-)
@jimmyjames20222 жыл бұрын
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!
@b5846967b2 жыл бұрын
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!!!!!
@bryanhoneywell8962 жыл бұрын
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.
@SwirkH2 жыл бұрын
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
@michaelpacinus2422 жыл бұрын
On bigsby guitars it so crucial that one doesn’t over tighten any of the screws which mount the unit to the body. The bigsby will bind and refuse to return to pitch if the screws are uneven with one another
@chrisruef92212 жыл бұрын
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
@jeffgualandijr94202 жыл бұрын
nothing like that old PAF sound. haven't been able to replicate that since.
@garthkolbeck86742 жыл бұрын
Glad you showed the Mikey Baker, he was a great player... I wonder how many of his model they made?
@philliprowe26562 жыл бұрын
Amazing the plastic knobs on the Klusons are in such great shape
@johnpick83362 жыл бұрын
Your playing has really improved. Congratulations some of us never improve !
@Guitar59862 жыл бұрын
Hell yes!!!! I've been hoping you would someday document some real vintage guitars! This is great!!!
@franciskyu2 жыл бұрын
Amazing episode, That is not just a guitar, it’s a piece of history!
@ddbrock9675 Жыл бұрын
It has the extra thumbwheels on the bridge. Old school trick for stabilizing the ABR-1 and prevent it from leaning.
@Gretev1 Жыл бұрын
Trogly, your playing seems to have improved by miles. You are a really decent player. Sounds beautiful! And what a special guitar!
@Winterfell1066 Жыл бұрын
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.
@brettgussey60152 жыл бұрын
That is the best sounding guitar you have reviewed ever ,hands down ,,the best ,
@Glicksman12 жыл бұрын
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.
@kentfranklin7362 жыл бұрын
👍👍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
@rindred2 жыл бұрын
You can keep every modern, high-gain humbucker on the planet. This. is. THE. Tone.
@Chris-wy7je2 жыл бұрын
Love seeing you document older guitars, and this is very cool example.
@deplinenoise2 жыл бұрын
Great job on this video! Hope we see more of these “guest guitar” appearances in the future.
@davidgirst53992 жыл бұрын
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 👏
@geraldrauch17012 жыл бұрын
or may b a "pan head"???
@davidgirst53992 жыл бұрын
@@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)
@geraldrauch17012 жыл бұрын
@@davidgirst5399 thank you brother...makes sense...its always good to see/hear new things...have a great night...cheers all!!!
@davidparker10372 жыл бұрын
Oh my god... Literally the best sounding instrument I've heard on your channel
@randyheath85662 жыл бұрын
Now that's an AWESOME Beautiful Guitar 🎸
@sgt.grinch32992 жыл бұрын
I whole heartedly agree
@jowyong67692 жыл бұрын
Oh my lord!! What an incredible guitar!! Those PAFs sound unbelievable, gave me goosebumps and brought a tear to my eye it did...
@aleixlozzano8 ай бұрын
19:10 .... GOOSEBUMPS. Man THAT is the sound...
@PATKRO2 жыл бұрын
17:59 is terrifying! One hand on at all times if there are no strap locks :) Your playing has gotten a lot better
@mikepfeifer36872 жыл бұрын
Best episode of the year!!! Hands down!!!!
@joermnyc2 жыл бұрын
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.
@JokersWild702 жыл бұрын
Yes, his 1960 model was heavily modded
@davidmeltzer17152 жыл бұрын
Amazing guitar. What a piece of history!
@jeromewagschal94852 жыл бұрын
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...
@jigilous2 жыл бұрын
One of the best sounding guitars I’ve heard on this channel so far.
@jjdillon20072 жыл бұрын
Those PAFs sound so great!
@sixstringer37832 жыл бұрын
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 🤘👍👏
@richsoryu2 жыл бұрын
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_sony74122 жыл бұрын
Are the inlays real mop?
@richsoryu2 жыл бұрын
@@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_sony74122 жыл бұрын
@@richsoryu alright
@playmobilevanescenceAmyLee8843 Жыл бұрын
The 2 gold pickup Les Paul Custom Ebony was the one I wanted
@brianphelps11832 жыл бұрын
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.
@stevem.18532 жыл бұрын
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...?
@glenfougeron28232 жыл бұрын
Man, Austin. Such a great documentary of an amazing piece of history!!
@edringo94422 жыл бұрын
Cool looking. I have a 58 3-pickup LP Custom. Honestly, its a tough guitar to play. I way prefer my 70s guitars.
@vadenk44332 жыл бұрын
I’ll buy it.
@edringo94422 жыл бұрын
@@vadenk4433 thanks. But it will be a university gift to my kid. Can probably get a condo for it by then.
@bdogjr77792 жыл бұрын
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😁
@glengamble5262 жыл бұрын
Did you know that Ace Frehley of Kiss’s middle pickup (in his original three pick up Paul) wasn’t even wired up? True story.
@ddbrock9675 Жыл бұрын
Some of his “3 pickup” guitars even had fake middle pickups glued on in between the neck and bridge pickups. Didn’t even route them out. The Budokan only had the bridge pickup wired up.
@lippi2171 Жыл бұрын
The neck pickup solo sounds glorious, just like Pagey
@stringlocker2 жыл бұрын
It sounds really good. And in tune you can't squeeze those Sharp.
@tedgerard3332 жыл бұрын
Your playing has improved greatly. I really enjoyed this guitar, and the riffs you chose. I have a black beauty myself.
@jonnymoka2 жыл бұрын
My old friend is into vintage Gibson and it’s great to hear those original pickup customs. They sound like how I remember
@jonnymoka2 жыл бұрын
It blew me away
@xdef1ne6 ай бұрын
The most beautiful guitar ever made, it literally looks like luxury
@newmorality22 жыл бұрын
And Trogly drops a bomb outta nowhere!
@aaabeverages7152Күн бұрын
Great job on that ax. You are a master.
@cherrypickerguitars2 жыл бұрын
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. !!!
@vadenk44335 ай бұрын
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.
@cherrypickerguitars5 ай бұрын
@@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!)
@Cletus45942 жыл бұрын
Troglys playing has improved at least 3x from just last year. It’s sounding way cleaner
@ronniehaywood97202 жыл бұрын
Beautiful guitar and trilogy getting pretty good with them fingers
@jothanankrogh2 жыл бұрын
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.
@vadenk44335 ай бұрын
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.
@jamesjones84802 жыл бұрын
That is definitely the best guitar I've ever heard in my life.
@michaeloakes36672 жыл бұрын
That tone and sound is out of this world!
@stereoroid2 жыл бұрын
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).
@sammycoppens54702 жыл бұрын
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!
@gizmoo58502 жыл бұрын
I was in awe the whole video
@Heavymetallord12 жыл бұрын
For a 65 year old guitar it is in amazing shape, always loved the black beauties
@samright46612 жыл бұрын
The Neck pickup sounds Clapton's Woman Tone without rolling down the Tone . That's a Awesome Guitar..
@OfficialKevinFox2 жыл бұрын
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
@reddragon37332 жыл бұрын
Nice to see you playing. Especially Iconic Rock & Roll!🎸
@jonathanhudak20592 жыл бұрын
Lovely guitar and video Austin! Really liked that middle position sound too. This girl is in great shape for her age too! 👍
@-processdrone-2 жыл бұрын
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.
@skatebizzle2 жыл бұрын
Fantastic review, honest, entertaining, and informative
@kimrice3942 жыл бұрын
Wow! That(you and the guitar) sounded amazing! Unmistakable Zeppelin tone!
@johnpowell37672 жыл бұрын
Those old fretless wonders were So easy to play! Wish I could afford one!