Although the late 50's are the Les Paul's most famous period, we probably wouldn't all be playing them or ogling them if it weren't for the decision to bring them back in the late 60's, both as Goldtop "standard" models and as gorgeous Custom "Black Beauties", the latter of which we see here.
This particularly spectacular example has a single piece body, combined with a three-piece neck, setting the body in late '68 into early '69, then the original CTS pots date it more specifically to the 29th week of 1969. We hadn't even landed on the moon yet! Although all the components are original, each volume pot has had a treble bleed added to it in the past, making the wiring more 50's style. The original Patent No. humbuckers are absolutely incredible: both musical and aggressive, with the whole guitar resonating as one unit, which takes it to an extra level that's hard to achieve without actually being over 50 years old.
The neck is a comfortable C shape, almost a perfect median shape for a vintage Les Paul- fills the hand but doesn't overpower. The gorgeous ebony fretboard is fast, with low, but playable frets. This guitar is a ripper.
The finish itself is in great condition for a guitar that's outlived Blockbuster Video, Tower Records, K-Mart, and mullets, only having the expected amount of checking, with a few nicks here or there. Overall, it's in great condition for its age. There's been shielding paint and copper tape added to the control cavity, but it's only served to make this guitar even better sounding. Serial #850113 comes with a period correct hardshell case.
