A limited edition tribute, with a twist, to the first Les Paul Custom

The Les Paul™ Custom has held a place of honor in Gibson history since its introduction in 1954, when it was introduced as the elegant, performance-driven counterpart to the original Les Paul Model. Today, that legacy is reborn in the Gibson Custom 1954 Les Paul Custom Reissue with Humbucker, Heavy Aged, Ebony — a limited run creation from Gibson Custom’s Limited Edition Collection. Drawing inspiration from decades of Made to Measure builds and the unmatched skill of the artisans at the Gibson Custom Shop in Nashville, Tennessee, this exceptional instrument captures the refinement, authority, and unmistakable character of a first-generation Les Paul Custom, but with a twist.

This reissue showcases a solid mahogany body finished in a beautifully rendered Heavy Aged nitrocellulose lacquer by the Murphy Lab, giving it the visual presence and feel of a well-loved original from Gibson’s first Golden Age. Multi-ply binding on the top and back adds a touch of sophistication, perfectly complementing the classic Ebony finish. The traditional Les Paul silhouette remains as striking and comfortable as ever, with no weight relief and a robust, resonant tone.

A mahogany neck carved to a 1950s Chunky D profile provides a substantial, confident feel in the hand, while the ebony fretboard offers exceptional smoothness. Block inlays, single ply binding, and reissue medium jumbo frets complete a playing surface designed for clarity, sustain, and expressive control. The long neck tenon construction contributes to remarkable stability and resonance, and the 12-inch fretboard radius ensures easy playability across chords, leads, and wide bends. A vintage correct nylon nut adds another authentic touch to the playing experience.

The electronics pairing is where the twist comes in. While not historically accurate, it is both distinctive and powerful. A Custom Staple pickup in the neck position provides crystalline clarity with rich harmonic detail, while an uncovered Custombucker Alnico 3 humbucker™ with zebra bobbins at the bridge replaces the standard P-90 and delivers warmth, drive, and dynamic sensitivity. With two volume controls, two tone controls, and a three-way toggle switch, players can explore an impressively wide tonal palette with ease. Classic hardware appointments reinforce the model’s historic identity. The ABR 1 Tune O Matic™ bridge, Stop Bar tailpiece, Kluson® Waffleback® tuners, and black plastics all reflect the era’s iconic aesthetic. Gold finished hardware adds a touch of understated luxury.

Every 1954 Les Paul Custom Reissue with Humbucker, Heavy Aged, Ebony includes a Certificate of Authenticity and is housed in a Lifton™ reissue hardshell case. With its expertly aged finish, period-correct specifications, pickup modification, and exceptional craftsmanship, this limited edition instrument embodies

everything that has made the Les Paul Custom a legend for more than seventy years.