1969 Gibson – Les Paul Custom – ID 5999

A genuine 1969 Gibson Les Paul Custom "Black Beauty" has long been one of the most sought-after vintage Les Paul models of all time.
The first series was produced only from 1952 to 1960; production of the Gibson Les Paul was then discontinued due to low sales. It wasn't until 1968 that Gibson began manufacturing Goldtops and Customs again.
This copy dates from the rare transitional period in May/June 1969 and features the much-discussed “Transitional Tenon” construction: a long-tenon body combined with a short-tenon neck. This construction method was used for only a very short period of time, which makes the guitar historically significant.
The guitar was professionally refretted and fitted with a new nut. The neck has overspray and fine cracks in the finish. It's unclear why it was repainted. A headplate repair is unlikely, but cannot be completely ruled out.
Two former drill holes in the Potis area were properly sealed and touched up. The electronics compartment had already been treated with shielding varnish. Some screws and parts of the wiring leading to the switch have been replaced, and the pickup caps have been re-soldered.
Overall, this guitar is an authentic, exceptionally playable vintage Les Paul with an authentic patina and great tone.

Year of construction: 1969
✅ Model: Gibson Les Paul Custom "Black Beauty"
✅ Rare transitional version (long-tenon body / short-tenon neck)
✅ Color: Ebony Black
✅ Mahogany body
✅ Mahogany neck (overspray)
✅ Ebony fingerboard with block inlays
✅ 22 frets (professional refret)
✅ New saddle
✅ Neck profile: C
✅ Patent No. Humbucker (Neck: 8.00 kOhm / Bridge: 7.96 kOhm)
✅ Gibson Patent. No. Bridge with Nylon Riders
✅ Waffleback Mechanisms
✅ Sprague Black Beauty Capacitors
✅ Original Gibson case with purple lining
✅ Weight: 4,437 grams