The Gibson Eric Clapton 1958 Les Paul Custom Ebony: A Legacy in Black

Eric Clapton’s legendary “Lucy” may be his most famous Les Paul, but his 1958 Les Paul Custom in Ebony finish holds a significant place in guitar history and in Clapton’s own musical journey. This distinctive instrument, often referred to as the “Black Beauty,” represents a unique chapter in both Gibson’s craftsmanship and Clapton’s evolving tone.

Historical Context

The 1958 Les Paul Custom was produced during what many guitar enthusiasts consider Gibson’s golden era. This period (1957-1960) saw the creation of some of the most sought-after electric guitars ever made. The Les Paul Custom, with its elegant black finish and gold hardware, was marketed as Gibson’s premium offering – “the tuxedo” of guitars.

Clapton acquired his 1958 Custom during his time with Cream, when he was transitioning from the more blues-centric Bluesbreakers sound to the heavier psychedelic blues-rock that would define Cream’s output. This guitar featured prominently on various recordings and performances during this pivotal era.

Design and Construction

The 1958 Les Paul Custom Ebony featured several distinguishing characteristics:

• Solid mahogany body (unlike the maple-topped Standard model)
• Ebony fingerboard with distinctive mother-of-pearl block inlays
• Multi-layer binding on both the front and back of the body
• Gold-plated hardware throughout
• Three-piece mahogany neck with a more substantial profile
• The iconic “split diamond” headstock inlay
• Three PAF (Patent Applied For) humbucking pickups, with one in the middle position

The all-mahogany construction gave the Custom a warmer, darker tone compared to the maple-topped Standard models. Combined with the ebony fingerboard, this created a distinctive sound that complemented Clapton’s evolving playing style.

Sound Profile

The Gibson Eric Clapton 1958 Les Paul Custom offers a unique tonal palette that stands apart from other Les Paul models:

The all-mahogany body construction provides a warm, full-bodied resonance with pronounced midrange presence. The ebony fingerboard adds clarity and definition to notes, creating an interesting counterbalance to the guitar’s inherent warmth. The three PAF humbuckers offer incredible versatility, from thick, creamy bridge tones to more articulate neck positions.

When pushed through a cranked amplifier, this guitar produces that legendary “woman tone” Clapton popularized – a thick, sustaining sound with remarkable expressiveness. At cleaner settings, it maintains exceptional clarity and note separation, making it equally suitable for jazz, blues, or complex chord work.

Clapton’s Use and Influence

While Clapton’s “Beano” Sunburst Les Paul Standard and “Lucy” often receive more attention, his Black Beauty played a crucial role during his artistic evolution. It served as a bridge between his earlier blues work and the more experimental approach he would take with Cream and later projects.

The ebony finish and gold hardware perfectly complemented Clapton’s stage presence during this period, creating a visual statement that matched the boldness of the music. The guitar’s versatility allowed him to explore new sonic territories while maintaining the core blues foundation that has always defined his playing.

Collectibility and Value

Original 1958 Les Paul Customs are among the most valuable vintage guitars in existence, with prices regularly exceeding $250,000 for well-preserved examples. The Clapton provenance adds significant value, though the exact worth of his specific instrument would be difficult to estimate without a public auction.

Gibson has released various Custom Shop recreations of this model over the years, but none capture the exact specifications of Clapton’s personal instrument.

In Conclusion

The Gibson Eric Clapton 1958 Les Paul Custom Ebony represents a perfect marriage of iconic design, impeccable craftsmanship, and historical significance. While it may stand somewhat in the shadow of Clapton’s other famous Les Pauls, its influence on his sound during a critical period of artistic development cannot be overstated.

For collectors and players alike, this guitar embodies the pinnacle of electric guitar design and the transformative power of matching the right instrument to a visionary musician. The 1958 Les Paul Custom’s legacy continues to inspire guitarists seeking that perfect balance of visual elegance and tonal sophistication – a true black beauty in every sense.