For Sale: 2002 Gibson Les Paul Custom Black Beauty – Ebony | EMG 81/85 | Gibson HSC

Up for sale is a 2002 Gibson Les Paul Custom Black Beauty in Ebony, complete with a Gibson hard-shell case.

Few guitars have the unmistakable presence of a black Les Paul Custom. With its Ebony finish, multi-ply binding, gold hardware, ebony fingerboard, block inlays, and split-diamond headstock inlay, the Black Beauty remains one of the most iconic and recognizable Les Paul designs ever produced.

This particular example has been tastefully modified for a player who prefers active EMG pickups. It is currently equipped with the legendary EMG 81/85 combination, with an EMG 81 in the bridge and EMG 85 in the neck. The pots have also been replaced with the appropriate electronics to accommodate the active EMG system.

At 9 lbs 10 oz, this guitar has the substantial feel players expect from a great Les Paul Custom without being excessively heavy.

Most impressive is the condition. For a guitar from 2002, this example is exceptionally clean, showing only light surface scratches and presenting very close to mint overall.

Condition

Excellent – 9.5/10

• Only light surface scratches
• Exceptionally clean for its age
• Very close to mint overall

Please review all photos carefully for the most accurate representation of condition.

There are no cracks, breaks, repairs, or structural issues.

The neck is straight and stable, the frets are in excellent condition, and the guitar has been professionally inspected and set up by our in-house luthier.

It plays cleanly across the entire fingerboard with comfortable action and no buzzing or dead spots.

Modifications

The following components have been replaced:

• Bridge Pickup: EMG 81 Active Humbucker
• Neck Pickup: EMG 85 Active Humbucker
• Pots/Electronics: Replaced to accommodate the active EMG pickup system
• Nut: Replaced
• Pickguard: Replaced

The original pickups and pots are not included.

This is important to note for collectors looking for a completely original example. However, for a player who prefers active EMGs, the modifications make this guitar especially appealing—the conversion has already been done and the guitar is ready to go.

A Gibson hard-shell case is included.

Specifications

• Model: Gibson Les Paul Custom
• Year: 2002
• Finish: Ebony / Black Beauty
• Serial Number: 03252382
• Body: Mahogany
• Top: Carved Maple
• Neck: Mahogany
• Neck Profile: Medium Rounded – Slightly on the Thinner Side of Medium
• Fingerboard: Ebony
• Inlays: Pearl Block
• Scale Length: 24.75"
• Nut Width: 1.71"
• Neck Depth: .85" at the 1st Fret
• Neck Depth: .98" at the 12th Fret
• Bridge Pickup: EMG 81 Active Humbucker
• Neck Pickup: EMG 85 Active Humbucker
• Controls: 2 Volume, 2 Tone
• Switching: 3-Way Toggle
• Bridge: Tune-O-Matic
• Tailpiece: Stopbar
• Hardware: Gold
• Weight: 9 lbs 10 oz
• Case: Gibson Hard-Shell Case

Classic Les Paul Custom Design

The Les Paul Custom has occupied a special place in Gibson's lineup since its introduction in the 1950s.

Often referred to as the “Black Beauty,” the model takes the fundamental Les Paul formula and dresses it in Gibson’s most upscale appointments.

The Ebony finish is complemented by multi-ply body and headstock binding, an ebony fingerboard with large block inlays, gold hardware, and the famous split-diamond headstock inlay.

The result is a guitar that has an unmistakable presence whether it's hanging in a collection, sitting in a studio, or being played on stage.

Ebony Fingerboard

One particularly desirable feature of this 2002 Les Paul Custom is its ebony fingerboard.

The ebony provides a smooth, solid playing surface with a quick response and crisp attack that pairs beautifully with the substantial construction of a Les Paul Custom.

Combined with the pearl block inlays and multi-ply binding, it also provides the classic appearance that has defined the Les Paul Custom for generations.

Medium Rounded Neck Profile

This guitar has a comfortable medium rounded neck profile that falls slightly toward the thinner side of medium.

Our measurements are:

• Nut Width: 1.71"
• 1st Fret Depth: .85"
• 12th Fret Depth: .98"

The neck has enough substance to feel solid in the hand without approaching the dimensions of the larger ’50s-style Gibson profiles.

It starts at a comfortable .85" at the 1st fret and gradually fills out to .98" at the 12th fret, giving the neck a natural taper as you move toward the upper register.

It’s a great middle ground for players who don't want an extremely thin neck but also prefer something less substantial than a large vintage-style profile.

EMG 81/85 Active Pickups

This Les Paul Custom is currently equipped with one of the most famous active humbucker combinations ever made: an EMG 81 in the bridge and EMG 85 in the neck.

The EMG 81 is known for its tight low end, aggressive attack, excellent clarity, and ability to remain articulate under substantial amounts of gain.

The EMG 85 complements it with a warmer and fuller neck voice, providing smooth lead tones and powerful rhythm sounds while retaining the immediacy associated with active pickups.

Together, the 81/85 combination has become a benchmark setup for hard rock and metal, but the pickups are considerably more versatile than their reputation might suggest.

Paired with the natural sustain and authority of a Les Paul Custom, they create an extremely powerful instrument for players who prefer the response of active electronics.

EMG Electronics Conversion

Because active EMG pickups require different electronics than traditional passive Gibson humbuckers, the pots have also been replaced to properly accommodate the EMG system.

The original pickups and pots are not included with the guitar.

For a collector specifically looking for a completely original 2002 Les Paul Custom, this should be taken into consideration.

For the player who already prefers EMGs, however, this guitar represents an excellent opportunity. The conversion is already complete, the electronics work properly, and the instrument is professionally set up and ready to play.

Tone & Feel

There is a reason the Les Paul Custom has remained a favorite among professional guitarists for decades.

The substantial mahogany construction and carved maple top provide excellent sustain, a powerful fundamental, and the thick midrange character associated with a great Les Paul.

The ebony fingerboard adds an immediate attack and definition, while the active EMGs take those characteristics in a more aggressive direction.

The result is a guitar with tight lows, powerful mids, excellent sustain, and exceptional clarity under gain.

At 9 lbs 10 oz, it has the solid, substantial feel you expect from a Les Paul Custom while remaining very manageable for the model.

Most importantly, the guitar has been professionally set up and plays fantastic.

Exceptionally Clean Condition

One of the strongest features of this particular Les Paul Custom is simply how clean it has remained.

Despite being a 2002 instrument, it shows only light surface scratches and presents extremely well.

We rate it a strong 9.5 out of 10, making it one of those guitars that is difficult to fully appreciate until you see how clean it is in person.

The modifications make it more player-oriented than collector-original, but cosmetically this is an outstanding example.

Gibson Hard-Shell Case

The guitar comes with a Gibson hard-shell case, providing excellent protection for storage, travel, and shipping.

The guitar will be professionally packed inside the case for safe transport to its next owner.

Transparency & Photos

As with all Guitar Chimp listings, detailed photos are provided of the exact instrument—no stock photos.

At the end of the photo set, you'll find close-up images taken under direct lighting to clearly show the light surface scratches and any other cosmetic imperfections.

We don't just describe the condition—we show it in detail so there are no surprises.

Many of our customers tell us their guitars arrive in better condition than expected.

Why Buy From Guitar Chimp?

With over 18 years of experience, Guitar Chimp is trusted by players and collectors worldwide for high-quality, player-ready instruments.

Every guitar is thoroughly inspected and professionally set up by our in-house luthier.

We are experts at shipping and have safely shipped thousands of guitars and basses all over the world. Every instrument is professionally packed, fully insured, and shipped with signature confirmation.

Buy with confidence knowing your instrument will arrive safely and exactly as described.

📞 Call/Text: (801) 317-9013

💬 Message anytime—we’re always happy to help!

This 2002 Gibson Les Paul Custom Black Beauty is an exceptionally clean example with a beautiful ebony fingerboard, comfortable medium-rounded neck profile, and the unmistakable look and feel of a classic black Les Paul Custom.

The EMG 81/85 active pickup conversion makes it particularly well suited for the player who prefers the clarity, output, and aggressive response of EMGs and wants them paired with the sustain and authority of a Les Paul Custom.

In excellent 9.5/10 condition, weighing 9 lbs 10 oz, professionally set up, and complete with a Gibson hard-shell case, this Black Beauty is ready for its next owner.

🎸 Jerald – Guitar Chimp

Providing The Finest Guitars, Basses & Amps Since 2006