Gibson Tommy Colletti Collector’s Choice #22 “Black Beauty” 1959 Les Paul Custom
We’ve blogged about many of Gibson Custom Shop’s Collectors Choice models, but none quite as special as this one. The “Black Beauty” is a very precise replica of The Music Zoo owner, Tommy Colletti’s original 1959 Les Paul Custom, featuring True Historic Finish processes and build techniques. Tommy is more than excited to have such close ties with this piece, and can’t wait to share it with all of you! For those of you who don’t know, the Collector’s Choice series comes straight from the Gibson Custom Shop, where Gibson takes a great vintage guitar—whether it be celebrity owned or a rare, all-original piece—and through the marvels of modern technology, create a limited run of a near-exact recreation of that instrument. Watch as Tommy Colletti himself explains the history behind this guitar in the video above! Below, you can watch the original and reissue in a side-by-side tonal comparison! Lastly, you can read what Gibson has to say about Collector’s Choice #22 aka “Black Beauty”.
The “Black Beauty’s” lined up at the Gibson Custom Shop
The neck profile was particularly important to Tommy as the collaboration began to replicate his original guitar.
“I’d never felt one like it before. It;s got this very soft “V” that makes it a joy to play. I was actually surprised, the first time I picked it up, as how playable it is. Now, I expect every guitar to feel that good when I hold it. I guess it spoiled me!” -Tommy Colletti
That great neck feel, as well as its classic tonal palette, ranging from growling blues to bell-like jazz, captures all the vibe of Tommy’s original, allowing a few more of us to feel that transcendent power that comes when holding an original 50’s Les Paul. To make the experience complete, each Collector’s Choice #22 is hand ages to mirror the gently worn appearance of Tommy’s own.
Click here to see photos of the “Black Beauty” paired with a 1909 Alco Race Car!
The “Black Beauty” will be available at The Music Zoo very soon. To preorder this guitar, click the button below! If you would like more information on this limited run instrument, feel free to contact our sales staff at sales@themusiczoo.com or by calling 516-626-9292!
