We at That Rhythm Man Guitars are excited to get the opportunity to offer one of a very rare Les Paul from the Norlin Era.  This edition is known as the Black Beauty 82.  It is very much like a hybrid of the Les Paul Standard and the Les Paul Custom.  It was made in very limited numbers, although I haven't been able to find a reliable source for the actual number made.  In a quick search, the highest number in the series that I've been able to find is #81.  This guitar is #32.  
 
This limited model features an ebony fretboard like a Les Paul Custom, but with trapezoid inlays like a Standard. It also has the multi-ply top binding of a Custom, but has no back binding.  The headstock is similar to the Standard of the early 80s, but features a special truss rod cover which says "Black Beauty 82".  The hardware is all finished in gold, like a Custom.  Interestingly, like a high end Gibson archtop, these feature a 5-ply maple/walnut neck.
 
The original flip-out Schaller tuners and multi-point adjustable tune-o-matic bridge are present which are valuable, unusual parts on their own.  The guitar also has its original wiring, including the orignal Tim Shaw humbuckers.  The gold has completely worn off of the top of the pickup covers, but is still on the sides of them.  The strap buttons appear to have been replaced, as has the switch tip.
 
The guitar plays very well with low, fast action.  All notes ring out clearly.  The frets show a fair amount of wear, but should still last quite a while for the average player.  The Tim Shaw pickups, as usual, sound fantastic.  The guitar has the all the signs of a well loved guitar, but not an abused guitar, with areas of worn through finish and scattered small dents/back worming.
 
The orignal "chainsaw" hard shell case is included.  It is in excellent condition with the Gibson badge intact.  All of the hinges and latches work well.
 
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