Gibson Custom Shop M2M Murphy Lab Light Aged ’54 Les Paul Custom Antique Gold 2024

The 1954 Les Paul Custom has always occupied a special place in Gibson’s history. Known as the “Black Beauty”, it was conceived as the top-of-the-line Les Paul, combining understated elegance with uncompromising build quality. This Made to Measure Murphy Lab version stays true to that spirit while adding a few carefully judged touches that make it something rather special.

Finished in Antique Gold with Murphy Lab Light Aging, it has the look and feel of a well-loved vintage instrument without being overdone. The lightly checked nitro finish, gentle lacquer wear and subtly aged hardware give it the character of a guitar that’s been played and cared for over many years.

Construction is classic 1954 Les Paul Custom: a solid one-piece mahogany body with carved maple top, chunky 50s mahogany neck, ebony fingerboard, long neck tenon and wraparound bridge. The result is exactly what you’d expect from a great early Les Paul – plenty of sustain, effortless resonance and that reassuringly solid feel in your hands.

Where this Made to Measure model differs from a standard reissue is the pickup combination. A vintage-style Staple pickup in the neck delivers remarkable clarity and articulation, while the Custombucker in the bridge provides all the warmth, bite and harmonic richness you’d hope for from a great PAF-style humbucker. Together they make for an unusually versatile Les Paul, equally at home with clean, expressive playing or classic overdriven tones.

As with all Murphy Lab instruments, the finish is applied in ultra-thin nitrocellulose lacquer, allowing the guitar to resonate freely while continuing to age naturally as it’s played.

A beautiful example of Gibson Custom Shop’s Made to Measure programme, combining historic accuracy with a great specification. Complete with the original Lifton-style hard case, certificate of authenticity and Murphy Lab documentation.

A very rare Made To Measure Murphy Lab with one of the most interesting pickup combinations Gibson offers – only 3 were made by Gibson in this specification. It’s been carefully stored inside the case – effectively a brand new guitar. Available today without the wait.

• Brand: Gibson Custom Shop
• Model: M2M Murphy Lab ’54 Les Paul Custom
• Origin: USA
• Year: 2024
• Serial No: 44164
• Weight: 8lb 12oz / 3.96kg
• Finish: Lightly Aged Antique Gold with Multi Ply Cream Binding
• Pickguard: Black Multi Ply
• Body: Mahogany
• Top: Carved Maple
• Neck: Mahogany
• Profile: ’50s Chunky D
• Fretboard: Ebony, 12″ radius, cream binding, block inlays
• Scale length: 24.75″
• Frets: 22 medium jumbo
• Nut: Nylon
• Bridge Pickup: Gibson Custom Staple P90
• Neck Pickup: Gibson Custom P90
• Controls: 2 volumes, 2 tones, 3-way selector toggle switch
• Knobs: Black Top Hat
• Bridge: ABR-1 Tune-O-Matic with Aluminum Stop Bar
• Tuners: Kluson Waffleback
• Case: Original Hardcase and paperwork