1994 Gibson Bicentennial Anniversary Les Paul Custom - Black Beauty - Yamano Export with OHSC - Pro Set Up w Perfect Frets/Action/Intonation!

1994 Gibson Les Paul Custom 

Serial # 94030208
Alpine White (Naturally Aged to a Cream)

Ebony Fretboard

100% NITRO Finish
Nut: 1.71

First Fret .82

Twelfth Fret .98

Weight: 10 lbs

Comes with Original "Brownie" Hard Case & Paperwork Pictured

Check Out the Demo Video!!

$$$ It has just been professionally set up and dialed in for optimal tone and playability. It has low action with no buzzing. The frets are in perfect condition and polished to shine like a mirror, it is truly stage or studio ready/worthy. Including New Strings,  Perfect Intonation, Truss Rod Adjustment and Low Action Read Our Feedback and Rest Assured, The Dude Abides!

1994 Gibson Les Paul Custom “Black Beauty” – Yamano Export, Excellent Condition, Collector’s Dream!

Unleash the timeless elegance and raw power of this 1994 Gibson Les Paul Custom “Black Beauty” – a rare Yamano export in a stunning black nitrocellulose finish, preserved in excellent condition by a dedicated collector. 1994 was a Bicentennial anniversary year for Gibson and they rolled out only thier very best for that year. This is not just a guitar; it’s a piece of rock ‘n’ roll history, hand-selected by Japan’s legendary Yamano Gakki for its impeccable craftsmanship and tonal excellence. Complete with its original Gibson hardshell case and all the mojo of a 90s classic, this Black Beauty is ready to steal the spotlight for players, collectors, and aficionados alike. This guitar has MOJO for days and tone that is second to none. It is a vintage beauty from 1994 and has some super cool vibes all around. This tone monster is in a league all her own and really sounds like the golden era of Gibson. It absolutely howls when driven and sounds extremely bad ass. Cosmetically it is in excellent, collector worthy condition. It exhibits very little play wear whatsoever and is clean as can be for her age. It is phenomenal sounding Custom and is extremely resonant. The neck is not too slim but typical of a Les Paul Custom with a slimmer profile. It has some really nice spiderweb checking by the headstock and heel and can be seen in the pics. If you are looking for the Ultimate Les Paul Custom to record, gig or just jam with... look no further and score this black beauty.

Condition: Excellent

This 1994 Gibson Les Paul Custom is in excellent condition, showcasing the care of a fastidious collector. The black nitro finish gleams with a deep, mirror-like luster, with only the faintest signs of playwear – a whisper of patina that enhances its vintage charm without compromising its beauty. No cracks, no repairs, no modifications. It has a handful of tiny nicks, top coat scratches and an area of ultra light buckle worming. – this guitar is 100% original, with fully functional electronics, a straight neck, and frets in superb shape with plenty of life left. The original Gibson hardshell case (black with plush pink interior) is included, offering both protection and a nod to Gibson’s classic aesthetic. This is as close to a time machine as you’ll get, delivering the look, feel, and sound of a near-mint 90s Les Paul Custom.

The Yamano Legacy: Uncompromising Quality

This Les Paul Custom is a Yamano export, a mark of distinction that sets it apart from standard production models. Yamano Gakki, Japan’s premier musical instrument distributor, has a storied history dating back to 1892, when founder Genichi Yamano began importing and distributing high-quality instruments. By the late 20th century, Yamano became Gibson’s exclusive Japanese importer, renowned for its rigorous quality control standards. Unlike other distributors, Yamano had the unique privilege of “right of refusal,” allowing their representatives to hand-pick only the finest guitars from Gibson’s Nashville factory. They scrutinized every detail – from flame tops to wood quality, fit, and finish – rejecting any instrument that didn’t meet their exacting standards. 

This 1994 Black Beauty is a testament to Yamano’s commitment to excellence. Selected for its flawless construction and premium materials, it represents the pinnacle of Gibson’s 90s output. Yamano’s oversight ensured that only the best Les Pauls made it to Japan, making these guitars highly coveted for their consistent quality and attention to detail. Owning a Yamano export is like owning a piece of Gibson’s finest craftsmanship, hand-vetted by experts who demanded perfection.

Why This Guitar?

The Gibson Les Paul Custom “Black Beauty” is the epitome of luxury and performance, a model that has captivated musicians since its debut in 1953 at the request of Les Paul himself, who envisioned a guitar as sleek and elegant as a tuxedo. The 1994 iteration combines the classic Black Beauty aesthetic with modern refinements, delivering a versatile tone that excels in rock, blues, jazz, and beyond. Its black nitro finish, gold hardware, and multi-ply binding exude sophistication, while its robust construction and hot humbuckers provide the sustain and growl that have made the Les Paul Custom a stage and studio legend. Whether you’re channeling Duane Allman’s soulful slides or Slash’s searing leads, this guitar delivers iconic tone with unmatched style.

As a Yamano export, this Les Paul Custom stands out for its superior build quality. The 90s were a golden era for Gibson, and this 1994 model benefits from improved manufacturing consistency post-Norlin, with a return to traditional mahogany construction and a focus on playability. Its Yamano pedigree elevates it further, ensuring a guitar that not only looks stunning but plays and sounds like a dream.

Full Specifications

- **Body**: Solid mahogany with a carved maple top, delivering legendary sustain and tonal warmth

- **Finish**: Black nitrocellulose lacquer, glossy and deep, with subtle, natural checking that enhances its vintage appeal

- **Binding**: Multi-ply white/black binding on body (top and back), neck, and headstock for that iconic Black Beauty look

- **Neck**: Mahogany with a slim-taper “60s” profile, offering a fast, comfortable feel

- **Fretboard**: Ebony with mother-of-pearl block inlays, 22 medium jumbo frets, and a 12” radius for smooth playability

- **Scale Length**: 24.75” 

- **Nut Width**: 1.71, bone nut

- **Pickups**: Gibson 490R (neck) and 498T (bridge) humbuckers – hot, versatile, and full of character, ideal for clean sparkle or high-gain crunch

- **Controls**: 2 Volume, 2 Tone, 3-way toggle switch for tonal versatility

- **Bridge**: Nashville Tune-O-Matic with stopbar tailpiece, ensuring rock-solid intonation and sustain

- **Hardware**: Gold-plated, including Grover Rotomatic tuners for precise tuning stability

- **Headstock**: Black with multi-ply binding, split-diamond mother-of-pearl inlay, and Gibson logo

- **Weight**: Approx. 9.5–10 lbs, substantial yet balanced for comfort during long sessions

- **Serial Number**: Authentic 1994 serial, verifying its Yamano export status

- **Case**: Original Gibson hardshell case (black exterior, pink plush interior), in excellent condition with all latches functioning

Tonal Excellence

The 490R and 498T humbuckers are the heart of this Black Beauty, offering a perfect balance of warmth, clarity, and bite. The 490R neck pickup delivers smooth, creamy tones for soulful leads and jazzy chords, while the 498T bridge pickup kicks out aggressive, singing sustain for rock and blues. The mahogany body and maple top create a rich, resonant foundation, with the ebony fretboard adding snap and articulation to every note. Whether you’re playing clean through a Fender amp or cranking distortion through a Marshall stack, this Les Paul Custom delivers the iconic Gibson tone that has defined generations of music. Its sustain is near-endless, and the low-action setup makes it a joy to play for hours on end.

Visual Allure

The black nitrocellulose finish is pure rock royalty, gleaming under stage lights with a depth that only nitro can provide. The gold hardware – from the Grover tuners to the Nashville bridge – contrasts beautifully, giving this guitar its “tuxedo” nickname. The multi-ply binding and mother-of-pearl inlays add a touch of opulence, while the split-diamond headstock inlay, inspired by Gibson’s top-of-the-line Super 400, screams vintage class. Subtle finish checking and light patina on the gold hardware only enhance its character, making this Black Beauty a visual masterpiece that stands out in any collection or performance.

Collector’s Appeal

As a 1994 Yamano export, this Les Paul Custom is a rare find. Yamano’s strict quality control ensured that only the finest examples left the Gibson factory for Japan, making these guitars highly sought-after by collectors worldwide. The 1994 model year marks a sweet spot in Gibson’s history, with improved quality control and a return to traditional construction techniques after the Norlin era’s experimentation. The combination of its Black Beauty aesthetic, Yamano provenance, and excellent condition makes this guitar an investment-grade piece that will only appreciate in value. With all original components and the included hardshell case, it’s a complete package for the discerning collector

Why You’ll Love It

This 1994 Gibson Les Paul Custom “Black Beauty” is more than a guitar – it’s a statement. Its Yamano-selected quality guarantees a level of craftsmanship that stands above the rest, while its black nitro finish and gold hardware make it a visual and sonic powerhouse. Whether you’re shredding solos, laying down soulful chords, or displaying it as the centerpiece of your collection, this Les Paul Custom delivers on every front. The included original case and its excellent condition make it a turnkey purchase for players and collectors alike.

Don’t miss your chance to own a piece of Gibson’s legacy, hand-picked by Yamano for its excellence. A 1994 Les Paul Custom in this condition, with this provenance, is a rare opportunity that won’t last long. Act now and make this Black Beauty yours – it’s ready to rock, inspire, and turn heads for years to come!

This guitar is professionally set up and dialed in for optimal tone and playability. It has low action with no buzzing or dead spots and is an absolute joy to play. It has been deep cleaned and detailed. All guitars will arrive looking and playing great. The frets have been leveled / dressed / polished and the fingerboard was cleaned. (Unfinished Rosewood and Ebony boards get treated with Fret Doctor - a proprietary all natural oil that is the best on the market) It has brand new strings, the action was adjusted, the intonation is spot on and it plays excellent. All the electronics work flawlessly.

**** We stand behind every guitar we sell and have consistently delivered quality that beats most people expectations, earning us a reputation for quality that is unrivaled. Simply put “good enough” is not good enough for The Guitar Dude’s standards. We try and make every guitar be at its absolute BEST to deliver on our promise. We take great pride in what we do and we are always trying our best. 

* Neck is perfectly straight and the truss rod works with no issues

* Intonation is spot-on

* It has been professionally set up with nice low action & new American made strings.

* If needed, the frets will be dressed leveled & crowned

* All frets are polished prior to shipping when they are set up - They will shine like new!

***Please note that international shipping prices listed are minimum quotes in some cases. Certain countries are more expensive and will require additional shipping costs. Express services such as UPS, DHL & FedEx are also available, Please contact me for a personalized quote.

About Us

The Guitar Dude is a THREE time NAMM Top 100 Dealer in the world  who has been selling some of the best guitars on the planet since 2009. Known for the most Killer Flame Top Gibson 1959 Les Pauls Reissues and classic Fender guitars of all eras. I make beautiful guitar porn, please follow me on Facebook, Instagram, & Twitter. 

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For in-hand description, to propose a consignment sale or anything else please contact us 

I offer a super relaxed layaway plan on certain guitars, that can be custom built to fit your budget and needs. It can be extended beyond 45 days in certain situations. If you are interested in a layaway plan, please contact me for full details.

Terms For Returns & Re-Stocking Fee’s

We recognize and accept a 7 day return policy as per Reverb guidelines, BUT intentions of the return must be communicated in writing within 3 day of receiving the guitar as indicated by the tracking. Unless the guitar is not as described, ORIGINAL & RETURN SHIPPING COSTS WILL NOT BE REFUNDED. There is a 10% Re-stocking fee for ALL guitars that are returned for ANY reason outside of damage from shipping or it arrives significantly not as described. Please note that we record demo videos to make sure our guitars go out exactly as we describe them with zero issues. We understand that feeling comfortable is vital to the purchase of a guitar/bass so in any case, additional measurements or in hand descriptions are available prior to purchase/shipping. Thats said, guitars travel a great distance some times and in transit things can happen. Also guitars acclimate to new environments and this can cause a need for a new set up or minor adjustment. It is acceptable and normal if there is for instance a tiny bit of buzzing or the need to adjust a truss rod. We are in south Florida and if you are in a colder or less humid environment it is almost to be expected. Please read our feedback and see what our customers say. The guitar MUST BE RETURNED IN THE EXACT CONDITION it was advertised/received or it is subject to additional costs & or repair fees. We are not a big chain shop, I hope you understand. If you are uncomfortable with these terms please do not purchase. There are plenty big chain shops that can absorb free trials and shipping. 

Payment - Shipping - International orders - Import Duties

ALL ITEMS CAN BE SHIPPED INTERNATIONALLY. - BUYER IS RESPONSIBLE FOR ALL IMPORT DUTIES.

I accept many forms of payment including PayPal Credit & Affirm. I always pack extremely well and ship within the USA via UPS or Fedex, all packages are fully insured with tracking & signature confirmation.