Here is a rare guitar that has certainly seen plenty of playing time and passed through many hands around the Geneva area, yet has remained absolutely stunning, and, above all, incredibly comfortable and inspiring to play. This instrument was purchased brand new by its one and only owner in 1996, when the Gibson Custom Shop released the very first Joe Perry Signature Limited Edition. Only 200 examples were built worldwide, featuring unique specifications such as a figured maple neck, chambered body, ebony fingerboard, black hardware, and many other distinctive details that make this a truly exceptional Les Paul.

Its original owner had a large rehearsal space and, before living life to the fullest, decided, like a true patron of the arts, to build a recording studio and generously support countless musician friends with his financial resources. Gear flowed freely, and among those purchases was this magnificent Joe Perry Signature Les Paul.

This 1996 Gibson Custom Shop Limited Edition Joe Perry Signature Les Paul, finished in the gorgeous Trans Black Burst, is an incredibly comfortable guitar that was extensively played for several years before eventually spending the rest of its life safely stored in its case. It shows plenty of honest playwear: numerous scratches, small dings, and various cosmetic marks throughout the body. However, there are no cracks, breaks, or repairs. The frets have been professionally dressed and polished, all hardware has been removed, cleaned, and restored, and the electronics are now in perfect working order. Aside from its cosmetic wear, this guitar is an absolute joy to play.

Only 200 examples of this Custom Shop model were produced in 1996, making it an extremely rare instrument. This was the very first Joe Perry Signature model, released one year after the Jimmy Page Signature. Needless to say, it has nothing in common with the more affordable production version built between 1997 and 1999 in Gibson’s regular factory. This Custom Shop edition features several specifications exclusive to this model.

Its figured maple neck provides outstanding playing comfort and exceptional speed, while the ebony fingerboard offers an incredibly smooth and luxurious feel. The chambered body produces a rich, open resonance with excellent attack while keeping the weight perfectly balanced. Grover sealed tuners, black hardware, and the elegant Trans Black Burst finish complete the package, but special mention must be made of the spectacular maple top. Its wide, deep flame figuring is beautifully enhanced by the finish, making this one of the guitar’s most striking visual features.

The Joe Perry Les Paul comes fitted with a pair of ’57 Classic humbuckers, delivering the legendary vintage PAF character with a subtle touch of modern refinement. The result is a clear, powerful, articulate tone capable of cutting through any mix. The black nickel hardware not only gives the guitar a sleek and understated appearance but also contributes to excellent durability and tuning stability, making this a dependable instrument for both studio work and live performance.