The Gibson Les Paul Custom is often referred to as the "Black Beauty" due to its striking black finish, which contrasts elegantly with its gold hardware, white binding, and pearloid inlays. When introduced in 1954, the Les Paul Custom was designed as a more luxurious, upscale version of the original Les Paul model, featuring high-quality materials and an all-black colour scheme that gave it a sophisticated, refined look. The term "Black Beauty" highlights both the guitar's visual appeal and its premium status within the Les Paul line, embodying Gibson’s intent to create a guitar that was both visually stunning and versatile enough for professional musicians across genres.

The Gibson Les Paul Custom typically features a mahogany body with a mahogany top or maple top, depending on the era and model. The combination of mahogany in the body and top provides the Custom with a warm, rich tone and enhanced sustain. Many models also include a mahogany neck paired with either an ebony fretboard (traditional models) or Richlite fretboard (in some modern models), which adds clarity and brightness to the guitar's sound.

In some versions, especially those produced in recent years, the Les Paul Custom might include weight-relief chambers within the body to make it more manageable to play without sacrificing tonal richness. Together, these woods contribute to the Les Paul Custom's characteristic sound—full, warm, and with notable sustain, suited for genres that demand a powerful, expressive tone.