Vintage Ibanez Model 2341 Black Beauty "Law Suit Les Paul" - 1977

Some guitars are cool.
Some guitars are rare.
And then there are the ones that quietly check every box.

This is a 1977 Ibanez Model 2341 “Black Beauty”, a true Lawsuit Era gem and a remarkably clean example of one of Ibanez’s most elusive Les Paul Custom-style builds. We pulled this one from a private collection, where it spent most of the last couple of decades living the good life as a case queen.

Originally a one-owner guitar, it changed hands about 13 years ago… to a drummer. So yes — it’s been very well rested.

The Model (and Why You Don’t See Them)

The Ibanez 2341 was produced from 1974–1977, built as a tribute to Gibson’s iconic ’59 Black Beauty. These don’t show up often — not because people don’t know about them, but because the people who have them tend to keep them.

Even finding one in an old catalog can be a challenge.

Dating & Details

Pre-1975 Ibanez guitars often did not carry serial numbers, and while many later examples did, some still slipped through without one. This guitar is one of those.

We were able to date it to August 1977 via the pickup codes:

• First “7” = 1977
• Second “7” = August (Ibanez used 0 = January, 1 = February, etc.)

Condition

For a nearly 50-year-old guitar, this one is in exceptional condition.

• No major dents, scratches, or structural issues
• Original frets appear to be in excellent shape
• Finish presents beautifully overall

The only notable detail:

• Two very small areas of finish bubbling at the base of the neck

These appear to be factory-related, and while they could likely be buffed out, we chose to leave them untouched in the interest of originality.

The Good Stuff (aka: Why This One Matters)

Yes… it has three of them.

• Triple Super 70 pickups (Maxon-made, Alnico 8 magnets)
• Highly sought-after for their clarity, punch, and vintage character
• Slightly hotter output for the era — and incredibly musical

Even better:

• Original wiring intact
• Pots and switch professionally cleaned
• No rewiring, no shortcuts — just properly maintained originality

Construction & Feel

• Chambered mahogany body with maple top
• Maple neck
• Rosewood fingerboard
• Weight: a comfortable 9 lbs

This guitar feels alive in your hands — resonant, balanced, and incredibly playable.

The Verdict

This is one of those rare finds where everything lines up:

✔ Lawsuit Era pedigree
✔ Hard-to-find model
✔ Triple pickup configuration
✔ Original electronics
✔ Exceptional condition

It plays beautifully. It sounds even better. And it represents a piece of Ibanez history that doesn’t come around often — especially not like this.

If you’ve been looking for one, you already know.
If you haven’t… this is how it starts.