Gibson’s sunburst Les Paul Standards from the late 1950s and early 1960s are some of the most coveted guitars ever made, with original examples often approaching the half-million-dollar mark. For those who admire vintage Les Pauls but want a playable, collector-quality instrument today, the 1959 Les Paul Standard Reissue from Gibson Custom’s Greatest Hits Collection is an ideal choice. This model faithfully honors the legendary “'Burst” Les Paul featured in Yasuhiko Iwanade’s definitive guide, The Beauty of the ’Burst: Gibson Sunburst Les Pauls from ’58 to ’60. From the hand-selected AAA maple top and its sunburst finish to the rich Cherry aniline-dyed mahogany body, the visual accuracy of this reissue mirrors the iconic guitars celebrated in Iwanade’s book. Every period-correct feature is here, from the 1959 Carmelita-profile mahogany neck to the cellulose trapezoid inlays on the rosewood fingerboard. Uncovered Custombucker pickups deliver a vintage tone that matches the guitar’s classic appearance, making this reissue a genuine collector-grade instrument.
The inspiration behind this guitar is drawn directly from one of the most remarkable 1959 “Bursts” documented by Yasuhiko Iwanade. His book, with a foreword by Ted McCarty, is an essential resource for any guitarist interested in these historic instruments, featuring detailed photographs and documentation of the legendary sunburst Les Pauls. This reissue faithfully captures the signature elements, including the AAA maple top and the exposed white bobbins, making it a true homage to its storied predecessor.
Original sunburst Les Pauls from the late ’50s were produced in very limited numbers—around 1,700 total—and each handmade guitar had subtle variations, particularly in neck profile. To recreate the authentic feel of these instruments, Gibson Custom crafted this 1959 Les Paul Standard with a mahogany neck modeled after the famed “Carmelita” guitar. Slightly slimmer than most vintage ’50s profiles, this neck delivers a responsive, fast-playing feel while remaining fully faithful to the original.
Under the guidance of Master Artisan Tom Murphy, Gibson Custom’s Murphy Lab brings vintage instruments to life with expert aging and finishing techniques. This 1959 Les Paul Standard Reissue carries the Heavy Aged treatment, which adds realistic lacquer checking, wear, and the subtle character of a guitar that’s spent decades on stage and in studios. Extra-rolled fingerboard binding enhances the broken-in feel, creating a tactile experience reminiscent of the golden era of Gibson guitars. For players seeking a truly vintage vibe, Murphy Lab-aged instruments offer an unmatched combination of playability and authenticity.
Hardware and design details remain true to the original era. The ABR-1 Tune-o-matic bridge, patented by Gibson president Ted McCarty in the 1950s, ensures precise intonation for each string. Coupled with a stopbar tailpiece and vintage-style Kluson tuners, this reissue perfectly balances historic design with modern reliability.
Highlights:
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Custom-spec Les Paul from Gibson’s Greatest Hits Collection with appointments not found on standard models
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Visually inspired by a specific 1959 Les Paul documented in Yasuhiko Iwanade’s The Beauty of the ’Burst
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Resonant Cherry-dyed mahogany body paired with a hand-selected AAA maple top
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Exposed double-white bobbins and period-accurate appointments mirror a legendary vintage example
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Carmelita neck profile replicates the feel of the original 1959 Les Paul, offering a slightly slimmer, fast-playing C-shape
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12-inch-radius Indian rosewood fingerboard with aged cellulose trapezoid inlays
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Custombucker pickups deliver vintage PAF-style tone with warmth, clarity, and dynamics
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ABR-1 bridge and aluminum stopbar tailpiece
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Heavy Aged nitrocellulose finish from Murphy Lab for authentic wear and character
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Classic Les Paul details, including gold top hat knobs and Kluson tuners
Gibson Custom Shop
Limited Edition
1959 Les Paul Standard Reissue
Beauty of the Burst 86
Murphy Lab - Heavy Aged Finish
Weighs 8 lbs 7 oz
AAA Figured Maple Top - Bound
Lightweight Mahogany Body
Mahogany Neck
Carmelita Neck Profile
Indian Rosewood Fingerboard
12" Fingerboard Radius - Bound
1.6875" Nut Width
Nylon Nut Material
Custombucker Pickups - Double White
2 x Volume Controls
2 x Tone Controls
3 Way Pickup Toggle
Certificate of Authenticity
Original Hardshell Case
