What pickups are used in the Epiphone 1959 Les Paul Reissue?

The guitar is equipped with two USA-made Gibson Custombucker humbuckers. These are the same premium pickups found in Gibson Custom Shop models, designed to replicate the tone of original 1950s PAF pickups.

How does the neck profile feel compared to other Les Pauls?

It features a 1959 Rounded Medium C profile. This is thicker and more rounded than the '60s SlimTaper profile found on many modern guitars, providing a more vintage-accurate hand-filling feel.

What type of capacitors are included in the electronics?

The guitar uses Bumblebee-style capacitors as part of its hand-wired electronics suite. These are paired with high-quality CTS potentiometers to ensure vintage-correct tone shaping.

Is the neck joint historically accurate?

Yes, it features a long tenon neck joint. This construction method involves the neck wood extending deeper into the body cavity under the neck pickup, which is traditionally associated with better sustain and resonance.

What is the top wood on this model?

The guitar features a mahogany body with a maple top, finished with a AAA flamed maple veneer. This provides the high-end aesthetic of figured maple seen on original 1959 models.

Does this guitar come with a case?

Yes, it includes a vintage-style brown hardshell case. The interior is lined with pink plush fabric, mimicking the aesthetics of original 1950s Gibson cases.

Who collaborated on the design of this guitar?

This model was built in partnership between Epiphone and the Gibson Custom Shop. This collaboration ensures that the specifications are as close as possible to the high-end Gibson recreations.

What hardware finish is used on the 1959 Reissue?

The guitar uses nickel-finished hardware. This choice provides a more period-correct look than modern chrome plating and will naturally patina over time.

How does the price compare to a Gibson Les Paul?

At approximately £1,025, it is priced higher than standard Epiphone models but significantly lower than Gibson USA or Custom Shop models. It serves as a bridge for players wanting premium specs at a mid-range price.

What is the finish colour of this specific model?

The model described features a Deep Cherry Sunburst finish. This is a classic 'Burst' aesthetic that replicates the vibrant red edges found on original 1959 instruments.

Are the electronics hand-wired?

Yes, the electronics in this model are hand-wired. This includes the use of CTS pots and premium capacitors rather than the printed circuit boards (PCBs) found in some modern guitars.

What are the common alternatives to this guitar?

Related alternatives include the Gibson Les Paul Standard 50s P90 or Fender models like the American Professional II Stratocaster. However, few alternatives in this price range include the specific Gibson Custombucker pickups.

Gear article

Epiphone 1959 Les Paul Standard Reissue

The Epiphone 1959 Les Paul Standard Reissue is a premium electric guitar developed in collaboration with the Gibson Custom Shop to replicate the iconic 'Burst' models of the late 1950s. It features high-end components including USA-made Gibson Custombucker pickups, hand-wired electronics, and a AAA flamed maple veneer top.

See live prices

Background and Development

The Epiphone 1959 Les Paul Standard Reissue represents a significant collaboration between Epiphone and the Gibson Custom Shop. Aimed at providing a vintage-correct experience at a more accessible price point than Gibson's own Custom Shop offerings, this model focuses on historical accuracy in both construction and electronics. It is designed to pay tribute to the 1959 Les Paul Standard, which is widely considered the pinnacle of solid-body electric guitar design.

Construction and Key Features

The guitar is built with a solid mahogany body topped with a AAA flamed maple veneer, providing the visual aesthetic associated with vintage instruments. A critical design feature is the long tenon neck joint, which extends further into the body for improved stability and resonance. The neck is carved to a 1959 Rounded Medium C profile, offering a substantial but comfortable grip that distinguishes it from slimmer modern profiles.

Hardware and appointments include: * Nickel-plated hardware for a vintage look. * Vintage-correct tulip-style tuning machines. * A brown hardshell case featuring a period-accurate pink plush lining.

Electronics and Sound Character

The defining characteristic of this reissue is its electronics suite. It is equipped with genuine USA-made Gibson Custombucker humbuckers, which are typically reserved for high-end Gibson Custom Shop models. These pickups are paired with a hand-wired harness featuring CTS potentiometers and Mallory/Bumblebee-style capacitors. This combination delivers a sound characterized by warmth, clarity, and the harmonic 'bite' associated with late-1950s PAF pickups. The guitar provides significant sustain and a responsive dynamic range suitable for various genres.

Target Audience and Comparisons

This instrument is primarily aimed at serious enthusiasts and professional players seeking vintage Gibson specifications without the cost of a Nashville-built reissue. It occupies a unique space in the market, sitting above standard Epiphone models but offering features like the Custombucker pickups that are often omitted from lower-tier Gibson USA models. While alternatives such as the Gibson Les Paul Standard 50s offer a different wood grading and nitrocellulose finish, the Epiphone Reissue competes by offering premium internal components and historical construction techniques like the long tenon joint at a competitive price point.

Related gear

Frequently asked questions

What pickups are used in the Epiphone 1959 Les Paul Reissue?: The guitar is equipped with two USA-made Gibson Custombucker humbuckers. These are the same premium pickups found in Gibson Custom Shop models, designed to replicate the tone of original 1950s PAF pickups.
How does the neck profile feel compared to other Les Pauls?: It features a 1959 Rounded Medium C profile. This is thicker and more rounded than the '60s SlimTaper profile found on many modern guitars, providing a more vintage-accurate hand-filling feel.
What type of capacitors are included in the electronics?: The guitar uses Bumblebee-style capacitors as part of its hand-wired electronics suite. These are paired with high-quality CTS potentiometers to ensure vintage-correct tone shaping.
Is the neck joint historically accurate?: Yes, it features a long tenon neck joint. This construction method involves the neck wood extending deeper into the body cavity under the neck pickup, which is traditionally associated with better sustain and resonance.
What is the top wood on this model?: The guitar features a mahogany body with a maple top, finished with a AAA flamed maple veneer. This provides the high-end aesthetic of figured maple seen on original 1959 models.
Does this guitar come with a case?: Yes, it includes a vintage-style brown hardshell case. The interior is lined with pink plush fabric, mimicking the aesthetics of original 1950s Gibson cases.
Who collaborated on the design of this guitar?: This model was built in partnership between Epiphone and the Gibson Custom Shop. This collaboration ensures that the specifications are as close as possible to the high-end Gibson recreations.
What hardware finish is used on the 1959 Reissue?: The guitar uses nickel-finished hardware. This choice provides a more period-correct look than modern chrome plating and will naturally patina over time.
How does the price compare to a Gibson Les Paul?: At approximately £1,025, it is priced higher than standard Epiphone models but significantly lower than Gibson USA or Custom Shop models. It serves as a bridge for players wanting premium specs at a mid-range price.
What is the finish colour of this specific model?: The model described features a Deep Cherry Sunburst finish. This is a classic 'Burst' aesthetic that replicates the vibrant red edges found on original 1959 instruments.
Are the electronics hand-wired?: Yes, the electronics in this model are hand-wired. This includes the use of CTS pots and premium capacitors rather than the printed circuit boards (PCBs) found in some modern guitars.
What are the common alternatives to this guitar?: Related alternatives include the Gibson Les Paul Standard 50s P90 or Fender models like the American Professional II Stratocaster. However, few alternatives in this price range include the specific Gibson Custombucker pickups.