What is the specific finish on this 1958 Reissue?

This model features a Light Aged Lemon Burst finish, which is designed by the Murphy Lab to look like a vintage sunburst that has faded over time.

What kind of pickups are installed in the Gibson Custom 1958 Les Paul?

The guitar is equipped with unpotted Custombucker Alnico 3 pickups, intended to replicate the sound of original late-50s PAF humbuckers.

What is the neck profile of this model?

It features a chunky '50s rounded medium neck profile, offering a fuller and more confident grip compared to slimmer modern profiles.

Does this guitar use modern glue in the neck joint?

No, this reissue uses a long tenon neck joint with hide glue, which is a vintage-accurate method believed to improve resonance.

What type of wood is used for the top of the guitar?

The guitar features a plain maple top, which is historically accurate for many Les Pauls produced in 1958.

What does 'Murphy Lab' mean in the context of this guitar?

The Murphy Lab is a specialized division of the Gibson Custom Shop that focuses on scientifically accurate aging and finishing techniques to simulate vintage wear.

What is the difference between this and a standard Gibson Les Paul?

This Custom Shop reissue features higher-spec woods, unpotted pickups, hide-glue construction, and a Murphy Lab aged finish, which are not typically found on standard production models.

What fret size is used on this 1958 Reissue?

The guitar utilizes narrow/tall frets, which provide a balance between vintage aesthetics and modern playability.

Is the hardware on this guitar shiny and new?

No, the hardware is aged to match the Light Aged finish of the body, giving it the appearance of a well-maintained vintage instrument.

What is the typical price for this specific model in the UK?

The typical price for this Gibson Custom Shop model is approximately GBP 5,699.

What is the body construction of the 1958 Reissue?

It is constructed with a solid mahogany back and a plain maple top, following the traditional Gibson Les Paul recipe for tone and sustain.

Who is the primary audience for this guitar?

This guitar is designed for serious players, collectors, and enthusiasts who want a historically accurate recreation of a 1958 Les Paul with aged characteristics.

Gear article

Gibson Custom 1958 Les Paul Standard Reissue Light Aged Lemon Burst #84438

The Gibson Custom 1958 Les Paul Standard Reissue is a premium electric guitar crafted by the Gibson Custom Shop to replicate the specifications and feel of the original '58 'Burst'. This specific model features a Murphy Lab Light Aged Lemon Burst finish and is built using period-correct construction methods like hide-glue neck joints.

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Overview

The Gibson Custom 1958 Les Paul Standard Reissue represents a high-fidelity recreation of one of the most significant years in guitar history. While 1958 marked the transition from the Goldtop to the Sunburst finish, many original examples featured 'plain' maple tops rather than the highly figured flame found in 1959. This reissue honours that tradition with a plain maple top over a solid mahogany body.

The instrument is notable for its specific '84438' serial identification and its Light Aged Lemon Burst finish, which has been curated by the Murphy Lab to simulate the natural fading and wear of a guitar that has been played for decades. It utilizes premium vintage-accurate details, such as aged hardware and narrow/tall frets, to provide a tactile experience consistent with 1950s production.

Construction and Key Features

The build quality of this reissue focuses on resonance and structural authenticity. Key features include:

Long Tenon Neck Joint: The neck is joined to the body using a long tenon and hide glue, a method praised for superior vibration transfer.
Neck Profile: It features a chunky '50s rounded medium profile, providing a substantial grip preferred by players who enjoy a fuller neck.
Hardware: The guitar is fitted with aged hardware to match the Murphy Lab finish, maintaining the aesthetic of a vintage instrument.
Fretwork: Narrow/tall frets are used to offer modern playability while retaining a vintage appearance.

Electronics and Sound Character

The sonic profile of the 1958 Reissue is driven by a pair of unpotted Custombucker Alnico 3 pickups. These are designed to replicate the specific tonal characteristics of late-50s 'Patent Applied For' (PAF) humbuckers.

Because these pickups are unpotted, they offer a more touch-sensitive and dynamic response, capturing the nuances of the player's attack. The combination of a solid mahogany back and maple top provides the classic Les Paul foundation: a rich, warm low-end coupled with a clear, sustaining midrange and defined highs.

Market Context and Comparison

Priced at approximately GBP 5,699, this guitar occupies the premium tier of the electric guitar market. It is specifically aimed at collectors and professional musicians seeking the closest possible experience to an original 1958 model without the six-figure price tag of a vintage original.

When compared to the Gibson Les Paul Standard '50s Tobacco Burst, this Custom Shop model offers a higher degree of historical accuracy, including the Murphy Lab aging and hide-glue construction. While brands like Fender offer high-end artist models like the Eric Clapton Stratocaster or the 61 Telecaster Relic, the 1958 Les Paul Reissue stands apart for its specific 'chunky' neck profile and dual-humbucker mahogany construction.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the specific finish on this 1958 Reissue?: This model features a Light Aged Lemon Burst finish, which is designed by the Murphy Lab to look like a vintage sunburst that has faded over time.
What kind of pickups are installed in the Gibson Custom 1958 Les Paul?: The guitar is equipped with unpotted Custombucker Alnico 3 pickups, intended to replicate the sound of original late-50s PAF humbuckers.
What is the neck profile of this model?: It features a chunky '50s rounded medium neck profile, offering a fuller and more confident grip compared to slimmer modern profiles.
Does this guitar use modern glue in the neck joint?: No, this reissue uses a long tenon neck joint with hide glue, which is a vintage-accurate method believed to improve resonance.
What type of wood is used for the top of the guitar?: The guitar features a plain maple top, which is historically accurate for many Les Pauls produced in 1958.
What does 'Murphy Lab' mean in the context of this guitar?: The Murphy Lab is a specialized division of the Gibson Custom Shop that focuses on scientifically accurate aging and finishing techniques to simulate vintage wear.
What is the difference between this and a standard Gibson Les Paul?: This Custom Shop reissue features higher-spec woods, unpotted pickups, hide-glue construction, and a Murphy Lab aged finish, which are not typically found on standard production models.
What fret size is used on this 1958 Reissue?: The guitar utilizes narrow/tall frets, which provide a balance between vintage aesthetics and modern playability.
Is the hardware on this guitar shiny and new?: No, the hardware is aged to match the Light Aged finish of the body, giving it the appearance of a well-maintained vintage instrument.
What is the typical price for this specific model in the UK?: The typical price for this Gibson Custom Shop model is approximately GBP 5,699.
What is the body construction of the 1958 Reissue?: It is constructed with a solid mahogany back and a plain maple top, following the traditional Gibson Les Paul recipe for tone and sustain.
Who is the primary audience for this guitar?: This guitar is designed for serious players, collectors, and enthusiasts who want a historically accurate recreation of a 1958 Les Paul with aged characteristics.