What is the neck profile on this 1958 Reissue?

The guitar features a 50s Rounded Medium C profile, designed to offer a full and comfortable grip without being excessively bulky.

What type of pickups are installed in this model?

It is equipped with unpotted Custombucker Alnico 3 pickups, which provide a warm and articulate tone similar to vintage PAF humbuckers.

What does 'Ultra Light Aged' mean?

This refers to the Murphy Lab process that creates subtle lacquer checking and minor wear, replicating the look and feel of a well-cared-for vintage instrument.

Is the neck joint historically accurate?

Yes, it uses a long-tenon neck joint secured with traditional hide glue for increased resonance and sustain.

What woods are used in the construction?

The guitar is built with a lightweight mahogany body and a plain maple top, consistent with original 1958 specifications.

What kind of bridge does this guitar have?

It features a no-wire ABR-1 bridge paired with a lightweight aluminium stop bar tailpiece.

How does this compare to a 1959 Reissue?

The 1958 Reissue typically features a plain maple top and a slightly different neck profile, whereas the 1959 version often features figured flame maple.

What finish is used on the body?

The guitar is finished in aged nitrocellulose lacquer, specifically in a Bourbon Burst colour.

Why are the pickups unpotted?

Unpotted pickups allow for a more dynamic, harmonically rich sound that captures the natural resonance of the guitar, though they can be more sensitive to feedback at high volumes.

Is the body weight-relieved?

No, the Gibson Custom Shop Reissues use solid, non-weight-relieved mahogany, specifically selected for its lighter weight.

What is the typical price for this model?

This specific reissue is typically priced at approximately GBP 4,599.

Who is this guitar best suited for?

It is ideal for collectors and professional players who desire a historically accurate Les Paul with the specific feel and response of a vintage 'Burst'.

Gear article

Gibson Custom Shop 1958 Les Paul Standard Reissue Ultra Light Aged

The Gibson Custom Shop 1958 Les Paul Standard Reissue is a high-end electric guitar designed to replicate the specifications and feel of the original 'Burst' era. This specific model features Murphy Lab Ultra Light Aging and a Bourbon Burst finish, combining vintage aesthetics with modern craftsmanship. It is distinguished by its plain maple top, lightweight mahogany body, and period-correct hardware.

Gibson Custom Shop Gibson Custom 1958 Les Paul Standard Reissue Ultra Light Aged Bourbon Burst #85173

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Background and Construction

The 1958 Les Paul Standard represents a pivotal moment in Gibson's history, marking the transition from the Goldtop finish to the sunburst aesthetic. This Custom Shop reissue pays tribute to that legacy by utilizing historically accurate construction methods. The guitar features a solid, lightweight mahogany body capped with a plain maple top, eschewing the highly figured flame maple often seen on 1959 reissues to remain faithful to the typically more understated 1958 originals.

A critical element of its construction is the long-tenon neck joint, which is secured using hide glue. This traditional adhesive sets brittle and hard, creating a superior bond between the neck and body that facilitates better vibration transfer and enhanced resonance.

The Murphy Lab Influence

This specific instrument features the Ultra Light Aged treatment from the Murphy Lab, a dedicated division within the Gibson Custom Shop led by Tom Murphy. Unlike heavy relicing, the Ultra Light Aged process focuses on replicating the subtle lacquer checking and minor wear patterns found on a vintage instrument that has been well-preserved for decades. The nitrocellulose finish is treated to exhibit the unique patina and 'crazing' characteristic of aged finishes, providing the tactile feel of a vintage guitar without significant physical damage.

Electronics and Hardware

The guitar is equipped with a pair of unpotted Custombucker Alnico 3 pickups. These are designed to emulate the warm, articulate, and slightly mismatched character of original Patent Applied For (PAF) humbuckers. By remaining unpotted (omitting the wax saturation of the coils), the pickups offer a more dynamic and touch-sensitive response, allowing the natural resonance of the wood to come through.

The hardware is equally vintage-accurate, featuring a no-wire ABR-1 bridge and a lightweight aluminium stop bar tailpiece. These components are selected to maximise sustain and provide the correct mechanical interface between the strings and the body.

Playability and Tone

The neck features a 50s Rounded Medium C profile. While early 1950s necks were often exceptionally thick, the Medium C profile on this 1958 reissue offers a full, comfortable grip that provides plenty of leverage for bends while remaining playable for a wide range of hand sizes.

Tonally, the combination of the mahogany body and Alnico 3 pickups results in a warm, woody character with clear note definition. The plain maple top adds a hint of brightness and 'snap' to the attack, making it suitable for genres ranging from jazz and blues to classic rock.

Market Position and Comparison

Priced at approximately GBP 4,599, this model sits at the premium end of the Gibson catalogue. Compared to the standard Gibson USA Les Paul Standard 50s, the Custom Shop reissue offers superior timber selection, hide-glue construction, and the specialized Murphy Lab finish.

While players seeking a modern aesthetic might look toward the Fender Jim Root Telecaster or the American Professional II Stratocaster, the 1958 Reissue is targeted at purists who value historical accuracy. It offers a different tactile experience than the highly distressed finishes found on instruments like the Fender Custom Shop 61 Telecaster Relic, focusing instead on the subtle 'closet classic' feel of Ultra Light Aging.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the neck profile on this 1958 Reissue?: The guitar features a 50s Rounded Medium C profile, designed to offer a full and comfortable grip without being excessively bulky.
What type of pickups are installed in this model?: It is equipped with unpotted Custombucker Alnico 3 pickups, which provide a warm and articulate tone similar to vintage PAF humbuckers.
What does 'Ultra Light Aged' mean?: This refers to the Murphy Lab process that creates subtle lacquer checking and minor wear, replicating the look and feel of a well-cared-for vintage instrument.
Is the neck joint historically accurate?: Yes, it uses a long-tenon neck joint secured with traditional hide glue for increased resonance and sustain.
What woods are used in the construction?: The guitar is built with a lightweight mahogany body and a plain maple top, consistent with original 1958 specifications.
What kind of bridge does this guitar have?: It features a no-wire ABR-1 bridge paired with a lightweight aluminium stop bar tailpiece.
How does this compare to a 1959 Reissue?: The 1958 Reissue typically features a plain maple top and a slightly different neck profile, whereas the 1959 version often features figured flame maple.
What finish is used on the body?: The guitar is finished in aged nitrocellulose lacquer, specifically in a Bourbon Burst colour.
Why are the pickups unpotted?: Unpotted pickups allow for a more dynamic, harmonically rich sound that captures the natural resonance of the guitar, though they can be more sensitive to feedback at high volumes.
Is the body weight-relieved?: No, the Gibson Custom Shop Reissues use solid, non-weight-relieved mahogany, specifically selected for its lighter weight.
What is the typical price for this model?: This specific reissue is typically priced at approximately GBP 4,599.
Who is this guitar best suited for?: It is ideal for collectors and professional players who desire a historically accurate Les Paul with the specific feel and response of a vintage 'Burst'.