What is the specific finish on this model?

The guitar features a Slow Iced Tea Fade finish, which has been treated with the Murphy Lab Heavy Aged process to simulate significant wear.

How much does this specific unit weigh?

This particular guitar, identified by serial #95041, tips the scales at exactly 8.42lb.

What neck profile does this Les Paul have?

It features a 50s Rounded Medium C neck profile, which is historically accurate to the 1959 design.

What type of pickups are installed?

The guitar is equipped with Custombucker Alnico 3 pickups, designed to replicate the tone of original vintage PAF humbuckers.

What kind of glue was used in its construction?

The Gibson Custom Shop used historically accurate hide glue to attach the maple top to the mahogany body.

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

This model is typically priced at approximately £7,499.

How does the 'Heavy Aged' finish differ from standard finishes?

The Heavy Aged finish by the Murphy Lab includes simulated decades of road-worn character, including finish checking and physical wear, to look like a well-played vintage icon.

What type of frets are used on this reissue?

The guitar utilizes authentic medium-jumbo frets, matching the specifications found on original 1959 Les Paul Standards.

Is the hardware vintage-accurate?

Yes, the Gibson Custom Shop uses vintage-correct hardware to ensure every element of the 1959 original is faithfully recreated.

What is the body wood composition?

The guitar is constructed with a lightweight mahogany body and a maple top.

How does this compare to a standard Les Paul 50s P90?

This Custom Shop Reissue features humbucking Custombuckers and extensive Murphy Lab aging, whereas the standard 50s P90 uses single-coil pickups and a factory-fresh finish.

Who is this guitar best suited for?

It is best suited for serious collectors and professional guitarists who require the specific aesthetic and tonal characteristics of a golden-era 1959 Les Paul.

Gear article

Gibson Custom Shop 1959 Les Paul Standard Reissue Heavy Aged

The Gibson Custom 1959 Les Paul Standard Reissue Heavy Aged is a premium electric guitar crafted by the Gibson Custom Shop to replicate the construction and aesthetics of the original 1959 model. Featuring a Murphy Lab Heavy Aged finish in Slow Iced Tea Fade, this specific instrument (#95041) combines historical accuracy with the road-worn character of a vintage icon.

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Historical Context

The 1959 Les Paul Standard is widely regarded as the most desirable electric guitar ever produced. The Gibson Custom Shop seeks to capture the specific magic of this 'golden era' by utilizing historically accurate building techniques. This includes the use of hide glue for the maple top construction and authentic vintage-correct hardware, ensuring the instrument mirrors the structural integrity of the originals.

Construction and Materials

This reissue is built with a lightweight mahogany body, a choice that maintains the model's legendary sustain while keeping the weight manageable; this specific unit weighs 8.42lb. The neck features a 50s Rounded Medium C profile, designed to provide a comfortable grip that stays true to the ergonomic preferences of the late 1950s. The fretboard is equipped with authentic medium-jumbo frets, offering a balance between vintage feel and modern playability.

Murphy Lab Aging

The 'Heavy Aged' designation refers to the work of the Murphy Lab, a specialized division of the Gibson Custom Shop. The Slow Iced Tea Fade finish is treated to simulate decades of heavy touring and stage use. This process includes simulated finish checking, dings, and hardware patina, providing the look and feel of a genuine vintage guitar without the mechanical risks associated with antique instruments.

Electronics and Sound

The guitar is powered by Custombucker Alnico 3 pickups. These are voiced to replicate the nuance and clarity of original Patent Applied For (PAF) pickups. The combination of Alnico 3 magnets and the lightweight mahogany body produces a solid sustain and a warm, articulate tone that is a hallmark of the 1959 design.

Target Audience and Comparisons

This instrument is primarily aimed at professional musicians and collectors seeking the highest level of historical accuracy. While alternatives like the Fender Custom Shop '61 Telecaster Relic offer a different tonal palette and aging style, the 1959 Les Paul Reissue remains the standard for those seeking the specific humbucker-driven sustain of a late-50s Gibson. It sits at a significantly higher price point than standard production models, such as the Gibson Les Paul Standard 50s P90, due to its hand-crafted nature and Murphy Lab treatment.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the specific finish on this model?: The guitar features a Slow Iced Tea Fade finish, which has been treated with the Murphy Lab Heavy Aged process to simulate significant wear.
How much does this specific unit weigh?: This particular guitar, identified by serial #95041, tips the scales at exactly 8.42lb.
What neck profile does this Les Paul have?: It features a 50s Rounded Medium C neck profile, which is historically accurate to the 1959 design.
What type of pickups are installed?: The guitar is equipped with Custombucker Alnico 3 pickups, designed to replicate the tone of original vintage PAF humbuckers.
What kind of glue was used in its construction?: The Gibson Custom Shop used historically accurate hide glue to attach the maple top to the mahogany body.
What is the typical price range for this model in the UK?: This model is typically priced at approximately £7,499.
How does the 'Heavy Aged' finish differ from standard finishes?: The Heavy Aged finish by the Murphy Lab includes simulated decades of road-worn character, including finish checking and physical wear, to look like a well-played vintage icon.
What type of frets are used on this reissue?: The guitar utilizes authentic medium-jumbo frets, matching the specifications found on original 1959 Les Paul Standards.
Is the hardware vintage-accurate?: Yes, the Gibson Custom Shop uses vintage-correct hardware to ensure every element of the 1959 original is faithfully recreated.
What is the body wood composition?: The guitar is constructed with a lightweight mahogany body and a maple top.
How does this compare to a standard Les Paul 50s P90?: This Custom Shop Reissue features humbucking Custombuckers and extensive Murphy Lab aging, whereas the standard 50s P90 uses single-coil pickups and a factory-fresh finish.
Who is this guitar best suited for?: It is best suited for serious collectors and professional guitarists who require the specific aesthetic and tonal characteristics of a golden-era 1959 Les Paul.