What does 'VOS' stand for in the product name?

VOS stands for Vintage Original Spec. It refers to a specific finishing process where the nitrocellulose lacquer and hardware are slightly aged to give the guitar a gently played, authentic vintage look rather than a brand-new gloss.

What type of pickups are used in this 1959 Reissue?

The guitar is fitted with Gibson Custombucker Alnico 3 pickups. These are unpotted to ensure they replicate the dynamic, airy, and touch-sensitive tone of original late-1950s PAF humbuckers.

What is the significance of the long tenon neck joint?

The long tenon neck joint extends further into the body cavity than a standard modern joint. This increases the surface area for the hide glue bond, which is widely considered to improve the guitar's sustain and resonance.

What finish is applied to the '942691' specific model?

This specific instrument features a Dirty Lemon Burst finish. It is designed to mimic the faded appearance of an original Sunburst finish that has lost its red pigment over decades of light exposure.

Is hide glue used in the construction of this guitar?

Yes, Gibson uses authentic hide glue for the construction of the neck-to-body joint. This traditional adhesive was used in the 1950s and is preferred by the Custom Shop for its period-correct properties.

How does the neck profile compare to modern Les Pauls?

The 1959 Reissue features a chunky 'C' shape profile derived from laser scans of original 1959 models. It is typically fuller than the 'SlimTaper' profiles found on modern Gibson models like the Les Paul Classic.

What material is used for the binding?

The guitar features Royalite binding. This is a specific type of plastic that has been chemically recreated to match the material used by Gibson during the late 1950s.

What are unpotted pickups?

Unpotted pickups are not dipped in wax during manufacturing. While this makes them more sensitive to microphonics at very high gain, it provides a more open, harmonically rich sound at standard volumes.

What wood is used for the top of the guitar?

The top is made from two pieces of figured maple. The 'figuring' refers to the natural flame or stripe pattern in the wood grain, which is a hallmark of the 1959 aesthetic.

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

The Custom Shop reissue uses higher-grade woods, historically accurate hide-glue construction, unpotted pickups, and VOS finishing. The Standard 50s is a high-quality production model but lacks these specific 'historic' appointments.

Does this guitar come with a hard case?

Yes, as a Gibson Custom Shop product, it includes a period-correct Lifton-style hardshell case and a Certificate of Authenticity confirming its specifications and build.

Gear article

Gibson Custom Shop 1959 Les Paul Standard Reissue VOS

The Gibson Custom Shop 1959 Les Paul Standard Reissue VOS is a high-end electric guitar designed to replicate the specifications and feel of the original 'Holy Grail' 1959 model. Featuring a Dirty Lemon Burst finish and unpotted Custombucker pickups, it utilises laser-scanned dimensions and chemically recreated materials for vintage authenticity.

Gibson Custom Shop Gibson Custom 1959 Les Paul Standard Reissue VOS Dirty Lemon Burst #942691

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Overview and Construction

The Gibson Custom 1959 Les Paul Standard Reissue VOS is a precision-engineered tribute to the most sought-after vintage electric guitar. To achieve historical accuracy, the Gibson Custom Shop employs laser-scanning of original 1950s instruments to ensure the dimensions of the body and neck profile are exact.

The instrument is constructed using a solid mahogany body paired with a figured maple top. A defining feature of this reissue is the use of hide glue for the neck joint, which is a traditional long tenon design. This method is favoured by enthusiasts for its perceived impact on resonance and sustain. The hardware and plastics, including the Royalite binding, have been chemically recreated to match the chemical composition of parts used during the golden era of Gibson production.

Electronics and Hardware

This model is equipped with a pair of unpotted Custombucker Alnico 3 humbucking pickups. By leaving the pickups unpotted—omitting the wax-dipping process common in modern manufacturing—the guitar delivers a more dynamic and touch-sensitive response, characteristic of original PAF pickups. The hardware is vintage-correct, finished in a Vintage Original Spec (VOS) treatment that provides a subtle, worn-in aesthetic rather than a high-gloss modern shine.

Sound and Character

The sound of the 1959 Reissue is defined by its warmth and clarity. The Alnico 3 magnets in the Custombuckers provide a lower output compared to modern ceramic or Alnico 5 pickups, allowing for greater nuance in the mid-range and a smooth top-end. The combination of the long tenon neck joint and the hide-glue construction contributes to the guitar's renowned sustain and harmonic richness, making it suitable for blues, jazz, and classic rock.

Target Audience and Comparison

This guitar is primarily aimed at professional musicians, serious collectors, and tone enthusiasts who require the specific feel of a 1959 Les Paul without the multi-million pound price tag of an original.

Compared to other premium instruments: * Gibson Les Paul Standard 50s P90: Offers a more aggressive, single-coil bite compared to the smooth humbucking tones of the '59 Reissue. * Fender Custom Shop '61 Telecaster: Provides a brighter, twangier character with a bolt-on neck feel, contrasting with the set-neck warmth of the Gibson. * Fender Eric Clapton Stratocaster: Features active electronics and a different ergonomic profile, suited for players who prefer modern versatility over vintage reproduction.

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Frequently asked questions

What does 'VOS' stand for in the product name?: VOS stands for Vintage Original Spec. It refers to a specific finishing process where the nitrocellulose lacquer and hardware are slightly aged to give the guitar a gently played, authentic vintage look rather than a brand-new gloss.
What type of pickups are used in this 1959 Reissue?: The guitar is fitted with Gibson Custombucker Alnico 3 pickups. These are unpotted to ensure they replicate the dynamic, airy, and touch-sensitive tone of original late-1950s PAF humbuckers.
What is the significance of the long tenon neck joint?: The long tenon neck joint extends further into the body cavity than a standard modern joint. This increases the surface area for the hide glue bond, which is widely considered to improve the guitar's sustain and resonance.
What finish is applied to the '942691' specific model?: This specific instrument features a Dirty Lemon Burst finish. It is designed to mimic the faded appearance of an original Sunburst finish that has lost its red pigment over decades of light exposure.
Is hide glue used in the construction of this guitar?: Yes, Gibson uses authentic hide glue for the construction of the neck-to-body joint. This traditional adhesive was used in the 1950s and is preferred by the Custom Shop for its period-correct properties.
How does the neck profile compare to modern Les Pauls?: The 1959 Reissue features a chunky 'C' shape profile derived from laser scans of original 1959 models. It is typically fuller than the 'SlimTaper' profiles found on modern Gibson models like the Les Paul Classic.
What material is used for the binding?: The guitar features Royalite binding. This is a specific type of plastic that has been chemically recreated to match the material used by Gibson during the late 1950s.
What are unpotted pickups?: Unpotted pickups are not dipped in wax during manufacturing. While this makes them more sensitive to microphonics at very high gain, it provides a more open, harmonically rich sound at standard volumes.
What wood is used for the top of the guitar?: The top is made from two pieces of figured maple. The 'figuring' refers to the natural flame or stripe pattern in the wood grain, which is a hallmark of the 1959 aesthetic.
How much does the Gibson Custom 1959 Les Paul Standard Reissue typically cost?: In the UK market, this specific model is typically priced at approximately £5,499. This reflects its status as a premium product from the Gibson Custom Shop.
How does this compare to a standard Gibson Les Paul Standard 50s?: The Custom Shop reissue uses higher-grade woods, historically accurate hide-glue construction, unpotted pickups, and VOS finishing. The Standard 50s is a high-quality production model but lacks these specific 'historic' appointments.
Does this guitar come with a hard case?: Yes, as a Gibson Custom Shop product, it includes a period-correct Lifton-style hardshell case and a Certificate of Authenticity confirming its specifications and build.