What does VOS stand for in the Gibson Custom Shop range?

VOS stands for Vintage Original Spec. It refers to a specific nitrocellulose finish that is slightly aged and dulled to give the guitar a worn-in, vintage appearance rather than a high-gloss factory-new shine.

What makes the 1959 Les Paul Reissue different from a standard production Les Paul?

The 1959 Reissue features historically accurate details such as a long neck tenon, hide-glue construction, laser-scanned body dimensions, and chemically recreated plastics. These premium appointments are generally not found on standard USA production models.

What are Custombucker Alnico 3 pickups?

These are Gibson Custom Shop's most accurate recreations of original PAF pickups. They use Alnico 3 magnets and are unpotted (not dipped in wax), which provides a more open, dynamic, and touch-sensitive tonal response.

Why is hide glue significant in this guitar's construction?

Hide glue was used in the 1950s and is known for drying very hard and thin. This creates a superior bond between the wood components, which many players believe improves the overall resonance and sustain of the instrument.

What is 'Iced Tea Burst'?

Iced Tea Burst is a specific finish color that mimics the way original 1950s Cherry Sunburst finishes faded over time. It typically features a warm, brownish-amber hue around the edges of the maple top.

What is a long neck tenon?

A long neck tenon is a design where the neck wood extends further into the body cavity under the neck pickup. This increases the contact area between the neck and body, theoretically improving structural integrity and tone.

Is the mahogany body chambered or weight-relieved?

No, the Gibson Custom Shop 1959 Reissue uses a solid, non-weight-relieved mahogany body. This is done to maintain historical accuracy and provide the traditional feel of a 1959 Les Paul.

What is Royalite binding?

Royalite is a specific type of plastic material that Gibson has chemically recreated to match the binding used on their guitars in the late 1950s. It provides a period-correct look and feel.

How does the price of this reissue compare to a standard Les Paul 50s?

The 1959 Reissue typically retails for around £5,499, which is significantly higher than a standard Les Paul 50s. This reflects the hand-crafted nature and historical accuracy of the Custom Shop production.

What is the significance of the 1959 year for Les Pauls?

1959 is considered the 'Holy Grail' year for the Les Paul Standard because it featured the perfect combination of a figured maple top, a comfortable neck profile, and the legendary PAF humbucking pickups.

Does this guitar come with a case?

Yes, as a Gibson Custom Shop product, it typically includes a brown and pink lifton-style hard shell case and a Certificate of Authenticity.

Who is this guitar best suited for?

It is suited for professional guitarists and collectors who want the most accurate possible recreation of a vintage 1959 Les Paul, prioritizing historical construction methods and vintage-style electronics.

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 specific dimensions and materials of the original 1959 model. Featuring laser-scanned construction and chemically recreated plastics, it aims to provide the authentic feel and sound of the 'Holy Grail' of vintage guitars.

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Historical Context

The 1959 Les Paul Standard is widely considered the pinnacle of Gibson electric guitar design. The original production run was limited, and surviving examples are now highly sought-after collectors' items. This Gibson Custom Shop reissue (specifically exemplified by serial #94743) is a modern tribute that uses forensic-level analysis to recreate the specifications of that era.

To achieve this level of accuracy, Gibson employed laser scanning of original vintage instruments to ensure the dimensions of the neck and body are historically correct. The use of period-correct chemistry for the plastics and binding further cements its position as a museum-grade reproduction.

Construction and Key Features

The guitar is built using a solid mahogany body paired with a figured maple top, joined using traditional hide glue to enhance resonance and sustain. The neck features a long tenon joint, which increases the surface area contact between the neck and body for better vibration transfer.

Key hardware and appointments include: * Royalite Binding: A vintage-accurate material used for the body and neck. * VOS Finish: The 'Vintage Original Spec' nitrocellulose finish provides a slightly aged, worn-in aesthetic without the heavy relicing found on other models. * Unpotted Pickups: Custombucker Alnico 3 humbuckers that are not wax-potted, allowing for a more dynamic and microphonic response similar to original PAF pickups.

Sound and Character

This reissue is defined by its warm, dynamic, and clear tonal profile. The unpotted Custombucker pickups utilize Alnico 3 magnets, which provide a lower output compared to modern ceramic magnets, resulting in a harmonically rich sound that responds sensitively to the player's touch. The combination of the mahogany body and maple top delivers the classic 'snap' and sustain associated with the late 1950s Les Pauls.

Target Audience and Comparison

This instrument is primarily aimed at professional musicians, serious collectors, and tone enthusiasts who require the specific ergonomics and sonic characteristics of a 1959 model without the multi-thousand-pound price tag of a vintage original.

Compared to modern alternatives like the Gibson Les Paul Standard 50s P90, this Custom Shop model offers higher-grade woods, more historically accurate construction methods (such as hide glue and long tenon joints), and specialized Custombucker electronics. While entry-level options like the Stagg SES-30BK or Squier Mini Stratocaster serve beginners, the 1959 Reissue is a precision tool for those seeking the 'Holy Grail' aesthetic and performance.

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Frequently asked questions

What does VOS stand for in the Gibson Custom Shop range?: VOS stands for Vintage Original Spec. It refers to a specific nitrocellulose finish that is slightly aged and dulled to give the guitar a worn-in, vintage appearance rather than a high-gloss factory-new shine.
What makes the 1959 Les Paul Reissue different from a standard production Les Paul?: The 1959 Reissue features historically accurate details such as a long neck tenon, hide-glue construction, laser-scanned body dimensions, and chemically recreated plastics. These premium appointments are generally not found on standard USA production models.
What are Custombucker Alnico 3 pickups?: These are Gibson Custom Shop's most accurate recreations of original PAF pickups. They use Alnico 3 magnets and are unpotted (not dipped in wax), which provides a more open, dynamic, and touch-sensitive tonal response.
Why is hide glue significant in this guitar's construction?: Hide glue was used in the 1950s and is known for drying very hard and thin. This creates a superior bond between the wood components, which many players believe improves the overall resonance and sustain of the instrument.
What is 'Iced Tea Burst'?: Iced Tea Burst is a specific finish color that mimics the way original 1950s Cherry Sunburst finishes faded over time. It typically features a warm, brownish-amber hue around the edges of the maple top.
What is a long neck tenon?: A long neck tenon is a design where the neck wood extends further into the body cavity under the neck pickup. This increases the contact area between the neck and body, theoretically improving structural integrity and tone.
Is the mahogany body chambered or weight-relieved?: No, the Gibson Custom Shop 1959 Reissue uses a solid, non-weight-relieved mahogany body. This is done to maintain historical accuracy and provide the traditional feel of a 1959 Les Paul.
What is Royalite binding?: Royalite is a specific type of plastic material that Gibson has chemically recreated to match the binding used on their guitars in the late 1950s. It provides a period-correct look and feel.
How does the price of this reissue compare to a standard Les Paul 50s?: The 1959 Reissue typically retails for around £5,499, which is significantly higher than a standard Les Paul 50s. This reflects the hand-crafted nature and historical accuracy of the Custom Shop production.
What is the significance of the 1959 year for Les Pauls?: 1959 is considered the 'Holy Grail' year for the Les Paul Standard because it featured the perfect combination of a figured maple top, a comfortable neck profile, and the legendary PAF humbucking pickups.
Does this guitar come with a case?: Yes, as a Gibson Custom Shop product, it typically includes a brown and pink lifton-style hard shell case and a Certificate of Authenticity.
Who is this guitar best suited for?: It is suited for professional guitarists and collectors who want the most accurate possible recreation of a vintage 1959 Les Paul, prioritizing historical construction methods and vintage-style electronics.