What does 'VOS' stand for in the Gibson Custom Shop context?

VOS stands for Vintage Original Spec. It refers to a nitrocellulose finish that has been lightly aged to remove the high-gloss shine of a new guitar, giving it the appearance of a gently aged vintage instrument.

What type of pickups are installed in this model?

The guitar is loaded with unpotted Custombucker Alnico 3 humbuckers. These are designed to mimic the clarity and dynamic range of original 1950s PAF pickups.

What is the significance of the long-tenon neck joint?

The long-tenon joint means the neck wood extends deeper into the body cavity under the neck pickup. This creates more surface contact for the glue, which is believed to improve sustain and resonance.

What kind of glue is used in the construction of this reissue?

Gibson uses traditional hide glue for the neck-to-body joint and the fretboard. Hide glue hardens into a very brittle, glass-like bond that facilitates better vibration transfer compared to modern synthetic glues.

How does the neck profile compare to other Les Pauls?

This model features a 50s Rounded Medium C profile. It is thicker than the 'SlimTaper' profiles found on 1960s-style models but is designed to be comfortable and historically accurate to the 1959 transition period.

What woods are used for the body and fretboard?

The guitar features a lightweight mahogany body with a hand-carved maple top. The fretboard is made from Indian rosewood, providing a traditional look and feel.

What is the typical price for this Gibson Custom Shop model?

The typical price for this specific reissue is approximately GBP 5,299. This reflects the high level of craftsmanship and premium materials used by the Gibson Custom Shop.

What color is the finish on this specific unit (#944121)?

The finish is Washed Cherry Sunburst. This specific shade is intended to replicate the faded look of an original 1959 Cherry Sunburst that has lost some of its red pigment over time.

Are the pickups potted or unpotted?

The Custombucker pickups are unpotted, meaning they are not dipped in wax. This allows for a more open and airy vintage tone, though it makes them slightly more sensitive to high-gain feedback.

Is the mahogany used in this guitar weight-relieved?

No, the Gibson Custom Shop 1959 Reissue uses solid, non-weight-relieved mahogany. However, they select 'lightweight' mahogany specifically to keep the overall weight of the guitar manageable without drilling holes in the body.

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

While both share a 50s aesthetic, the Custom Shop Reissue uses higher-grade woods, hide glue construction, a long neck tenon, and Custombucker pickups, which are not found on the standard production models.

What hardware is included with the 1959 Reissue VOS?

The guitar features historically accurate hardware, including a lightweight aluminium stop bar tailpiece and Kluson-style tuners to match the original 1959 appointments.

Gear article

Gibson Custom 1959 Les Paul Standard Reissue VOS

The Gibson Custom 1959 Les Paul Standard Reissue VOS is a high-end electric guitar designed to replicate the specifications and feel of the original 1959 Les Paul. It features a lightweight mahogany body, a hand-carved maple top, and period-correct construction techniques such as a long-tenon neck joint and hide glue assembly.

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Historical Context

The 1959 Les Paul Standard is widely regarded as one of the most iconic electric guitars ever produced. This Gibson Custom Shop reissue aims to recapture the specific physical and tonal characteristics of that year, which is often considered the 'holy grail' era for the model. By utilizing VOS (Vintage Original Spec) finishing techniques, the manufacturer provides an instrument that looks and feels like a well-maintained original rather than a brand-new contemporary build.

Construction and Materials

This guitar is built with a focus on historical accuracy and resonance. The foundation is a lightweight mahogany body capped with a hand-carved maple top. A critical feature is the long-tenon neck joint, which extends further into the body than modern standard designs, combined with the use of traditional hide glue. These elements are intended to maximise the transfer of vibrations between the neck and body, enhancing the instrument's natural sustain.

Hardware and Electronics

The instrument is equipped with unpotted Custombucker Alnico 3 pickups, designed to replicate the dynamic response and clarity of original PAF humbuckers. The 'unpotted' nature of these pickups allows for a more sensitive and harmonically rich output. The electronics are complemented by historically accurate hardware and an Indian rosewood fretboard, which contributes to the traditional aesthetic and tactile experience.

Playability and Sound

The neck features a 50s Rounded Medium C profile, offering a substantial but comfortable grip that distinguishes it from the thinner profiles found on 1960s models. Tonally, the combination of the Custombucker pickups and the solid mahogany/maple construction produces a rich, dynamic sound. It is capable of delivering the warm, singing sustain associated with classic rock and blues while maintaining note definition.

Target Audience and Comparisons

Priced at approximately GBP 5,299, this guitar is targeted at professional musicians, collectors, and enthusiasts seeking the specific vintage performance of a 1959 model without the astronomical cost of an original vintage piece. While alternative high-end guitars like the Fender Custom Shop '61 Telecaster Relic offer different tonal palettes, the 1959 Reissue remains a benchmark for those seeking the 'Burst' experience.

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Frequently asked questions

What does 'VOS' stand for in the Gibson Custom Shop context?: VOS stands for Vintage Original Spec. It refers to a nitrocellulose finish that has been lightly aged to remove the high-gloss shine of a new guitar, giving it the appearance of a gently aged vintage instrument.
What type of pickups are installed in this model?: The guitar is loaded with unpotted Custombucker Alnico 3 humbuckers. These are designed to mimic the clarity and dynamic range of original 1950s PAF pickups.
What is the significance of the long-tenon neck joint?: The long-tenon joint means the neck wood extends deeper into the body cavity under the neck pickup. This creates more surface contact for the glue, which is believed to improve sustain and resonance.
What kind of glue is used in the construction of this reissue?: Gibson uses traditional hide glue for the neck-to-body joint and the fretboard. Hide glue hardens into a very brittle, glass-like bond that facilitates better vibration transfer compared to modern synthetic glues.
How does the neck profile compare to other Les Pauls?: This model features a 50s Rounded Medium C profile. It is thicker than the 'SlimTaper' profiles found on 1960s-style models but is designed to be comfortable and historically accurate to the 1959 transition period.
What woods are used for the body and fretboard?: The guitar features a lightweight mahogany body with a hand-carved maple top. The fretboard is made from Indian rosewood, providing a traditional look and feel.
What is the typical price for this Gibson Custom Shop model?: The typical price for this specific reissue is approximately GBP 5,299. This reflects the high level of craftsmanship and premium materials used by the Gibson Custom Shop.
What color is the finish on this specific unit (#944121)?: The finish is Washed Cherry Sunburst. This specific shade is intended to replicate the faded look of an original 1959 Cherry Sunburst that has lost some of its red pigment over time.
Are the pickups potted or unpotted?: The Custombucker pickups are unpotted, meaning they are not dipped in wax. This allows for a more open and airy vintage tone, though it makes them slightly more sensitive to high-gain feedback.
Is the mahogany used in this guitar weight-relieved?: No, the Gibson Custom Shop 1959 Reissue uses solid, non-weight-relieved mahogany. However, they select 'lightweight' mahogany specifically to keep the overall weight of the guitar manageable without drilling holes in the body.
How does this compare to a standard Gibson Les Paul Standard 50s?: While both share a 50s aesthetic, the Custom Shop Reissue uses higher-grade woods, hide glue construction, a long neck tenon, and Custombucker pickups, which are not found on the standard production models.
What hardware is included with the 1959 Reissue VOS?: The guitar features historically accurate hardware, including a lightweight aluminium stop bar tailpiece and Kluson-style tuners to match the original 1959 appointments.