1959 Gibson Les Paul Standard

1959 Gibson Les Paul Standard

Made in USA

Serial Number 9 2328

An absolutely beautiful example of one of the most iconic and rare guitars in the world. We have had the pleasure of knowing this guitar for the last 12 years via our (Gibson) Service & Repair.

This original ’59 Sunburst is in great condition, super playable and the most beautiful tones.

Original PAF pickups, Neck pickup measures 8.33k Ohms, Bridge pickup 7.76k Ohms. PAF’s are Zebra’s but with the white as the pole bobbin, super rare and believed to be due to a shortage of black bobbins at the time. The covers haven’t been removed just one of the screws which has been photographed showing the white bobbins (available on request)

4 x Centralab Pots dating 7th week of 1959, original bumble bee capacitors. Original & correct pickup surrounds (M-69/MR490)  Single Line Kluson Deluxe with stamped Pat no. D-169400 machine heads (replacement buttons, originals disintegrated) Non wire ABR-1 (showing foundry mark) stop tail piece weighing in at 31 grams. Includes original Lifton hard case, as pictured.

Frets have been replaced, nibs retained at great time & expense, fret width 0.100″ as per mid to late 59’s. With the frets recently lightly polished every note resonates and bends with ease. The guitar once had a Bigsby fitted, screw holes around the strap button and the visible mark on the top where the front foot of the Bigsby lay, the grain going through clearly showing, not a top screw hole..

All original finish. No oversprays or repairs. The guitar was stamped as a “2” (second) this is more clearly visible when back lit right at the top of the back of the headstock. There are a few possible explanations for this historically, a common held belief is some workers would be able to buy the guitar cheaply, the other is that this guitar was too Red. The depth to the red dye under the scratch plate is very obvious and very dark, the rest of the finish has turned to that gorgeous dirty lemon. When I first encountered the guitar it was a lot darker around the edges of the top, this has mellowed so nicely with just some natural light exposure.

The guitar plays and sounds in a manner that at the very least, upholds the solid and well deserved worldwide reputation of this model. It simply sounds remarkable, delivering delicious tones from the neck that makes you play less & less notes, great balance in the middle position and the Bridge pickup has that lovely clarity without too much top end.

A real honour to be able to help find this guitar a new home. Please feel free to email or call for any further information, viewings can be arranged but do need a minimum of 24 hours lead time. Happy to personally deliver free of charge within the UK or  within Europe with prior costs approved. International delivery/shipping can be arranged, at agreed costs for insurance & shipping.

More photos available on request.

Here’s a great video of Jimmy Thorn playing this Burst a few years ago.