Gibson Custom Shop Historic ’59 R9 1959 Les Paul Standard Reissue Aged by Tom Murphy 2000 Cherry Sunburst – Excellent Condition 9.5/10.

 

If your jaw isn’t already on the floor with its exceptional flame top this particular ’59 historic reissue is the second year Gibson ever sold “aged” guitars aside from the re-known initial run for the 1999 Anniversary year ’59 reissues. At this time Tom Murphy was the only person in the custom shop hand ageing guitars making numbers of these available very limited.

 

Tom Murphy is re-known for hand ageing guitars. Even to this day, with a whole “Murphy Lab” program dedicated to his craft. Being a second year aged ’59 model the attention to detail is exceptional. Tom wanted the “aged” program to stand the test of time, meaning the detail and craftsmanship on these early guitars is exceptional. So much subtle detail that you really have to see to believe.

 

The guitar has been well cared for. It has been carefully played and put back on its stand or in its case, it does have one small indentation and minor mark to the back of the guitar just under the control cavity as pictured. Other than this there is no fretwear, significant dings, scratches, dents or damage to the guitar other that aren’t from the factory ageing process. More images can be provided via our website contact form. Other than the fact the guitar is “used” the guitars condition is excellent considering it is 23 years old.

 

2000 was re-known amongst collectors as a good year. Gibson made many exceptional guitars back then using some of the best woods money can buy. The fretboard is Madgascan Rosewood with the top being an Eastern Hard Maple top. This guitar is 1 year away from being a 40th Anniversary example which are now fetching twice the price for essentially the same guitar.

 

2000 saw the introduction of the following changes:

– No COA issued

– Lifton brown case for R9/R0

– AAA Hard maple top

– 57 Classic Pickups

– Orange drop capacitors

– Thick jack plate

– Thick switch plate/washer

– Amber knobs

– Refined parts positions, neck shape

– Fine knurl switch nut

 

This one has an unbelievable top and is very in-keeping with the early custom shop ethos of “nothing but the best”. It is very 3D and highly unique, one of the flamiest Les Paul we’ve seen with tons of movement (also making it very difficult to photograph!). All woods are hand selected and graded with tight grain and highly flamed as you’d expect on the very best in the Gibson line.

 

It has a great looks and sounds superb with its gorgeous AAA maple cap and Historic parts. The tone is pure magic. It is particularly rich and full sounding while still retaining its clarity and is in fantastic condition. The guitar is supplied with a Gibson Historic 5 latch pink lined Lifton case.

 

Gibson Specs:

The Gibson Custom Shop 1959 Les Paul Standard Series is a painstaking re-creation of the original 1959 Les Paul. The only major change to the Standard in 1959 was the addition of wider, fatter jumbo frets which facilitated more dramatic bends. The real force of this change was not felt until the late 1960s when rock and blues players like Eric Clapton, Mike Bloomfield, and Peter Green began to discover the fat, warm voice of the ’59 Standard. This moment in history marked the beginning of the idealization of the 1959 Les Paul Standard as the quintessential guitar in the minds of guitarists and collectors everywhere.

Using a combination of traditional hand craftsmanship and modern technology, the luthiers of the Custom Shop painstakingly reproduce the key elements that define cool, vintage instrument-stunning looks, flawless playability, and unsurpassed tone.

2000 “Tom Murphy Aged” Historic Specifications:

– Hand aged by Tom Murphy

– Hot hide glue, long tenon neck joint.

– Thin Holly head veneer.

– Silk screened les paul logo.

– Correct pickup routing and bridge pickup position.

– Thin body binding.

– ’57 Classic PAF Pickups with orange drop capacitors.

– Gibson historic kluson deluxe tuners.

– Lightweight tailpiece.

– “Amber” coloured control knobs.

– Madagascan rosewood fingerboard.

– “AAA” grade hand sanded Western hard Maple top.

– One piece mahogany back and neck.

– Lifton 5 Latch historic brown case.

– Heritage Cherry sunburst.

– Historic parts; pickguard, pickup rings, trussrod cover.

– Bright switch tip.

 

Guitar will be well packed and sent fully insured with private courier. Thanks for viewing!

 

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