Gibson Custom Shop ’59 Les Paul Standard R9 1959 Historic Reissue 1998 Tobacco Sunburst – Excellent Condition 9.5/10

If your jaw isn’t already on the floor this particular R9 has been well cared for. It has been lovingly played carefully and put back only to sit under the bed for a few years. There is no fretwear, significant dings or damage. The only mark we can see is pictured and is a 3mm impression near the strap button. The guitar is just starting to age and check up nicely, which is completely normal for these guitars. More images can be provided via our web contact form. Other than the fact the guitar is “used” the guitars condition is excellent considering it is 25years old.

These early custom shop guitars are re-known amongst collectors as using some of the best woods money can buy and they are rarely seen for sale, not to mention a solid investment. The custom shop program began in 1993 so this is quite an early example with very few of these built in the early years as the team making them was so small. This particular is production number 176 of 1998 1959 historic reissues so likely built within the first 3 months of ’98.

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, probably the flamiest Les Paul we’ve ever 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 AAAAA maple cap and early Historic parts. At 9.3lb the tone is pure magic. With the neck feeling fantastic in hand as you would expect. It is particularly rich and full sounding while still retaining its clarity, not to mention its fantastic unmodified condition.

The guitar is supplied with its original pink lined case with 1998 being a transition year for the cases with later 1998 guitars getting the red lined black custom shop 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.

1998 Historic Specifications:

– Deep neck joint.
– Thin Holly head veneer.
– Silk screened les paul logo.
– Correct pickup routing.
– Les Paul aged inlay.
– 57 Classic pickups.
– Kluson replica tuners.
– Vintage letter styled serial#.
– “Historic collection” decal on the back of the headstock removed.
– Indian rosewood fingerboard.
– “AAAAA” grade soft maple top.
– Regular gibson usa brown case.
– Regular early 90s style tobacco sunburst.
– Historic parts; only pickguard, pickup rings, trussrod cover. No pointers on knobs.
– Regular gibson usa white pearloid inlay.
– 1995-2002 both Eastern and Western Maple used for tops

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

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