Gibson Custom Shop ’59 Les Paul Standard R9 1959 Historic Reissue 2003 Heritage Cherry Sunburst – Excellent Condition 9/10.

 

If your jaw isn’t already on the floor with its exceptional quilt/ribbon flame top this particular R9 has been well cared for. It has been carefully played and put back on its stand or in its case, it does have some fading to the back of the guitar as you’d expect on a 20year old one of these from any exposure to Sunlight (UV). There are no significant dings, scratches, dents or damage to the guitar other than some minor indentations that have not broken the finish from a belt buckle. Theres is also some checking to the binding as pictured, which is common as these guitars age. 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 20years old.

 

2003 was re-known amongst collectors as a good year. Gibson made many exceptional guitars in this year 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 10 serial numbers away from being a Brazilian fretboard example which would be 3 times the price but is a good sign, having some of the best woods used. The 2003 guitars are rarely seen for sale with this kind of top, not to mention a solid investment.

 

2003 saw the introduction of the following refinements:

– Burstbucker 1 & 2 PAF pickups

– Wired ABR1 bridge

– Bumblebee capacitors

– Vintage style CTS pots

– Gold knobs instead of previous vintage amber knobs

– Refined parts positions, neck shape

– i dot on Gibson logo moved to correct position

– Trussrod cover moved away from nut

– Headstock shape refined

 

This one has an unbelievable top and is very inkeeping 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 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 AAAA 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.

 

2003 Historic Specifications:

– Hot hide glue, long tenon neck joint.

– Thin Holly head veneer.

– Silk screened les paul logo.

– Correct pickup routing.

– Correct position “i” dot on Gibson inlay

– Burstbucker 1 & 2 PAF Pickups with Bumblebee capacitors and vintage style CTS pots.

– Gibson historic kluson deluxe tuners.

– Lightweight tailpiece

– “Gold” coloured control knobs

– “Historic collection” decal on the back of the headstock removed.

– Madagascan rosewood fingerboard.

– “AAAA” grade hand sanded Eastern Maple top.

– One piece mahogany back and neck

– Lifton 5 Latch historic brown case

– Heritage Cherry sunburst

– Historic parts; pickguard, pickup rings, trussrod cover, catalin switch tip, switch chip

– Historically accurate pearloid inlay.

 

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

 

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