Gibson Custom Shop Historic Collection ’59 1959 R9 Les Paul Standard Reissue 1993, 1st Year, 1st Run – Heritage Cherry Sunburst – Excellent Condition 9.25/10.

If your jaw isn’t already on the floor with the flame, this is a highly sought after and incredibly rare example of a first year, first batch 1993 1959 Historic reissue. These guitars are exceptionally hard to find and rarely come up for sale. Most reside with collectors or artists in the US and Europe. In our time working with guitars we’ve never seen another in the UK. 120 of these incredible guitars exist and just 42 with the short lived “Historic Collection” decal, like this one.

The Custom Shop 1959 historic program was proposed at the 1993 NAMM show by Edwin Wilson and Tom Murphy. The venture was funded with multiple $10000usd donations from dealers wanting 1959 reissues. These 59′ reissues were the first ever and most historically accurate at the time and supplied to the dealers that helped to fund the venture. This particular guitar is the 100th R9 ever officially made, leaving the Custom Shop on November 3rd 1993.

These first year, first run ’59 models are re-known amongst collectors and players as using some of the best woods money can buy. 93-98 custom shop guitars are rarely seen for sale, let alone in this kind of condition with this being the 100th R9 ever made! A truly solid investment into Gibson history, with its exceptional condition, incredible top, unmodified condition and original case with shroud and hangtags. Little do most Gibson enthusiasts know but these guitars were some of the first to use the ’57 classic PAF pickups designed by Tom Holmes back in 1992, another nice addition to the story.

The guitar is incredibly resonant as you would expect and weighs in at 8.4lb, one of the lighest R9’s we’ve had in. The guitar is unmodified and completely original aside from the nut (changed to bone). The solder joints are intact, as are the pickups, pots and capacitors which is unusual to see.

This ’59 has been well cared for and hardly played. It has mostly been sat in its case under a bed for many years as an “investment”. There are some very minor blemishes to the body here and there but nothing significant to report. These can only be seen in direct light (see images or review our site for more detail). Other than the fact the guitar is “used” the guitars condition is exceptional considering it’s over 30 years old. The frets and electronics are in great condition too working perfectly and a real joy to play. The incredible flame is very in-keeping with the early custom shop ethos of “nothing but the best”. It is highly unique and 3dimensional in different lights. Gibson wanted to make these guitars a success with all woods being hand selected for weight, resonance and high figuring or tight grain as you’d expect on the very best in the Gibson line.

The tone really is pure magic. It is particularly rich and full sounding, whilst still retaining its clarity and is in fantastic condition. The guitar is supplied with period correct Gibson brown pink lined case, original inspection card and hangtag. These guitars were often supplied without a pick-guard, with this one being one of them. A sure investment and cool piece of Gibson history.

1993 (1st Year) Historic Specifications:

– Deep neck joint with long neck tenon.
– 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 headstock.
– Indian rosewood fingerboard.
– “AAAA” grade soft maple top.
– Regular gibson usa brown case.
– Historic Heritage Cherry Sunburst finish
– Historic parts; pickguard, pickup rings, trussrod cover.
– Regular gibson usa white pearloid inlay.
– Soft Maple top.

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

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