The Historic Series: A ‘Burst Reborn

What happens when authenticators of some of the world’s most sought after guitars take all the best parts of every ‘Burst they’ve ever touched and make one exquisite instrument?

You get the CVG Historic Series 1959 Gibson Les Paul

So, what exactly is the Carter Vintage Guitars Gibson 1959 Les Paul Reissue?

Ben Montague – CEO, Carter Vintage Guitars

Since its inception, Carter Vintage Guitars has been home to some of the most famous ‘Bursts in the world, from The First ‘Burst to Red Eye to The Certified ‘Burst, and in handling these extraordinary instruments, we have learned exactly what makes a 1959 Gibson Les Paul Sunburst truly exceptional. That knowledge, built from years of authenticating, playing, and selling these historic guitars, is what inspired us to create the Carter Vintage Guitars Historic Series. This limited, exclusive recreation of the ’59 Sunburst is our tribute to the Holy Grail of electric guitars, crafted with an uncompromising attention to detail and a deep respect for the legends that came before it.

Greg Ellis – Head of Authentication & Repair

Have you ever thought to yourself, If only I had been around in 1959 to buy a “Burst” brand new? Maybe it would have been your partner for life, carrying your musical journey in every nick and scratch – just like the ones played by the icons who defined the sound of rock and roll. Our Historic Series is our way of bringing that dream to life.

The Carter Vintage Historic Series is an authentic re-birth of timeless classic instruments. This first run of Gibson Les Paul Standard R9s feature glossy Nitro finish with no artificial aging — the hardware and finish will wear naturally, just like the originals, as you put your soul into the guitar over the years. Half the run will be Factory Burst, half Bourbon Burst, closely mirroring the Heritage Cherry and Dark Burst colors of the late ‘50s.

The tops are hand-selected for weight, tone, and density, chosen to replicate the authentic, irregular flame patterns of original ‘Bursts. You’ll see subtle to bold flame, mineral streaks, and wavy medullary lines inspired by the tops we’ve documented from actual ‘Bursts we’ve sold. Mahogany bodies were chosen for optimal weight, necks for accuracy and comfort, and pickups were custom-wound to our proprietary spec.

This is the Carter Vintage team’s passion project. With Gibson Custom’s partnership, we’ve aimed to create an instrument that captures the look, feel, and tone that makes the originals so magical. But it doesn’t stop at the factory — each guitar is enhanced by our own luthiers and vintage experts, with hands-on hours upgrading key components, optimizing pickups, improving feel and playability, and fine-tuning every detail. Every guitar leaves with a hand-signed label in the control cavity, listing the team members who worked on it.

This is not just another reissue. This is our love letter to the ‘Burst.

Greg and Noah collaborating with Gibson Custom Shop on the Carter Vintage Historic Series

Noah Pelty – Sales Manager

Hello, fellow guitar nerds! I’m thrilled to share something close to my heart: the Carter Vintage Historic Series 1959 Les Paul Reissue. This guitar embodies the finest elements of every genuine ‘Burst I’ve had the privilege to hold in the shop.

Picture this: it’s 1959, you’re standing in a smoky music store, scanning the wall of instruments. Then you see it: the Les Paul ‘Burst, glowing in its sunburst finish. You don’t yet know that this guitar will become one of the most coveted instruments in history. All you know is you have to play it.

I remember my first encounter with a Sunburst Les Paul. It was here at Carter Vintage, before I worked here. The head of sales took one off the wall and handed it to me. I carried it to the amp room like it was made of glass, hit the first chord, and knew instantly — this was different. Every ‘Burst I’ve touched since has given me that same feeling, and I’ve been chasing that tone ever since.

But now, the CVG Historic Series means you and I don’t have to chase anymore. Every detail has been obsessed over — the wood, the hardware, the plastics, the electronics, the weight, the neck shape, the frets. Our world-class luthiers have poured hours into making this the reissue that doesn’t feel like a reissue.

This is as close as you can get to walking into that music store in 1959. And the best part? This time, you don’t have to imagine taking it home — you can.

Marcus King plays the Carter Vintage Historic Series prototype

Start Your Journey

The first run of the Carter Vintage Historic Series 1959 Les Paul Reissue is extremely limited. Each one has been built, enhanced, and signed off by our team to ensure it’s ready to become part of your story.

Inquire today to secure yours, and take the first step toward creating the kind of music, memories, and magic that only a ‘Burst can inspire.