The universally coveted Gibson Les Paul Standard "Burst." Made famous by countless rock icons from Jimmy Page to Joe Perry, "Bursts" encapsulate the peak of Les Paul perfection: phenomenal two-piece maple tops, tight grained mahogany bodies, groundbreaking Seth Lover-designed PAF humbuckers, and topped off with what earns these celebrated guitars their nickname: a Sunburst finish.
These guitars are undeniably rare, and this particular example from 1959, serial number 9 0871, wears the honor of being the only '59 "Burst" to undergo the Gibson Certified Vintage authentication process, in addition to that done by our in house experts. As part of the Gibson Certified Vintage program, it comes with a 49 page hardback book with professional photos and anecdotes from brand leaders Mark Agnesi and Tom Murphy. Page 35 of the book states a brief history of how "9 0871" came into the possession of Gibson Brands Inc: in October 2005, the original owners family sold the guitar through Christie's auction in NYC and was purchased by vintage aficionado Dave Davidson for We Buy Guitars. It was exhibited at the Songbirds Guitar Museum in Chattanooga, TN before being purchased by Gibson. While at Gibson, it lived in the famous "Vault" to be played by numerous musicians and was also the benchmark for Gibson Custom's Historic Reissue and Murphy Lab programs. Gibson sold the guitar through Carter Vintage Guitars a couple of years ago and we were presented the opportunity to offer it back to the community. It's always an immense honor and earnest responsibility to have one of these seminal instruments in our care
"9 0871" Comes to us in nearly original condition, with a bone nut, refret, and fingerboard plane and divot fill in the first few positions. Notably, it has the famed '59 "C" shape neck profile and untouched wiring harness: '59 Pots, Bumble Bee Capacitors, and PAF pickups. PAF humbuckers deliver crystalline tone with unwavering responsiveness, offering the sounds that helped define decades of popular music. Cosmetically, it remains in exceptional condition with mild player wear including small dings and buckle rash on the back. The red hue of the lacquer has most entirely faded, a common occurrence in "Bursts" that are exposed to sunlight. This particular fade pattern is described as "iced tea." Gibson has stated, about "9 0871," that the maple top's extensive figuring is a rare and desirable trait that significantly increases its value compared to plainer vintage examples. "9 0871" is a truly fine work of craftsmanship and we thoroughly believe it to be worthy of its gravitas.
Includes pre-1958 Lifton 4-latch hardshell case and Gibson branded Gibson TSA case.
