A “Gibson” has always been a guitar of the people. Hardworking musicians have found ways to save up tip money, budget their living expenses, take on odd jobs, and buy their dream guitar that becomes their lifelong companion. Gibson dealers have established a wide footprint spread around the U.S. and this recent discovery reminds us that even holy grails can turn up in the humblest of places. The following is paraphrased from the family of the original owner:
“This 1960 Gibson Les Paul “Burst” was purchased by a gentleman from Gary, Indiana that had stage dreams and decided he needed a new guitar to pull off the assignment. While his initial band adventure was short-lived, he held “picking sessions” throughout his adulthood: at the barn, on the porch, back yard, garage, or wherever he could draw a crowd. He played all types of music, but his favorite songs to play were those of Johnny Cash, Hank Williams and Ernest Tubb. He loved the attention his beautiful guitar got when he brought it out. He babied the guitar and even had creative ways to make sure he didn’t drop it. Being a large man, the average guitar strap didn’t work for him so when he played for a long time he would use a rope as a strap to keep the instrument from being dropped. Despite a lay off from the steel mill in 1972 and several periods of financial hardships, the “Burst,” his prized possession, managed to survive the times and stay a staple at the Howenwald, TN barn picking parties.” We have therefore affectionately named this guitar the “The Barn Burst.” The photo included is reflective of this sentiment.
In the late 1970s, the neck pickup likely developed an open coil and was replaced by a local luthier. During this luthier work, the original neck P.A.F., switch, and Astron capacitor for the neck position were lost to time. Carter Vintager Guitars managed to source and install a period correct P.A.F., N.O.S. Astron Capacitor and a reproduction switch to return it to its factory original specs.
Also of note, the neck sustained a longitudinal crack that remains stable after many years. The Carter Vintage repair team performed a phenomenal repair, and the repair is now nearly imperceptible, while the neck itself feels incredible to play. A finish scratch on the headstock was also carefully touched up around the serial number.
The specifications of this example are in line with others of its serial number range; several of which we have personally handled over the years. Included is its original brown and pink-lined hardshell case manufactured by Stone Case Company in great condition. It is becoming increasingly rare for one of the original 1,200~1,400 “Bursts” made between 1958-1960 to resurface. This is the first time that # 0 1484, AKA “The Barn Burst” has come to market since it was purchased in Gary, Indiana by the original owner.
