1959 lp standard reissue 2004

Les Paul Heaven

Yup – this is where you end up when your days are over and you ascend into guitar paradise.

The owner of this guitar bought it new in 2004 He drove the length and breadth of England playing every 59 reissue he could find before settling on this one.

20 years ago there were no Gibson Custom shop dealers with a wall of Les Pauls – a music shop would have a couple of vintage models at best – maybe 20 guitars to choose from in the UK. In other words, it was a bit like searching for the Holy Grail    

He’s owned it form new and although it’s been out on display it’s never been gigged, always left at home because of its value, rarity and because sometimes these things need to be cared for!

So, this is a guitar in great condition. Played but not at all abused – beautifully set up - just perfect! It’s almost like a natural VOS finish. Of course this was made before Gibson started make their guitars look like this on purpose – when new, this would have been a really high gloss finish with shiny nickel parts.

This one has dulled to a really sweet authentic looking flame top – not an over the top quilt – a proper ’59 looking flame with a soft cherry sunburst. Even the cherry in the back, whilst not worn is starting to fade and cloud slightly, the pickups have lost their sheen and now look like proper PAFs -  it’s a lovely looking guitar and weighs in at just over 9 lbs – perfect!

The tone is pretty astonishing – even when just sitting it on your knee (and strumming it obviously – ed) it has a wonderful acoustic resonance – this may have something to do with the volume of the neck.

That’s the most surprising part-  more of a 56/57 neck – big and deep. . substantial - surely adding to the tone and sustain which is frankly incredible 

If you’ve been on a tone quest for the Grail . . .you may nearly be there, but don’t take a leap of faith, leap on a train to Haywards Heath and come and check this beauty out.