Gibson Custom Historic 1959 Les Paul Standard Vintage Original Spec Electric Guitar (with Case)

Feature:
You won't find coil taps, phase switches, varitones or active preamps. But what you will find are: beautiful flame maple cap, full size one piece neck, incredible pickups, and aged reproduction hardware. Oh yeah, and they're handbuilt with no two guitars having the same finish and maple figure. Each one is a one-of-a-kind work of art that makes the most incredible sound.

Quality:
Hand built, Gibson 1959 Les Paul. What more do you need to say. Fit and finish are performed one guitar at a time. And the inspection process is the highest level of all Gibsons guitars. These are not built in the smae plant as the regular Gibsons, which are great to begin with.

Value:
Some will say they are too expensive, and they ain't cheap. But if you are spending this kind of money you have certain expectations of what you will get. I am more than impressed with the quality of this guitar.

Desirability:
Yeah, baby. This one is pure sex appeal. Technically they come in three colors - Washed Cherry, Ice Tea and Faded Tobacco - but the actual variety of colors and figuring is amazing. Every one is like looking at a SuperModel.

Sound:
If you are looking for "the Holy Grail" of guitars this is it, or as close to the real thing asmost of us will ever get. It has that rich, full-bodied Les Paul sound that helped Bloomfield, Clapton and Green create "that sound".

Ease of Use:
If you're going for this level of guitar it should not only look and sound good, it should make you want to pick it up every time you see and inspire you to play your best. I love this guitar and can't wait to get home each day to play it! I don't say that about every guitar I own.

Support:
Every time I've emailed them with a question, regardless of how esoteric I always get a quick, informed and polite response.

Overall:
If you are looking for the quality, beauty and tone of a vintage 59 Les Paul, there really is very little else in this Super Premium category?

Feature:
It has all the right vintage Les Paul stuff, great "'Burst" looks, the right weight (<9 lbs.), the right woods (except, boo hoo, Indian, not Brazilian rosewood on the board due to the CITES Treaty), and all the subtle little details that will bring a smile to anyone who's actually owned, seen or played an original '59 Les Paul sunburst.

Quality:
This is such a great replica, they've even duplicated many of the little hand-made "goofs" that gave the original '50s Les Paul guitars such charm. Where it counts, however, items such as relief, intonation, etc. are spot on. Just be forewarned, the VOS guitas have been slightly aged (similar to a Fender Closet Classic) so expect little scratches, corrosion, etc. This is not for everyone, if you want a "shiny" new guitar, this isn't it.

Value:
Ok, I'm going to down-rate them a little, because these guitars are frankly very overpriced. However, "value" means you got what you paid for, and if you get this guitar it is likely going to be your favorite for a long, long time.

Desirability:
If you love old Les Pauls like I do, and who doesn't, this guitar one will make you swoon. A particular "bravo" to Gibson for great wood selection for the curly maple top, and a great reproduction of the original thin finish. If you didn't know better, when you open the fantastic original Lifton-style case you'd think you were staring at an original '59 sunburst, worth $250,000+.

Sound:
This is an absolutely killer instrument, congratulations to Gibson for working the details so well. This is as close as they've come yet to releasing a real "'59 Reissue", and it is scary-close to the real thing. The tone is "Beano" all the way (for all of you who know what that means), turn your Marshall or Tweed up to 10 and you're instantly in "Bluesbreakers" heaven.

Ease of Use:
For easy playing you just can't beat a Les Paul. Flip the switch to the bridge "Burstbucker", crank that amp and feel the love!

Support:
I contacted Gibson via their e-mail support about the only issue I have with the guiitar and they responded immediately, and positively. (Mine had been a photo demo and was missing the cord.)

Overall:
Since I started playing back in the early '60s I've owned 9 Les Pauls, including two original '50s Goltops and an original '60 Sunburst. I can't say enough good about how Gibson has produced this guitar to the original specs. Get one of these and love it to death, you won't get a better Les Paul at any price..other than an original!