A fantastic example of the Gibson Custom Shop’s 1959 Les Paul Standard Reissue, this 2020 Washed Cherry Sunburst VOS is a particularly handsome example of Gibson’s meticulous recreation of one of the most iconic electric guitars ever made. We see plenty of ’59 Reissues pass through MotoMusic, and the beautifully figured Flame Maple top on this particular example is especially striking, with a great depth and movement to the figuring that really comes alive under the Washed Cherry Sunburst finish.

Built to the Historic specification, this Les Paul features a one-piece Mahogany back, figured Flame Maple top and Custom Shop Historic-specification wiring harness, with every aspect of the instrument designed with the original late-’50s guitars in mind. The neck follows the Authentic ’59 Medium C-Shape profile, paired with an Indian Rosewood fingerboard fitted using hide glue, a 12" radius and 22 Historic Medium-Jumbo frets. The 24.75" scale length completes the familiar late-’50s Les Paul recipe.

This particular guitar is in Very Good condition. The original listing described it as having seen studio use only with very light playing marks and no discernible fret wear, and it remains a very well-kept example overall. There are now some expected light marks throughout the finish from use, along with one or two more substantial dings and scratches around the sides. The left-hand side has some larger marks, while there is unfortunately also a small ding on the right-hand side. These are worth noting for complete transparency, but the guitar remains visually very impressive and retains the beautiful VOS character of the original finish.

The original Gibson Custom Bucker pickups have been replaced with a Seymour Duncan Pearly Gates set. These offer their own distinctive take on the PAF-style recipe and work extremely well with the natural character and construction of the guitar. The original Custom Buckers are included with the sale and, should the buyer wish to return the instrument to its original specification, we can have the original pickups professionally reinstalled before shipping.

The tailpiece has also been changed by the previous owner, who preferred to wrap his strings around the tailpiece. The original tailpiece is included, giving the new owner the option of returning the guitar to its original configuration if desired.

Weighing in at 8.69 lb, this is a beautifully balanced and resonant example, with all the familiar characteristics that make the ’59 specification so desirable. The combination of the substantial yet comfortable neck profile, excellent construction and classic Les Paul recipe makes this a thoroughly rewarding instrument to play, while the Seymour Duncan Pearly Gates set adds an interesting tonal variation to what is otherwise a highly authentic Custom Shop recreation.

As with every new arrival that enters our store, this Les Paul has passed through the trusted hands of our on-site workshop team, where it has been thoroughly inspected, professionally set up, and prepared to ensure it is in tip-top shape for its new home and owner.

The guitar comes complete with its original Gibson Custom Shop hard case, case candy and Certificate of Authenticity. A superb opportunity to own a genuine 2020 Gibson Custom Shop ’59 Les Paul Standard Reissue, complete with an exceptional Flame Maple top, Historic construction and original components, while the previous-owner modifications offer an alternative tonal character straight out of the case.