A superb and increasingly desirable Gibson Custom Shop recreation of the legendary 1960 Les Paul Standard, produced in 2010 to commemorate the model’s 50th anniversary. This is the sought after Version Two “Gold Book” edition, representing the transitional period during which the neck profile evolved from the fuller 1959 shape towards the slim profile associated with guitars produced later in 1960.

For the anniversary series, Gibson studied and digitally scanned a number of original 1960 Les Paul Standards, identifying three distinct phases of production during that pivotal year. Version One retained essentially the same specifications as a late 1959 guitar, while Version Three recreated the slim neck, reflector knobs, double-ring tuners and brighter Cherry Burst finish found on later examples. Version Two sits neatly between the two, with a thinner but still gently rounded elliptical neck profile that many players consider the ideal compromise.

This particular example features a very authentic looking flame maple top with some lovely ribbon curl figuring, which moves and changes as the guitar catches the light. The attractive faded Tea Burst finish is equally convincing, giving the guitar the appearance of an original Burst whose once stronger red pigments have softened naturally over time.

A pair of original BurstBucker 1 and BurstBucker 2 pickups recreates the open, articulate response of late 1950s PAFs, with the neck pickup delivering warmth and clarity while the bridge offers plenty of bite, definition and natural sustain. Combined with the traditional mahogany and maple construction, they provide all of the depth, harmonic complexity and responsiveness that the original Les Paul Standards are known and loved for.

Only 500 examples of the 50th Anniversary 1960 Les Paul Standard were produced across all three versions and finishes, making each variation considerably less common than a regular Historic Collection R0. The specially produced Gold Book Certificate of Authenticity has also become an important part of the package and is frequently missing from used examples.

This particular guitar remains completely original and is in near mint condition, showing only very light signs of careful use. It has clearly been exceptionally well looked after and represents a rare opportunity to acquire a highly complete example of this important anniversary model.

Comes with the original Gibson Custom Shop hard shell case, Gold Book Certificate of Authenticity and all of the original tags and paperwork. A beautifully preserved and genuinely collectable Les Paul, with a particularly comfortable transitional neck profile, a superb ribbon curl flame top and all the character of one of Gibson’s most iconic guitars.

**Please ask about shipping outside the UK**