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The 2001 Gibson Les Paul Standard R8 in Bourbon Burst is a prime example of the feel, look, and response that make early Historic Reissues so desirable. The Bourbon Burst finish gives the flame maple top a rich, aged look. It has that unmistakable late-’50s Les Paul visual language, from the warm burst tones to the nickel hardware and cream plastics, but with over two decades of age behind it, giving it a more settled, broken-in character than a brand-new model ever can.

In hand, this is exactly what you want from an R8. The late-50s neck carve comfortably fills your hand, providing the same feel that players associate with true 1950s Les Paul Standards. The mahogany body and neck give it that familiar solid, substantial feel, while the Indian rosewood fretboard brings a smooth, comfortable feel for the fingers. At just 8lbs 8oz, it still feels substantial without being overly heavy. The guitar rings loudly and clearly unplugged, with a bell-like response shaped by high-quality woods, premium craftsmanship, and years of natural aging. That’s where these older Historic Reissues continue to separate themselves, offering a level of resonance and maturity that makes them feel like serious value next to many newer, more expensive Les Pauls.

Plugged in, the Vineham Whiskeyburner pickups hold onto the classic PAF-style warmth and midrange complexity, but with more clarity and bite. The neck pickup retains the unmistakable Les Paul vocal-like qualities, while the bridge has a singing upper-mid push that makes leads and rhythm lines stay articulate under gain. This Gibson Les Paul Standard R8 carries all the hallmarks of the great late-1950s Standards, but with extra definition and responsiveness that makes the whole guitar feel even more alive.

Year: 2001
Weight: 8lbs 8oz
Finish: Bourbon Burst
Top Wood: Flame Maple
Body Wood: Mahogany
Neck Wood: Mahogany
Neck Joint: Set Neck
Scale Length: 24.75”
Fretboard Wood: Indian Rosewood
Fretboard Radius: 12”
Frets: 22
Inlays: Mother of Pearl Trapezoid
Neck Pickup: Vineham Whiskeyburner
Bridge Pickup: Vineham Whiskeyburner
Controls: 2 Volume, 2 Tone, 3-Way Pickup Toggle Switch
Hardware Color: Nickel
Bridge: Tune-O-Matic
Tailpiece: Stop Bar
Truss Rod Cover: Multi-Ply
Tuning Machines: Gibson Deluxe
Knobs: Gold Top Hat
Switch Cap: Cream
Note: This guitar is in excellent condition and exhibits normal wear for its age. It includes the original hardshell case and case keys. The wiring harness has been swapped. It does not include the original pickups or wiring harness 

The Vibrato Bar is proud to be an authorized dealer for top-tier brands such as PRS Guitars, PRS Guitars Private Stock, Suhr, James Tyler, Tom Anderson, LsL Instruments, Rock N Roll Relics, Iconic Guitars, Mayones Guitars, Teuffel Guitars, OD Guitars, Mezzabarba Amplifiers, Shin’s Music/Dumbloid and more. We offer an exceptional range of guitars to cater to every guitarist's needs.