Found on Reverb: The 1960 Gibson "Dutchburst"

Just about 24 hours ago, the original 1960 Gibson “Dutchburst” (on which Gibson’s Custom Shop Collector’s Choice #18 was based) landed for sale on Reverb from Dutch seller Max Guitar.

Gibson Les Paul Standard 1960 – The Dutchburst

As the story goes, this guitar was acquired in 1961 by a Dutch jazz musician who played in a trio on a cruise ship. The guitar belonged to him his entire life, and he left it to his son when he passed.

The Dutchburst carries the serial number #011167, marking it as one of the very last of the Bursts produced in 1960 — the final year of Burst production. Out of the roughly 635 Bursts built in 1960, an even smaller number were shipped overseas, and an even smaller number than that reached their European destination unscathed. This so happens to be one that did.

More remarkable still is the Dutchburst’s condition, despite its long working life jazzing it up at sea. Aside from the Tune–O–Matic bridge — which is said to have been replaced sometime in the ‘70s — the Dutchburst is largely unmolested, retaining its original pickups, pots, electronics, and frets.

Also distinctive is this guitar's uncharacteristic color. Generally, Bursts from the period were quite a bit lighter. That being said, the flamed maple top — some collectors refer to this style as "spaghetti flame" — is still in great condition.

After 18 years spent stored in an upright piano, this elusive instrument reemerged on a sunny day in August of 2006 when it was brought into the Max Guitar shop in Holland. From there, the guitar was meticulously inspected and dated.

The Dutchburst has spent the past 10 or so years since its resurfacing floating around various camps in the guitar world. It was even played and admired by famed guitarist and collector Joe Bonamassa during a soundcheck of his.

As mentioned above, the Dutchburst has also been carefully measured and replicated for the masses by Gibson's Custom Shop in the form of the Collector’s Choice #18 reissue. But if copies aren't your thing and you’re willing to pay hefty a premium for a piece of history, you can pick up the original 1960 Dutchburst for just over $304,000.

Click here to check out the Dutchburst's listing on Reverb.