DATE :
Wednesday, June 4, 2025
1959 Gibson Les Paul Standard "Burst": The Holy Grail of Electric Guitars
The 1959 Gibson Les Paul Standard represents the absolute pinnacle of American electric guitar craftsmanship—a convergence of innovation, artistry, and timing that created what many consider the most coveted electric guitar ever made. With current market values ranging from $250,000 to over $750,000, these instruments have transcended their original purpose as musical tools to become genuine investment-grade collectibles and cultural artifacts.
Why is 1959 so special? It was the second year of Gibson's revolutionary sunburst finish (replacing the previous Gold Top), featuring the legendary PAF (Patent Applied For) humbucking pickups that defined rock and blues tone for generations. Of the approximately 1,700 total "Burst" Les Pauls produced between 1958-1960, the 1959 models represent the sweet spot where Gibson's manufacturing processes had been refined but before cost-cutting measures began affecting quality.
These guitars didn't achieve legendary status overnight. Initially discontinued in 1961 in favor of the lighter SG body style, it wasn't until British blues guitarists like Eric Clapton, Jimmy Page, and Peter Green discovered these "used" American guitars in London shops during the mid-1960s that their true potential became apparent. Today, owning an authentic 1959 Les Paul Standard places you among an elite group of collectors worldwide.
Historical Context: Gibson's Golden Moment
The year 1959 marked a pivotal moment in Gibson's history. The company had been perfecting the Les Paul design since its 1952 introduction, and by 1959, they had achieved an extraordinary level of craftsmanship that would never quite be replicated. The transition from the Gold Top finish to the Cherry Sunburst in 1958 revealed the stunning flame maple tops that had been hidden beneath opaque paint for years.
During this period, Gibson employed master craftsmen who hand-selected premium materials—old-growth Honduran mahogany for bodies, perfectly quartered flame maple for tops, and Brazilian rosewood for fretboards. The PAF humbucking pickups, developed by Seth Lover and introduced in 1957, had reached their tonal peak by 1959, featuring hand-wound coils and unpotted construction that created the warm, complex tone that would define rock music.
The manufacturing environment at Gibson's Kalamazoo factory in 1959 represented American industrial craftsmanship at its finest. Each instrument received individual attention from skilled luthiers who understood both the technical and artistic aspects of guitar making. This level of craftsmanship would begin to decline in the 1960s as corporate pressures demanded increased production and cost savings.
Notable artists who embraced the 1959 Les Paul during its early years include Freddie King, who used one on many of his influential blues recordings, and later, British musicians who would make these guitars legendary. Eric Clapton's 1959 Les Paul, nicknamed "Beano," became the template for British blues-rock tone, while Jimmy Page's multiple 1959 Les Pauls defined the sound of Led Zeppelin.
Current Market Value (2025 Update)
The market for 1959 Gibson Les Paul Standards has reached unprecedented levels, driven by their rarity, historical significance, and continued demand from both collectors and professional musicians. Unlike many collectibles that experience market fluctuations, these instruments have shown consistent appreciation over the past two decades.
Key Value Factors:
Flame intensity and pattern: The most dramatic flames command significant premiums, with "bookmatched" tops (where the two halves mirror each other perfectly) being most valuable
Color preservation: Unfaded examples with original cherry red pigments intact are worth 25-40% more than severely faded examples
Originality: All-original examples command 50-75% premiums over instruments with replaced parts or modifications
Documentation: Original case, sales receipts, or factory documentation can add $25,000-$50,000 to value
Famous ownership: Instruments with verifiable celebrity provenance can double or triple base values
Important Note: At Edgewater Guitars, we consistently pay 30-40% more than typical guitar shops for premium vintage instruments. Our expertise in authentication and current market knowledge ensures you receive true market value for your 1959 Les Paul.
Detailed Identification Guide
Authenticating a 1959 Gibson Les Paul Standard requires examining multiple factors, as these instruments are among the most counterfeited guitars in the world. Here's your comprehensive identification guide:
Serial Numbers
1959 Les Paul Standards typically feature 5-digit serial numbers in the range of 90100-92500, stamped into the back of the headstock. However, serial numbers alone are not sufficient for authentication, as there was some overlap between years and many reproduction instruments feature "correct" serial numbers.
Neck Date Stamps
The most reliable identifier is the handwritten neck date on the neck heel (visible when the neck is removed from the body). Authentic 1959 necks display dates in "MM-YY" format, such as "3-59" or "11-59." These dates should align with other dating factors and show the natural aging characteristics of 65-year-old pencil markings.
Potentiometer Codes
1959 Les Pauls used Centralab potentiometers with specific date codes that can be decoded:
Format: Three-digit manufacturer code (134 for Centralab) followed by a four-digit date code
Date interpretation: First two digits indicate year (58 or 59), last two indicate week
Example: "134 5852" = Centralab, 52nd week of 1958
Cross-reference: Pot dates should precede the guitar's final assembly by several weeks or months
Factory Markings and Stamps
Authentic 1959 Les Pauls contain several internal markings:
Control cavity: Often contains pencil markings indicating final assembly dates
Neck pocket: May contain routing stamps or quality control markings
Pickup cavities: Should show appropriate router marks and aging patterns
Bridge posts: Original posts show specific threading and aging characteristics
Wood Identification
The wood selections for 1959 Les Pauls were exceptional:
Body: Honduran mahogany with distinctive grain patterns and density
Maple top: Typically 1/2" to 5/8" thick with dramatic flame figure
Fretboard: Brazilian rosewood with tight, even grain and natural oil content
Neck: One-piece mahogany neck with volute reinforcement
Hardware Specifications
Original 1959 hardware includes specific details:
Bridge: ABR-1 Tune-o-matic bridge with retainer wire
Tailpiece: Aluminum stop-bar tailpiece with specific knurling pattern
Tuners: Single-line Kluson Deluxe tuners with single-ring buttons
Pickup rings: Cream-colored plastic that ages to warm amber
Switch tip: Amber-colored tip with specific dimensions
Finish Characteristics
The 1959 sunburst finish used aniline dyes that react uniquely to UV light:
Cherry red pigments: Fade over time, creating the "tobacco burst" appearance
Nitrocellulose lacquer: Shows age-appropriate checking and wear patterns
Flame visibility: The transparent finish reveals the maple flame clearly
Color gradation: Smooth transition from cherry red edges to natural amber center
Detailed Physical Specifications
Understanding the precise specifications helps distinguish authentic 1959 Les Pauls from later reissues and reproductions:
Weight and Dimensions
Weight range: 8.5-9.5 pounds (most fall between 8.8-9.2 pounds)
Body length: 17" overall length
Body width: 13" at widest point
Body thickness: 1.75" (body only, not including arched top)
Scale length: 24.75" (Gibson standard)
Neck Specifications
Profile: Early 1959 necks featured a fuller "baseball bat" profile, while late 1959 examples transitioned to a slightly slimmer feel
Nut width: 1-11/16" (1.6875")
Fretboard radius: 12" radius (flatter than earlier Gibson models)
Fret wire: Transitional period—early 1959 retained smaller vintage fretwire, late 1959 adopted slightly larger wire
Neck angle: Approximately 4-degree neck angle for optimal string tension
Pickup Specifications
The PAF humbuckers in 1959 Les Pauls are legendary for their tonal qualities:
Resistance readings: Typically 7.0-8.5k ohms (neck pickup often slightly lower)
Magnet type: Alnico II or Alnico V magnets (both were used)
Wire type: 42 AWG plain enamel wire
Construction: Unpotted coils allowing for maximum harmonic complexity
Covers: Nickel-plated covers that age to a warm patina
Bobbins: Black plastic bobbins with varying degrees of translucency
Electronics Layout
Wiring harness: Cloth-covered wire throughout
Capacitors: "Bumblebee" capacitors (.022 microfarad)
Resistors: Carbon composition resistors
Switch: 3-way toggle switch (many players modified these to 4-way)
Output jack: Cup-style output jack mounted on side of guitar
Tonal Characteristics: The Sound That Changed Music
The 1959 Gibson Les Paul Standard's tone has become the benchmark for electric guitar sound, influencing generations of musicians and defining entire genres of music. Understanding what makes these instruments sound so distinctive helps explain their enduring appeal.
The PAF Advantage
The PAF (Patent Applied For) humbuckers installed in 1959 Les Pauls represent a perfect storm of design and manufacturing that has never been exactly replicated:
Unpotted construction: Unlike modern pickups, PAFs were not wax-potted, allowing the coils to vibrate slightly and create complex harmonic interactions
Hand-wound coils: Each pickup was wound by hand, creating subtle variations in turns and tension that contribute to tonal complexity
Alnico magnets: The specific Alnico alloy used provides the perfect balance of output and frequency response
Wire gauge and type: The 42 AWG plain enamel wire creates the ideal inductance for warm, singing sustain
Body Wood Resonance
The mahogany body with flame maple top creates a unique tonal foundation:
Mahogany warmth: Provides the fundamental warmth and midrange richness that Les Pauls are known for
Maple articulation: The maple top adds clarity, note definition, and sustain
Thickness ratio: The specific thickness of the maple cap (typically 1/2") creates the optimal balance between woods
Aging effects: Sixty-five years of aging has allowed the wood to fully stabilize and resonate more freely
Neck and Fretboard Contribution
The Brazilian rosewood fretboard and mahogany neck significantly impact tone:
Brazilian rosewood: Denser and more resonant than later Indian rosewood, contributing to sustain and harmonic complexity
Neck mass: The substantial neck provides stability and sustain transfer
Glue joints: Hide glue used in construction allows for better vibration transfer than modern synthetic adhesives
The "1959 Sound"
Musicians and collectors describe the classic 1959 tone as:
Touch sensitivity: Responds dramatically to playing dynamics
Harmonic complexity: Rich overtones and natural compression
Sustain character: Long, singing sustain with musical decay
Frequency balance: Perfect balance across the frequency spectrum
Gain characteristics: Takes overdrive beautifully while maintaining clarity
Notable recordings featuring 1959 Les Pauls include Eric Clapton's work on John Mayall's "Bluesbreakers" album, Jimmy Page's iconic Led Zeppelin recordings, and countless blues and rock classics that defined the electric guitar's role in popular music.
Common Issues & Modifications
When evaluating a 1959 Gibson Les Paul Standard, understanding common problems and modifications is crucial for accurate authentication and valuation:
Typical Age-Related Issues
Neck Problems:
Headstock breaks: The Gibson headstock angle makes these guitars susceptible to breaks at the headstock/neck joint
Truss rod issues: Original single-action truss rods may need adjustment or replacement
Fret wear: Original fretwire was relatively soft and may show significant wear
Nut replacement: Original bone nuts are often replaced with modern materials
Body and Finish Issues:
Finish checking: Natural lacquer checking is expected and often desirable
Binding deterioration: Original binding may show shrinkage, cracking, or discoloration
Hardware corrosion: Chrome and nickel plating may show age-appropriate patina
Cavity routing: Some guitars show amateur modifications in pickup or control cavities
Common Modifications (Value Impact)
Electronics Modifications:
Pickup replacements: Modern pickup swaps significantly reduce value (30-50% reduction)
Wiring harness updates: Replacement wiring reduces originality value
Switch modifications: Many were modified from 3-way to 4-way switches
Potentiometer replacements: Non-original pots indicate electronics work
Hardware Changes:
Tuner replacements: Grover tuners were commonly added (reduces value 10-15%)
Bridge modifications: Aftermarket bridges or tailpieces affect authenticity
Strap locks: Modern strap lock installations create permanent modifications
Switch tips: Replacement switch tips are common but easily correctable
Refinishing and Restoration Concerns
Refinishing Red Flags:
Overspray in cavities: Look for paint in pickup routes, neck pockets, or control cavities
Inconsistent aging: Refinished guitars show unnatural color patterns
Filled holes: Evidence of hardware changes often indicates restoration work
Artificial aging: Modern "relic" work attempting to simulate natural wear
Professional Restoration:
Conservation work: Professional cleaning and setup maintain value
Proper repairs: Expertly executed neck repairs may be acceptable to collectors
Documentation: Restoration history should be fully documented and disclosed
Authentication Challenges
Given values exceeding $250,000, reproduction 1959 Les Pauls have become increasingly sophisticated:
High-end reproductions: Some reproductions use period-correct materials and aging techniques
Frankenstein guitars: Guitars assembled from various vintage parts
Serial number fraud: Fake serial numbers stamped onto reproduction headstocks
Component mixing: Authentic bodies with reproduction necks or vice versa
Expert Authentication Required: Due to the complexity and financial stakes involved, professional authentication by recognized experts is essential for any 1959 Les Paul transaction.
Why Players and Collectors Value This Model
The 1959 Gibson Les Paul Standard occupies a unique position in the guitar world—equally coveted by serious collectors and professional musicians. Understanding both perspectives explains the sustained demand and ever-increasing values.
Player Perspective
Ergonomic Excellence:
Neck profile: The 1959 neck profile offers exceptional comfort for both rhythm and lead playing
Weight distribution: Proper balance makes these guitars comfortable for extended playing sessions
Fret access: The neck joint allows access to higher frets while maintaining structural integrity
String tension: The 24.75" scale length provides optimal string tension for bending and vibrato
Tonal Versatility:
Genre adaptability: Equally at home in blues, rock, jazz, and country applications
Amp interaction: Responds beautifully to various amplifier types and gain levels
Recording characteristics: Sits perfectly in mixes without requiring extensive EQ
Dynamic range: Wide dynamic range from crystal clean to singing overdrive
Build Quality:
Reliability: Sixty-five years later, most remain highly playable instruments
Aging benefits: Time has improved resonance and tonal characteristics
Repairability: Traditional construction allows for maintenance and restoration
Consistency: Gibson's 1959 quality control produced remarkably consistent instruments
Collector Appeal
Rarity and Exclusivity:
Limited production: Approximately 1,700 total "Burst" Les Pauls from 1958-1960
Survival rate: Many have been lost, damaged, or heavily modified over 65 years
Market concentration: Most examples are held by serious long-term collectors
New discoveries: Occasionally, previously unknown examples surface from estates
Investment Performance:
Appreciation history: Consistent value growth over multiple decades
Market stability: Values have weathered economic downturns better than many investments
Liquidity: Strong demand ensures ready market for quality examples
International appeal: Global collector base provides market depth
Cultural Significance:
Musical history: Direct connection to the development of rock and blues music
Iconic status: Recognition extends beyond guitar players to general cultural awareness
Craftsmanship: Represents pinnacle of American guitar manufacturing
Technological innovation: PAF humbuckers represent a breakthrough in pickup design
Documentation and Provenance:
Factory records: Some examples can be traced through Gibson's shipping records
Celebrity ownership: Instruments owned by famous musicians command premium prices
Photo evidence: Period photographs showing instruments in use add historical value
Story elements: Guitars with interesting histories become more collectible
Selling Your 1959 Gibson Les Paul Standard
If you own a 1959 Gibson Les Paul Standard, you possess one of the most valuable and sought-after guitars in the world. Maximizing its value requires working with experts who understand both the instrument's significance and the current market dynamics.
Why Choose Edgewater Guitars
Premium Valuations: At Edgewater Guitars, we consistently pay 30-40% more than typical guitar shops for premium vintage instruments. Our deep understanding of the 1959 Les Paul market ensures you receive true current market value, not outdated price guide figures.
Expert Authentication: Our team includes recognized experts in Gibson vintage guitar authentication. We understand the subtle details that distinguish authentic instruments from reproductions, and we can provide the documentation necessary for high-value transactions.
Specialized Handling: We understand that your 1959 Les Paul isn't just a guitar—it's a significant asset requiring careful handling. Our process includes:
White-glove transportation for high-value instruments
Climate-controlled storage during evaluation
Professional photography and documentation
Discrete, confidential transactions
Immediate payment upon agreement
Market Knowledge: Unlike general music stores, we specialize in vintage guitars and maintain current knowledge of:
Recent auction results and private sales
Collector preferences and market trends
Authentication standards and documentation requirements
International market conditions
Our Streamlined Process
Step 1: Initial Consultation Contact us with basic information about your instrument. We can often provide preliminary valuations based on photos and descriptions, though final offers require in-person inspection.
Step 2: Professional Evaluation For instruments of this caliber, we typically arrange in-person evaluation at your location or our secure facility. Our evaluation includes:
Complete authentication verification
Condition assessment and documentation
Current market value analysis
Professional photography if desired
Step 3: Immediate Offer Unlike consignment arrangements that can take months, we provide immediate purchase offers based on current market conditions. You'll know exactly what your instrument is worth without waiting or uncertainty.
Step 4: Secure Transaction We handle all transaction details including:
Bank wire transfers or certified funds
Secure transportation arrangements
Documentation and provenance records
Any required insurance or legal documentation
Comparison to Other Selling Options
Auction Houses: While auctions can achieve strong prices, they involve:
15-25% seller's premiums
3-6 month process from consignment to payment
No guaranteed outcome
Public exposure of your ownership
Guitar Shops: Traditional guitar shops typically:
Lack expertise in high-end vintage authentication
Offer wholesale prices (40-60% of market value)
Have limited customer base for six-figure instruments
May not understand current market conditions
Private Sales: Selling privately involves:
Security risks with high-value instruments
Authentication challenges for buyers
Payment and fraud concerns
Significant time investment
Ready to discuss your 1959 Gibson Les Paul Standard? Contact Edgewater Guitars today at (440) 219-3607 or submit our confidential evaluation form online.
Related Resources
Authentication and Dating Tools
Gibson Serial Number Lookup Tool: Comprehensive database for dating Gibson instruments
How to Date a Gibson Guitar by Serial Number: Complete guide to Gibson dating methods
Gibson PAF Pickup Authentication Guide: Detailed guide to identifying authentic PAF humbuckers
Market Information
Most Valuable Vintage Guitars: Investment-grade instrument guide
Vintage Guitar Market Trends 2025: Current market analysis and projections
Selling Resources
How to Maximize Your Guitar's Value When Selling: Tips for getting the best price
Sell Your Gibson Guitar: Specific information about selling Gibson instruments
Guitar Appraisal Services: Professional valuation services
Your 1959 Les Paul Deserves Expert Attention
Whether you've owned your 1959 Gibson Les Paul Standard for decades or recently inherited one, you possess an instrument that represents the pinnacle of American guitar craftsmanship. These guitars have transcended their original purpose to become cultural artifacts, investment vehicles, and sources of musical inspiration.
At Edgewater Guitars, we understand the significance of what you own. Our expertise in vintage Gibson guitars, combined with our commitment to fair valuations and professional service, ensures that your transaction will be handled with the respect and attention that such an exceptional instrument deserves.
Serving the Midwest Region: We proudly serve guitar owners throughout Ohio, Michigan, Pennsylvania, Indiana, and West Virginia. For instruments of this caliber, we travel to provide in-person evaluations and ensure secure, confidential transactions.
Contact Edgewater Guitars Today:
Phone: (440) 219-3607
Email: info@edgewaterguitars.com
Website: edgewaterguitars.com
Confidential Evaluation Form: Get Your Free Valuation