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