1959 Gibson Les Paul Custom
The 1959 Les Paul Custom represents the absolute peak of original Les Paul Custom production — PAF humbuckers at their finest in Gibson's most refined body. Comparable in cultural significance to the 1959 'Burst Standard.'
Current Market Value
* Prices are estimates based on recent market data. Actual value depends on originality, condition, and provenance. Pricing methodology
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Specifications
| Body Wood | Mahogany (body), Maple (carved top) |
| Neck Wood | Mahogany |
| Fingerboard | Ebony (multi-ply bound) |
| Scale Length | 24.750" |
| Frets | 22 |
| Pickup Config | HH |
| Bridge | ABR-1 Tune-O-Matic, stop tailpiece |
| Tuners | Kluson Deluxe double-ring |
| Finish Options | Ebony Black |
| Est. Production | 300 |
Pickups & Electronics
Two PAF humbuckers. This year's PAFs are among the most sought-after due to their tonal character.
What Changed in 1959
Peak year for PAF quality and output. The 1959 Les Paul Custom shares the same mythological status as the 1959 Standard 'Burst' but with the added elegance of Custom cosmetics.
Collector's Notes
Original 1959 Customs are exceptionally rare. Beware of 'Frankenstein' builds using later Custom bodies with replaced PAFs. Full documentation and expert authentication are essential at these price levels.
How to Authenticate a 1959 Gibson Les Paul Custom
Gibson serial numbers from this era are ink-stamped on the back of the headstock. Cross-reference with known Gibson serial tables — numbering was not strictly sequential. Potentiometer date codes are critical: look for CTS pots (code 137) with two-digit year codes matching 1959 or up to 18 months earlier. This is the most reliable dating method for Gibson guitars of this era. The finish should be nitrocellulose lacquer showing age-appropriate checking (fine crazing). Under blacklight, original nitro fluoresces a distinctive green-yellow — refinished instruments lack this characteristic. Verify original PAF humbuckers — Les Paul Customs from 1959 should have the correct number of pickups. Check baseplate stickers, magnet type, and DC resistance. Multi-ply binding on body, neck, and headstock is a key authentication point — verify correct number of layers. Ebony fingerboard should be genuine (deep black, tight grain). Gold hardware should show consistent aging. Original Kluson Deluxe double-ring should be present with no evidence of replacement (no oversized bushing holes). Original hardshell case adds provenance value.