1960 Gibson Les Paul

The final year of the 'Burst' — the 1960 Les Paul Standard features a slimmer neck profile that many players prefer. While slightly less rare than 1959 examples, the 1960 Burst is equally iconic and enormously valuable.

Current Market Value

Excellent
$350,000$700,000
Very Good
$200,000$350,000
Good
$120,000$200,000
Fair
$70,000$120,000

* Prices are estimates based on recent market data. Actual value depends on originality, condition, and provenance. Pricing methodology

Specifications

Body WoodMahogany (body), Maple (carved top — thinner profile than 1958-1959)
Neck WoodMahogany
FingerboardRosewood
Scale Length24.750"
Frets22
Pickup ConfigHH
BridgeABR-1 Tune-O-Matic, stop tailpiece
TunersKluson Deluxe double-ring
Nut Width1.63"
Finish OptionsSunburst (cherry-to-yellow fade — lighter cherry than 1958-1959), Custom colors rare
Est. Production635

Pickups & Electronics

Two PAF humbuckers. Late 1960 models may have patent number sticker pickups.

What Changed in 1960

The maple top was thinned compared to 1958-1959 models — 1960 Bursts have a slightly different feel and slightly different tonal character. The neck profile became slimmer. Some late 1960 examples have patent-number sticker pickups rather than true PAFs.

Notable Examples

Eric Clapton played a 1960 Les Paul ('The Beano' album). The 1960 Burst has appeared on countless landmark recordings.

Collector's Notes

The 1960 neck profile is noticeably slimmer than 1958-1959 — many players actually prefer it. Distinguish between true PAFs and early patent-number sticker pickups (mid-1960 transition). The flame top on 1960 models tends to be slightly less dramatic on average than peak 1959 examples, though exceptional examples exist.