1997 Gibson Custom Shop Historic '56 Les Paul Reissue finished in classic Gold Top - in absolutely mint condition. An early Gibson Custom Shop Historic model, handmade using timbers far superior to what we have seen, and heard, in modern Custom Shop guitars.
Whether or not you subscribe to the concept of Gibson "Good Wood Years" this articulate and resonant, this R6 is simply the best example of Gibson Custom Shop quality that we have seen in the shop, a textbook example of what quality tonewoods are capable of. There are few things finer than the rich warmth of Mahogany paired with a carved Maple top that adds cut and attack. The quartersawn Mahogany neck has a chunky but comfortable early 50’s rounded profile and it has a gorgeous 1-piece dark Rosewood fretboard with Pearloid trapezoid inlays, Nickel hardware, ABR-1 Tune-O-Matic bridge with Stopbar Tailpiece and Gibson vintage style tuners.
However, this immaculate R6 has been improved even further. The previous owner had undertaken to change some of the details to more reflect a “true historic” 1956 Les Paul. The knobs have been changed to Area 59 Vintage Clone Bonnet knobs, indistinguishable from the original 1950s knobs; Vintage Clone bone coloured P90 covers, switch tip and RT ring have been added; the brass stop bar studs have been replaced with stainless steel; and the pots have been upgraded to top quality CTS pots. These changes have improved the look and the sound of what was already a superb guitar. And all the original parts have been retained and are included in the sale, along with its original Gibson Historic Custom Art hard case.
We have not seen, or played, a better Gibson Custom Shop Les Paul ’56 Reissue
Shipping within mainland UK using fully insured 24-hour courier service @ £35.00.
Shipping to US/Canada, using UPS, is £185.00. Shipping to EU is £65.00
Customers outside of UK/EU/US/Canada should contact Vintage Rare & Retro Guitars for a shipping quotation. Free pick-up is always available at our Gullane shop.
