Few guitars inspire awe quite like the 1959 Gibson Les Paul Standard. Mention it in any group of guitarists, and you’ll likely see eyes widen and conversations ignite. While the Les Paul line has had many celebrated years, none hold the same legendary aura as the ’59. So what exactly sets this iconic model apart from its siblings? Let’s take a closer look.
1. The Perfect Storm of Specs
The 1959 Les Paul hit a sweet spot in Gibson’s evolution. By this time, the model had undergone a few years of refinement since its 1952 introduction. The 1959 Standard featured several now-classic appointments:
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Flame Maple Tops: While earlier models often had plain tops, many ’59s came with beautifully figured maple caps, giving them their famous “burst” appearance.
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Sunburst Finish: 1959 marked the second year of the cherry sunburst finish, replacing the gold tops of earlier years. The finish tended to fade over time, giving each guitar a unique character.
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Neck Profile: The ’59 had a medium-to-large C-shaped neck—thicker than the slim 1960 necks, but slimmer than the baseball bat-like ’58s—making it a favorite among players for its comfortable feel.
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Honduran Mahogany Body and Neck: Providing warmth and sustain, this tonewood was key to the Les Paul’s signature sound.
2. The Magic of PAF Pickups
Perhaps the most revered element of the 1959 Les Paul is its original PAF (Patent Applied For) humbucking pickups. These pickups, wound by hand with inconsistent turns and often varying in output, created a richness and harmonic complexity that many players say has never been fully replicated.
Each guitar had its own sonic fingerprint, with some PAFs sounding bright and snappy while others were warm and creamy. This “organic inconsistency” is part of what gives the ’59 its legendary voice.
3. Rarity and Legacy
Only about 650–700 Les Paul Standards were made in 1959. Many were played hard, modified, or lost over the decades. Surviving examples—especially those in good condition—are extremely rare and often command six- or even seven-figure prices.
Players like Jimmy Page, Eric Clapton, Joe Perry, Duane Allman, and Billy Gibbons all either owned or sought after ’59s, helping to cement its place in rock ‘n’ roll mythology.
4. Tone, Feel, and Vibe
More than just materials and specs, the 1959 Les Paul has an intangible “mojo” that players describe as unmatched. It’s the resonance of the aged wood, the quirks of vintage craftsmanship, and the cumulative wear that make each guitar feel alive in the player’s hands.
It’s no wonder modern Custom Shop recreations and boutique builders continually chase the ’59 formula—but the originals still reign supreme.
5. Influence on Modern Guitars
The 1959 Les Paul serves as the benchmark for high-end electric guitars. Gibson’s Historic and Custom Shop divisions have built countless reissues inspired by the ’59’s specs. Boutique builders and major brands alike often compare their instruments to this model, underscoring its legendary status.
Conclusion
The 1959 Gibson Les Paul is more than just a vintage guitar—it’s a symbol of craftsmanship, tone, and rock history. Whether it’s the looks, the PAFs, the perfect neck, or the stories behind the players who wielded them, the ’59 Standard remains the gold standard of electric guitars.
