How much is a 1959 Gibson Les Paul Sunburst worth?

Gibson enjoyed its golden era between 1958 and 1960, and the 1959 Les Paul Standards are some of the most highly sought-after guitars in the world. They regularly fetch six-figure sums, and a well-preserved ’59 Les Paul with a coveted flame maple top could easily command $500,000 or more.

How much is my Gibson Les Paul Standard worth?

How much are electric guitars worth?

GUITAR ESTIMATED VALUE
Gibson Les Paul Standard “Burst” 1960 $140,000-$240,000
Gibson Les Paul Studio 2011 Satin Blue $530-$700
Gibson Les Paul Studio 2016 Alpine White $820-$1,005
Gibson Les Paul Studio Custom Mid ’80s Sunburst $1,400-$1,900

Why is the 1959 Les Paul Special?

The body of the 1959 Les Paul is also interesting because it has three markings distinct to guitars of that era. Beginning with, what has become known as “the second route”; this “second route” is found in the control cavity of the body and was done to properly drill the holes for the controls.

Who plays a 1959 Les Paul?

Since entering the market more than six decades ago, a list of who’s who in guitar playing adopted the Standard. Among others, ’59 players include Eric Clapton, Jeff Beck, George Harrsion, Paul McCartney, Jimmy Page, Joe Walsh, Kirk Hammett and, most recently, Jason Isbell.

How can I tell how old my Les Paul is?

Beginning in 1953, a three-digit serial number was stamped on the top. Later in the year, and continuing through 1961, Gibson stamped a five- or six-digit number in ink on the back of the headstock. The first digit is the year of manufacture; the remaining digits are the production number.

What is the most expensive Les Paul?

Kirk Hammett – Metallica’s guitarist. He purchased this 1959 Les Paul from Richard Henry Guitars for $2,000,000! Not bad for a guitar with this much history. This makes it the most expensive Les Paul ever sold.

Who plays a 59 Les Paul?

Among others, ’59 players include Eric Clapton, Jeff Beck, George Harrsion, Paul McCartney, Jimmy Page, Joe Walsh, Kirk Hammett and, most recently, Jason Isbell.

What was the year of the Gibson Les Paul?

1959 is widely considered to be the pinnacle year for Gibson’s mid-century solid body electric guitars, and no 1959 Gibson model is more famous than the sunburst Les Paul Standard.

What was the color of a Gibson sunburst guitar in 1958?

Probably only 20% of all Les Paul Sunburst guitars from 1958 to 1960 had any significant maple figuring. Many of Gibson’s 1958 to early 1960 red Sunbursts were sprayed with an ultra-violet sensitive dye. With exposure to sunlight, the red often faded making the “sunburst” an “unburst”, giving the Les Paul’s top a uniform yellowish-brown color.

What kind of back does a sunburst Les Paul have?

Sunburst Les Pauls have a cherry red back, and black serial numbers. The color of most 1958 sunburst Les Pauls is more “red” than later 1959 models. Some (about 15%) Sunburst Les Pauls have very nice “flame” or “tiger stripped” maple tops.

What kind of fretboard does a Gibson Les Paul have?

A truly special guitar, this 1959 Gibson Les Paul Standard has a nice looking bound maple top with a washed out sunburst finish — the red is pretty much gone. The bound Brazilian rosewood fretboard features trapezoid inlays. The two PAF humbucking pickups, electronics, ABR-1 bridge, stop tailpiece, pickguard, and pickup rings appear all original.