Gibson Custom Shop 2011 Tom Murphy Hand Aged 1959 Les Paul Standard Reissue

Here we have an exceptional Lemon Burst Gibson Custom Shop 1959 Les Paul Standard, dating from 2011 and finished to the highest standard of the era. This is one of the ultra-rare “Ultra Aged” examples, produced in extremely limited numbers and representing a level of craftsmanship even beyond the well-known Murphy Lab Aged instruments. Each guitar from this run was entirely aged by Tom Murphy himself, long before the later Murphy Lab production models. Tom has engraved his initials into the guitar on this one as part of his hand checking process (picture 3).
 
The result is nothing short of extraordinary. The lacquer checking, patina, and nuanced wear patterns are executed with remarkable restraint and realism, capturing the character of a genuine late-’50s burst with uncanny accuracy. It has that elusive, broken-in aesthetic that convinces at a glance. The maple top is equally impressive, with a subtle figured flame and strong, underlying maple grain patterns .
 
The neck carve is everything you would hope for from a great ’59 reissue: a full late-’50s profile that feels substantial yet supremely comfortable in the hand. It plays effortlessly, with a lively acoustic response, excellent resonance, and impressive sustain even before plugging in. The neck has also been aged by Tom with shallow feelable marking, it feels good to play.
 
Electrically, it retains its original double cream Burstbucker 1 (neck) and Burstbucker 2 (bridge) pickups, delivering classic PAF-inspired tones. The neck position is open and articulate with clear, singing highs, while the bridge offers focus and authority, with a tight low end and no muddiness. It is a dynamic, responsive instrument that captures the essence of a great ’59.
 
This particular guitar also carries all the usual provenance. It predates the Murphy Lab era and stands firmly within what many consider the golden years of the Custom Shop, when Tom Murphy and Edwin Wilson were producing some of the most revered reissues to date.
 
Condition is excellent throughout. Aside from the intentional ageing and only the lightest signs of real-world handling, it remains remarkably well preserved. The original frets show minimal wear, and there are no breaks, repairs, or structural or electrical issues to note. It is also pleasingly lightweight at approximately 3.99kg, adding to its overall resonance and comfort.
 
A beautifully executed, highly collectible example that speaks for itself—an outstanding piece that delivers both visually and sonically in equal measure.
 
Gas Station Guitars is a UK Ltd company, and we proudly offer a no-questions 14-day refund policy on all instruments.
 
We have extensive experience shipping guitars safely worldwide, with professional packing methods developed to protect both hardcase and softcase instruments in transit. Every guitar is securely packaged using heavy-duty materials to ensure it arrives exactly as described.
 
At Gas Station Guitars, each instrument is carefully hand-selected. If a guitar doesn’t impress us in tone, feel, and overall character, it simply doesn’t make it into our inventory. If it’s listed by us, you can be confident it’s something special.
 
All photos shown are of the actual guitar
Every instrument is fully inspected and in hand—no drop-shipping
Shipped directly from us to you
 
Please note:
 
This guitar is not available for trades or part exchange
We are unable to offer holds or layaways
 
We ship WORLDWIDE including:
 
United Kingdom
European Union
United States
Canada
Australia
 
Professional service, accurate descriptions, and carefully curated instruments are at the core of everything we do.
 
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