“Red Eye” is a 1959 Les Paul Standard that was the longtime sidekick of Lynyrd Skynyrd legend Ed King, who purchased it in 1982. After Ed passed away in 2018, six-time GRAMMY® Award-winning Americana artist Jason Isbell became Red Eye’s new owner and it has become a fixture of his stage and studio performances.

Much of the red color on the top of this now-famous 1959 Les Paul Standard faded while the guitar was displayed in a store window, except for a patch below the toggle switch that was covered by a hangtag. When Ed King purchased it in 1982, he nicknamed it “Red Eye” after its distinctive appearance.

Using 3D scanning technology and ultra-precise Murphy Lab aging techniques, Gibson Custom has handcrafted an effective clone of Red Eye. Every detail has been thoughtfully replicated, from the exact playing wear to the sonic character and solid Brazilian rosewood fretboard. The figured maple tops were even personally handpicked by Jason Isbell.

Each of the 59 guitars in this Collector’s Edition release features Red Eye’s original serial number, 9 0891, ink-stamped on the rear of its headstock. Alongside this, the Collector’s Edition guitars are individually numbered from 01 through 59 to give each instrument its own unique identification.

Join host Mark Agnesi as he talks with current owner Jason Isbell about how far Isbell was prepared to go to fund the purchase of what he calls “the best guitar I’ve ever played,” why he chooses to top-wrap it, Red Eye’s remarkably clean condition, and more in this video excerpt from Gibson TV’s The Collection: Jason Isbell.