#0 1490

The sunburst Les Paul Standard is the most iconic electric guitar ever made. For collectors, nothing quite sets pulses racing like the chance to own a vintage Les Paul that has not only been featured in the legendary 1996 book The Beauty of the Burst but also has bona fide rock star connections.

This guitar, which sports the serial number 0 1490 and is nicknamed “Sunny,” shipped in 1960 and features transitional specifications, with 1959 parts and cosmetics joined by a typical 1960 SlimTaper neck profile – a desert island combination for many players. Sold by the original owner’s widow to a prominent collector during the 1980s, eventually, the instrument changed hands and a few years ago found its way to Metallica guitarist Kirk Hammett, who has used it extensively.

Even among Bursts, this is a special guitar indeed. The maple top’s extensive side-to-side figuring is a rare and desirable trait that significantly increases its value compared to plainer vintage examples, while the original cherry sunburst retains a rich red color around the perimeter.

With original fret wire and no major modifications, this guitar is presented in the kind of condition collectors dream of. At some point, it appears that the original tuning keys were replaced with an aftermarket style, but correct 1950s Kluson single line/single ring tuners with replacement tips have since been restored, and there is only a small amount of finish touch-up visible from this work. The instrument comes with its original Lifton Faultless case, the condition and cleanliness of which matches the guitar.

Availability Date: The purchased instrument will be available for pickup at the Gibson Garage in Nashville, or shipment to an address in the US, starting May 18th, 2023.

A NEW WARRANTY AND LETTER OF APPRAISAL

As part of Gibson’s world-first Gibson Certified Vintage program and a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for collectors, this 1960 Les Paul Standard comes with an array of exclusive extras. Alongside a certificate of authenticity and limited lifetime warranty, in addition to its original Lifton case, the guitar will also ship with a Gibson Deluxe Protector Case. Enclosed will be a detailed letter of appraisal confirming the provenance and history of the instrument, signed by both Gibson’s Senior Director of Product Development, Mat Koehler, and Director of Brand Experience, Mark Agnesi. The buyer will also receive a one-of-one coffee table book from Gibson Publishing featuring stunning, immersive photography of the guitar, a brand-new interview with Kirk Hammett, and more. In addition, the instrument will ship with an exclusive portrait print of Hammett posing with the guitar, shot by legendary rock photographer Ross Halfin in Los Angeles. Last – and by no means least – the buyer will receive a Les Paul from Gibson Custom’s acclaimed Made 2 Measure program with their choice of a VOS, gloss, or Murphy Lab-aged finish.