2000 Gibson Custom Shop Historic 1959 Les Paul Standard R9 Plain Top Unburst, 100% Original w/ 57 Classic PAFs, Case

Up for sale, a 2000 Gibson Custom Shop Historic 1959 Les Paul Standard R9 Plain Top in excellent, 100% original condition, complete with the original hardshell case. This top-tier Gibson Custom Shop Historic model faithfully replicates the myriad finer points of a 1959 Les Paul Standard ‘Burst, and this Plain Top “Unburst” variant is particularly rare, likely special ordered for Gibson’s Japanese distributor Yamano (this Les Paul was recently discovered in Japan and imported by Guitar Bar).

Weighing only 9lbs 2oz with a non-weight relieved mahogany body and a carved two-piece maple top, this R9 offers a pronounced voice when strummed unplugged, producing excellent bark in the low end with sparkling, round-sounding plain strings that makes lead lines pop with great clarity and body. The pair of ‘57 Classic PAFs have clear trebles, spongy lows and a scoop in the midrange, constructed with Alnico II magnets. There’s plenty of growl and immediacy in the bridge position, with thick, round sounds from the neck pickup. This Custom Shop Historic 1959 Les Paul Standard R9 has been professionally setup here at Mike & Mike’s Guitar Bar with 10-46 strings, low action, and accurate intonation.

Neck Specs:

-Wood: Mahogany
-Shape: “Baseball bat” C, measuring .910” 1st fret, 1.040” 12th fret
-Fretboard: Rosewood, 12” radius, flared trapezoid inlays
-Frets: Medium jumbo, faint wear on the crowns
-Scale Length: 24 3/4”
-Nut: 1 11/16”
-Tuners: Gibson Deluxe double-line
-Serialization: Six-digit stamp dates to 2000

Body Specs:

-Wood: Maple, mahogany
-Pickups: ‘57 Classic PAF x2
-Controls: Volume x2, Tone x2, Three-way pickup selector
-Harness: Gibson-branded pots
-Hardware: ABR-1 bridge, stopbar (nickel-plated)
-Plastics: One-ply cream pickguard, gold bonnet knobs, amber switch tip

The gloss Unburst nitro lacquer evokes the look of a diffused Sunburst finish, with horizontal checking across the top. Cosmetic wear limited to mild buckle worming central to the back and some minor dings (largely relegated to the back lower bout). The smooth nitro gloss on the neck profile is smooth and inviting to the palm with a few shallow marks on the profile length.

The original Gibson Custom Art & Historic hardshell case is included.