Gibson Custom Shop's Handpicked '59 Les Paul Standard Ultra Light Back recreates the 1959 Les Paul specification with a focus on reduced weight and premium top selection. Each instrument receives individual top selection at the Nashville Custom Shop before construction begins. The mahogany body with carved maple top carries a Golden Poppy Burst nitrocellulose lacquer finish, applied in the same manner as the original 1959 models. This reissue pairs period-correct construction with hand-selected tonewoods chosen specifically for their grain, figure, and acoustic properties before assembly.
The Ultra Light Back construction process targets a lighter finished weight than standard Custom Shop production runs, addressing player demands for reduced shoulder fatigue during extended sessions. A pair of humbucking pickups provides the classic Les Paul voice. Nitrocellulose lacquer allows the wood to resonate freely and ages naturally over time, developing checking and patina as vintage instruments do. Individual instruments vary in weight, finish character, and pickup voicing due to the hand-selected nature of materials and construction. Prospective buyers should contact the stocking store directly for precise specifications on the individual guitar available.
Features
- 1959 Les Paul Standard specification with mahogany body and carved maple top
- Handpicked designation confirms individually selected top at Nashville Custom Shop
- Golden Poppy Burst nitrocellulose lacquer finish over carved maple
- Ultra Light Back construction for reduced weight versus standard production
- Dual humbucking pickups deliver classic Les Paul tonal response
- Nitrocellulose finish ages naturally and develops vintage checking over time
- Hand-selected tonewoods chosen for grain, figure, and acoustic properties
- Individual weight and finish character vary due to handpicked materials



