Gibson Custom Shop 1959 Les Paul Standard BOTB #78 Murphy Lab Light Aged (080)

Part of Gibson Custom’s Greatest Hits Volume II, the 1959 Les Paul Standard BOTB #78 Murphy Lab Light Aged is a meticulous recreation of one of the most celebrated original Bursts documented in The Beauty of the ’Burst. This instrument captures the exact visual personality, proportions, and feel of Burst #78—a guitar revered for its balance of elegance, flame character, and classic late-’50s tone.

Built with a hand-selected figured maple top paired to a lightweight mahogany back, this Les Paul delivers the resonant, open voice that defines the finest vintage examples. The mahogany neck is carved to an authentic 1959 profile, offering a substantial yet comfortable grip that feels instantly familiar and inspiring. A rosewood fingerboard with aged cellulose trapezoid inlays completes the period-correct playing experience.

Electronics are handled by a matched set of unpotted Custombucker humbuckers, voiced to reproduce the warmth, clarity, and harmonic complexity of original PAFs. From articulate cleans to rich, blooming overdrive, this guitar responds effortlessly to player dynamics.

Finished by the Murphy Lab in Light Aged nitrocellulose lacquer, BOTB #78 shows tasteful checking, subtle wear, and softened hardware—providing the look and feel of a carefully preserved vintage Burst without crossing into heavy distressing. Every detail, from construction techniques to aging treatment, is designed to honor the legacy of one of Gibson’s most iconic instruments.

A true collector-grade Les Paul that also begs to be played, this BOTB #78 stands as a faithful tribute to a legendary original—and a standout example within Gibson Custom’s most exclusive reissue series.

Body Shape: Les Paul
Top: AAA Maple
Back: Mahogany
Binding: 1-Ply Royalite
Finish: Nitrocellulose Lacquer, Light Aged
Color: Beauty of the Burst #78
Neck Material: Mahogany
Neck Profile: 1959 Carmelita (.860"-.975")
Scale Length: 24.75"
Fingerboard Material: Rosewood
Fingerboard Radius: 12"
Number of Frets: 22
Frets: Historic Medium-Jumbo
Nut Material: Nylon Reissue
Nut Width: 1.687"
Inlays: Cellulose Trapezoid
Neck Joint: Set Neck
Headstock Inlay: Gibson Logo in Mother of Pearl | Les Paul Model Silkscreen
Hardware Finish: Nickel
Bridge: ’59 ABR-1 Historic Reissue
Saddle Material: Nickel-Plated Brass
Tailpiece: Lightweight Aluminum Stop Bar
Tuning Machines: Kluson Deluxe SD90
Pickguard: Laminated Cellulose Acetate Butyrate
Truss Rod: Authentic 1950s No-Tube
Truss Rod Cover: Authentic Stepped 2-Ply
Control Knobs: Gold Butyrate Top Hats
Switch Tip: Amber Catalin
Switch Washer: Replica Cellulose Acetate Butyrate
Jack Plate Cover: Laminated Cellulose Acetate Butyrate
Control Covers: Black Royalite
Strap Buttons: Aluminum
Mounting Rings: M69 Cellulose Acetate Butyrate
Pickup Covers: Authentic Profile Nickel Silver
Neck Pickup: Gibson Custombucker Humbucker
Bridge Pickup: Gibson Custombucker Humbucker
Controls: 2 Volume | 2 Tone
Pickup Selector: 3-Way Toggle
Output Jack: 1/4" Switchcraft
Strings: .010–.046
Case: Hardshell Case