Gibson '58 Les Paul Reissue

All of this has been covered. Mine is a Washed Cherry version with great grain. Hand made in the USA.

I must say I bough this throught the internet and I was concerned that I would be dissapointed in sound. I was VERY pleased. I had a 30 day no questions asked return policy...I knew I would keep this due to it's warm tone. I have 5 LP standards ranging from late 70s to early 2000s. This makes them all look like LP copies tonewise.

Nothing short of perfect. I only had to touch up the string height as it was a bit too low for my liking...but never buzzed (even with action of 1mm at the 12th fret)

Every LP I have owned has been bullet proof. I expect this will be the same.

No Need.

I've been playing for 30 years and I have over 40 guitars. This guitar ranks as one of my top 2 guitars due to the fabulous tone and flawless workmanship. I really expected to send it back but once I played it...it was mine. I truly though the ratings on this site were too good to be true but I'm telling you...this is truly a nice instrument. Better than I expected. I think Gibson has their act together with the Custom Shop line...

I'm pretty sure everyone is familiar with the standard les paul features. It came with all the hang tags is if the guitar was being sold in a late 1950's store window, which i thought was a nice touch. The neck is by far the fattest one i've ever played, adding a very "solid" feel to the guitar although it is a bit uncomfortable for lead playing. The frets seem to be lower and thinner than on modern les pauls, which i like since i'm used to fender style guitars. Weight isn't really a big issue since i usually play sitting down. This guitar doesn't seem too heavy anyways. The tuners, while performing their job well seem to have too course of adjustment for tuning the instrument, always causing strings to go sharp or flat. Hard to rate the features here since its basically a replica of an old guitar produced in the 50's.

The neck pup which i believe to be a burstbucker I sounds great. Clean and distorted sounds are very clear even when playing 4 note chords with a variety of voicings. The bridge pickup however is not quite to my liking. By far the most treble heavy pup i've heard in an already somewhat bright sounding guitar. The lack of wax potting becomes very apparent under a bit of distortion when the guitar begins to squeal with uncontrollable unwanted feedback. After some deliberation i decided to replace the bridge pickup with a seymour duncan sh-4 jb model pickup. I figured having a guitar that gives a satisfying sound is far more important than preserving the vintage "purity" of a reissue model instrument. The sound with the jb is much better. Although the jb is known as a very trebly pickup the highs are never ear piercing or unpleasant. I do wish it was a bit lower output, but i guess nothing is perfect.

The guitar came setup with uncomfortably high action but thats pretty easy to adjust with a few simple turns of the thumbscrews. I prefer the plain top, since i find the excessive "Flame" finishes on some les pauls to be gaudy. The plastic input jack is pretty cheap and broke 2 years after playing in a casual home setting. The generous coats of nitro lacquer give the guitar a sticky feel with a shiny appearance. I think it's the lacquer which also makes the guitar feel "high quality" and classy compared to lower cost models with satin finishes. It should be noted however, that i get a similar feel from guitars with massive coatings of polyurethane. (such as fender japan guitars)

Seems like it would withstand live playing, although personally i would be quite hesitant to play such an expensive guitar live.

Overall a good quality guitar for an inflated price. Around a year after buying this Gibson raised the price of this model by around a thousand dollars. Whats worse is, the new 58' reissues i've looked at in stores seem to have finishes that have been artificially worn. I think my les paul with a shiny new finish looks much better, and i certainly wouldn't pay 1000 dollars extra to have someone beat it up. I received this guitar as a graduation gift and am very thankful for it, perhaps to the point of constantly babying it and sometimes being afraid to play it. It seems to have held up well after a few years of usage, and I doubt I'll ever sell it. I guess the guitar's relatively high resale value and gibson's tendency to raise their prices arbitrarily pushes the overall rating to a 7.5-8.

its a les paul--same features for over 50 yrs. not too many, not too few. perfect. has the bumble bee type caps (checked them) and the newer pleked neck. not sure the caps make a big diff but they are much larger than the cheapo's they put in the pre-VOS models. The VOS finish cras rubs off nicely leaving a nice soft finish.

i was really thinking about collings (new City Limits model) or one of the other super well made les copies, but found this one on sale a the local store and it was PERFECT...why pay more for a copy that doesn't nail the sound? i love distortion but also demand a good clean sound for jazz and blues--this one does it. pups are quiet until engaged and the sound is really rich--vermont syrup in the neck position clean and nice bite to the bridge. like i said, this was the sound i was after and the clone guys seem to always be a few degrees off.

my top is plain but amazingly pretty--no mineral flaws, real pretty grain and the bottom piece has some nice little bits of flame that shimmer in the light. the back grain--straight, tight and close. the neck had a tad of relief--so i left the truss cover off for a day after a string change and continued to do super mini tweaks to get it perfect. let it sit over night and now is dead on. finish gets a 9--okay remember i was looking at collings' CL--you can't touch that. BUT if you PLAY a guitar instead of leave it in the case, this one rocks. In a few weeks the Collings would have heart breaking nicks all over it. this one, who cares--it adds to the vibe. I love the rounded VOS edges and the neck is killer--tad thinner than other 58's in the shop but steal enough beef.

along as it doesn't fall over in a stand a do a 'gibson' neck snap, this thing should hold up. being a high tech guy, i opened the cavities and the solder joints were excellent and routing nice--should hold up. at 9 lbs almost exactly, the thing is a tank. strap buttons--well, nice to look at but not as functional as a $2k instrument needs when being played. anyway a 10, as i don't know that there are any guitars more robust out there.

no clue. other than a neck warp or truss rod snap, can't imagine what could happen to it that i wouldn't want to fix myself. again the nerd in me wouldn't trust a factory tech---oh well.....

like i said, i looked at the alternative vendors as i had a naging thing about gibson's quality in the past--which sucked. guess what, they still let losers out the door and you can find them at a dealer near you--so take your time and find a good one. but when you find a killer, no other builder can match it. if it were ripped off, i would have to start another long search to find a replacement--then hope i could get a decent price on it. guitar stores are okay, but i rather be somewhere else playing.

You all know the specs. This is a 58 plaintop in beautiful washed cherry.

The sound is beyond belief. Gorgeous crunch with sweet overtones. Cleans up beautifully. Through the clean channel it's all Dicky and Duane. The combination of the lightweight mahogany and vintage circuit really nails the Holy Grail sound. I'm in love.

The guitar is beautiful. The finish is flawless. Gorgeous grain patterns for the maple and mahogany. The action was decent but there was a little too much relief in the neck. That was fixed by a quick trussrod tweak. The frets were finished very well. Lowered the action a touch and it plays like butter. Only one problem found. The nut slots for the high E and B strings were not cut straight. The other slots were not wide enough. The strings were binding. I was able to clear it up with my nut files but C'MON!!!
For this kind of money I should have a perfect nut. This really dissapointed me. Unfortunately this problem drags the rating down to a 7.

I've had a Les Paul Custom for 20 years. I never needed a backup for it. The only thing I would change on the 58 is the strap buttons. They are too small for live playing. That's it though. These guitars are built solid.

NA

I've been playing for 26 years. I waited 24 of those years for this particular guitar. Ever since I saw Jimmy Page playing his 58, I've lusted for one. Obviously I could never afford a real 58 and Gibson's Les Paul Standards througout the 70's and 80's were butt ugly. When Gibson put the reissue program together, I knew one day I would have my 58. This is my dream guitar. I have a lot of good axes but this is number 1. Gibson really did a fantastic job re-creating the Holy Grail. I can't put this guitar down. I will be buried with it.

This is a '98/'58. Vintage features at least for what Gibson was doing in '98. No knob pointers (My preference anyway). Basic Les Paul Standard flametop guitar. Neck is nice and fat. '57 classics.

This guitar sounds amazing. I'm sure there are better out there so I will not give it a 10. It has that Les Paul chunk but with better highs and an airy crispness that allows more versatility. The 57 classics are strong but not terribly hot. This helps the tone come through.

I have played this guitar through many amps however my current favorite is a Fender Pro Junior running through a 2x12 open back cab with Celestion Vintage 30s. Don't laugh at the Pro Junior, it sounds incredible and gets that old school Marshall tone when cranked without blowing you out of the room. Actually it is quite loud through this spaeker cab. I have played and owned Matchless, Other Fenders, Marshall etc. and the Jr. just works.

This axe just has a nice chimey (for a Paul) sound that sings and reacts so nicely to your playing. Dig in and play hard and you sound heavy, play lighter and you sound lighter.

It's got nice bite that doesn't sound harsh. Sounds like chunks of meat coming out of the spaekers.

The setup on the guitar was just okay, my tech got it right for me. Fat neck is so nice to play. More comfortable for long periods than my ES-335 with the 60's slim taper neck.

This guitar is a '98 with a beautiful butterscotch very flamed out top. Better than most of the '59s they are making today.

A few oversprays on the binding that I cleaned up but overall, very good fit and finish.

This guitar is solid. I need better strap buttons. Don't care for straplocks, may put the oversized PRS buttons on it. They are big enough that it is very hard for the strap to come off.

Nitro finish is correct for good tone and is aging nicely. Nickle hardware tarnishes, but that's also normal. Looks vintage. I took the pickguard off to better show the beautiful wood in the top of the guitar.

Had a couple of interactions with Gibson about other items and the experience was actually very positive.

I have been playing 25 years. Sold two LP USA Standards to get this guitar and it was worth it. I would try to get another one if something happened but I probably couldn't afford it.

I wish it didn;t have the pickguard installed when I bought it.

burstbucker pickups . Aged binding , green tuners --standard les paul features . I need a tremolo any guitar without one only gets a 9

I play anything from metal to contempory christian . This is the best sounding guitar I've ever played and I've been playing for 32 years. It has a fat sound with screaming overtones . I'm totally blown away by this guitar . I own 2 other les pauls a 2006 deluxe and a 2001 standard .I love them both but they don't compare to the 58 reissue

Gibson has been getting a bad rap lately for fit and finish . I don't see it every gibson I own is jam up . I played a u.s.a. hamer for 20 years and it doesn't compare to the gibsons .
This is the 1st custom shop guitar i've owned and the playability is amazing . My other gibsons play like butter but this one is far and away the best.

I haven't owned the guitar long But i'm sure it will live up to the gibso standard.

na

The only thing I see I don't like about the guitar is the top hat knobs . I like speed knobs but the top hats go along with the whole reissue thing.
i wish it had a kahler tremolo but I'm afraid to retrofit one it might screw up the sound
The price is high for a new one but I feel like mine was worth every penny . I got mine unplayed off of ebay .

Burstbucker 2 and 3 pickups. Sounds absolutely phenomenal, for a less overdriven sound, I would suggest the 1's and 2's (or ceramics if you want a REALLY mellow sound). This guitar is a chameleon with amazing range. The tone is fuller than a stratocaster but not nearly so bright as a maple-fingerboard stratocaster.

The action was very good, but could have been a bit lower. No real complaints, though. The finish (butterscotch burst flametop) is absolutely stunning. I can't stop looking at this thing. My only complaint is that the finish on the back and neck leave a red, waxy substance. I've read that this is intentional b/c the original 58s do this too, but it's bothersome nonetheless. This is particularly problematic on the neck, which is lightly finished but tends to feel grimy if your hands are sweaty. Having said that... come on, it's a 58 les paul!

I've been playing for 13 years. I own a Fender Stratocaster '62 reissue, Gibson J-45, Fender Telecaster Am. Std., Marshall JCM900.

This is not only the best guitar I've ever owned, it's the best guitar I've ever played. EVER. I love the way it sounds, looks, feels... everything. Having said that, it's also incredibly overpriced. Brand new, this model was priced at $4200.

2005 58 Reissue Les Paul. 22 frets, maple top on mahogany body, Burstbucker 1 and 2 pickups. Beautifule Washed Cherry Finish plain top with a hint of flame bookmatched and done in nitro. ABR bridge. Standard 58 features all around.

I play classic rock and original music, and the Les Paul is the epitome of guitar sounds IMO. Thick, full sound in the neck pickup and plenty of bite from the bridge treble pickup. I play it through a Fender Blues Jr and I can get fat, full sounds when cranked with natural break-up as well as clean sounds.

Everything about it was perfect except for one gigantic flaw: the 10th and 11th frets were not leveled properly from the factory. I expect a little more care from a Gibson Custom Shop instrument, and I had to take it into my guitar tech for leveling. This was done under warranty, and my tech was able to do it in a day so I wasn't down too long without it, but it was annoying that I had to have work done on it after spending the cash I spent on it.

A minor nit was the ABR bridge was upside down, my tech corrected that problem too. Whoever was doing QC at Gibson that day must've been asleep.

The finish is my dream finish, the washed cherry sunburst as exhibited by Jimmy Page and countless others. The light cherry sunburst on this is gorgeous and there is nary a flaw anywhere on the guitar. The neck and fretboard are perfect (after the work that was done on it) and it plays fabulously with the action down real low. Nut was cut great.

If not for the fret and bridge issues this would be a 10, but I have to knock it down because of these issues. Because they were easily corrected I won't knock it down too much, I think a 5 is fair in this case.

This guitar is built like a tank and I can depend on it. I never play without a backup, but this one is rock solid.

Gibson's customer support is great. I bought this guitar from Guitar Center and they did not have the Certificate of Authenticity, and Gibson Customer Support stepped right up and sent me another one. The warranty on it was great (as mentioned in the Fit and Finish section) and was repaired quickly.

I own a Fender Blues Junior amp, a Fender Strat, and a Fender P-Bass. If it were stolen or lost I'd definitely want another one.

This guitar is the foundation of which rock was built upon. The Les Paul is the greatest instrument ever IMO.

No need to get specific, everybody knows what a les paul looks like. However, the neck is perfect,... They call it a fat neck but it is round, but comfortable!

I play (at least try and do justice) to blues & Ol' meat n' potatoes Rock & Roll! I go dry through a Marshall Slash Signature and 1960 vintage cab. Sounds awesome with burstbuckers, I swapped the regular buckers with the creme & black from the faded series (i hate those guitars). For some reason, there's regular Creme and then there's "Historic Creme". It's like comparing the switchwashers between an epiphone and a 57 Gibson Goldtop. One is very light and the other is warm and vintage. The new pickups really make it look like a vintage instrument. I tried the 57 Classics with the nickel cover and I feel it makes the sound seem thin and whiney. Burstbucker Pros make it warm and thick.

I don't know how it come from the factory, but there is some buzzing and the electrical braided wires seemed very short that I had to add an extention to rewire a switchcraft. I guess the toggle switch broke during the shipping. And now on to the finish....

Normally, 58s are plaintops. Retailing for $2,400 but $2,100 on ebay or the street. However, on this one I spent over $3,000. About $900 short of a 59 (street price). You may ask why?... This particular model had FLAMES GALORE. As soon as I saw it, I knew I had to buy it. I sold a 79 standard just to pay for this. This is one of the nicest flames I have seen on a gibson as of yet. It definately been any 59 that I have ever seen even on pictures. It is from the center of the guitar all the way past the ends of the guitar. The neatest flames I have ever come across. Completely bookmatched and Gibson took it's time on this one, Customer Service says it's a one-off Art & Historic.

Now on to the colour. It's a Sunburst guitar. Not quite a Cherry Sunburst, nor a vintage sunburst, nor an ice tea burst. If you where to merge all the colours, that is what we have here. Closer to a "Pageburst" selling for 5000 dollars. Nice and warm reddish around the ends. Not red enough to hurt the eyes, but not dark enough to hide the flames.

The back is a standard mahogony stain. however, the grain is different and unique, the stain is mahogany on the head and back but the neck is a tad lighter and "orangier" really makes it stand out among a line-up.

Since there is buzzing on my A string, It may need a nut file. That is the only downside, but I'll leave that to my tech.

Built like a tank. I also have a few other high end guitars, among them is a 97 Slash autographed slash signature (yes, autographed and with a cobra on the neck), and a 57 Goldtop. Normally, I feel guitars are meant to be played! Although some of them are really beautiful and I would consider some of them art! For me, playability is everything. No matter how nice it is., it's no use just dusting it on the wall. I have to play them, although I take good care of them. The 57 is definately a more cared for instrument because I feel it's more delicate, and with the gold face, you can really see all the imperfections. However, on this 58, even though it's a gorgeous guitar, it feels like my main one. I'm not afraid to get it a bit worn. it's built like a workhorse and will be treated like one!

Never contacted them other than specs. Most of the time they don't know much other than what the computer says. I can name every model they have created but they can't tell me what an elegant is.

2005 '58 Les Paul Custom Shop Historic Reissue. It has 22 frets, with a plain maple top in Washed Cherry finish. Has the usual Gibson set-up: 2 volume. 2 tone, Tune-o-matic Bridge and Stop-bar tail peice. I won't go any further, as of now everybody who knows what a guitar is should know the basics of a Les Paul.

Here is where this guitar shines. The tone, the sound, the very nuances of the instrument are great! Pure Gibson tone! This Guitar covers most styles well, from blues to country to rock and hard rock. The Burstbuckers have a great vintage sound to them when driven, think Zepplin or Aerosmith. One thing this guitar is not is a metal/thrash guitar. maybe with different pick-ups but come on... this is a Custom Shop Historic Reissue!! Your not going to ruin this guitar by tampering with it.

Now for the bad: I am getting a slight buzz from this guitar. Kind of like a single coil buzz when your distortion channel is on. I will have to contact Gison on that one. Other than that this baby sings with a life all it's own.

Surprisingly with all the bad rap Gibson gets for there set-ups and finnish from the factory, this guitar was perfect. The action was right where I like it. the attention to detail was shocking. Other than the collor bleeding a little onto the binding in a few very minute spots, I could'nt find a flaw. Great job Gibson Custom Sop!!!

Well as you all know Les Pauls are some of the heaviest guitars out there and this ones no different. It's built like a tank and I don't forsee any problems. If there were to be a nuclear fall out, the only thing left would be cockroaches, Keith Richards, and the Gibson Les Paul!

When I got this guitar it was missing the customer care kit. I contacted Gibson and they were very helpfull and have already made arrangements for me to receive one. I'll check back and let you know how that went.

Beware of guitar center, They gave me a great price and the salesman was very helpfull, but to not include the care kit that Gibson includes from the factory is shameful!!

I have been playing for 20 years as both a gigging musician and a bedroom warrior. I play thru a peavey ultra tube amp with a modest assortment of pedals. I have had everything from cheap 1x12 combos to full racks of dsp gear and halfstacks. I have bought just about very guitar under the sun looking for that Les Paul sound with out the Les Paul price. Let me tell you something, it can't be done! The copies just won't do. Save your money and get the real thing. It took me 20 years to buy this guitar and I'm glad I did. Maybe I got lucky and got a good one, I just hope Gibson puts the quality and effort into every guitar the way they did mine!