Gibson '58 Les Paul Reissue

'01,butter, has a 81 xxxx digit s/n, they were running out of numbers so they put the year behind the 8 on some of the '01s. Solid one piece mahogany body/neck with AA flame maple top, 2 57 classic humbucking pickups, indian rosewood,nitro cellulose, finish, kluson tuners, light weight @ 8+1/2 lbs.got the complete pkg. w/papers,historic case, flame better than the 40th ann. 59 i had. for tonal variety you need to spin the knobs and play with the switch

I can nail jimmie pages sound, paul kossofs,its there! i use a dist. box,chorus,wah.thru a jtm45. The classic 57 pickups loose the treble and most of the gain when you turn down at the guitar, I think a small cap on the vol pot will remedy this.if not i will be looking for some pickups. If you run your guitar wide open all the time and use channel switching for different sounds or effects rack you will still have full gain going to them, so pretty much the same sound unless you can decrease the gain and hold on to the treble, a hard feat to accomplish with the stock setup. It works with my explorers but i have ceramic pickups(waiting for the ohhs here)yes ceramic pickups that have un godly amounts of gain but they clean up as you turn down and maintain there edge, i can sound as clean as a strat (well good enuff to mimic the romantics what i like about you)and nudge the guitars volume and theres my nice bit of distortion, i run my guitar as low as 2 on the volume and 3-5 its got a great lead sound, the sound pretty much goes over the edge around 8 on the knob so i never turn it all the way up.( i know you dont believe me)i have not been able to accomplish this with any alnico magnet pickup, they just loose it all when you turn down. i did try ceramics in a LP but the maple top really gave it a harsh treble. so if you know a pickup that holds onto its treble when you turn down and works in a LP contact me.

the playing action is the best of any les paul models they make, nice even fret edges,smooth frets and low action, the string,pickup,bridge and stop tailpiece alignment is also the best, really makes the other les paul models look bad here. Also, i played 2 studios with nice flame tops i thought i would like them but unfortunately, they felt like the weighed 20 lbs.so the better lighter wood gose to the historic line.

the typical gibson finish flaws on the neck to top joint are a familiar trademark, it looks like buffer residue along the edge from buffing heat buildup and it gathers along this joint but thats been there forever and i see it on every single les paul i have played and owned, i have some pencil point size blisters on the back, also seen on others. some finish buffing burn thru on the edge of headstock

i have droped les pauls and they never broke where other guitars i have droped have. i screw the strap directly on to the guitar with big washers and screws, strap locks break and occassionally straps brake too, im use to folding my strap over the guitar when i put it in the case,only way to go.Les pauls always tune and hold it better than any guitar i have played i cant say for the thin neck ones as i like the chunky neck ones.

i emailed them and got a answer in a couple days-pretty good considering the flood of emails they get.

38 years! wow! several other guitars and amps, i would replace it if it were stolen as i have had 2 les pauls stolen on me before. Playing les PauLs since '71 or so, i have a explorers too. I love the way It holds onto a tune, i wish they would make a cherry sunburst time capsule that still looked like cherry sunburst, all the finishes they have on the 58s dont have any cherry in them, also dont need that goofy gold historic emblem on the case, why dont they make an historic case? if there is no flame top 58 again in '04 these will probably zoom in value

This is a 2001 model, with the '57 PAFs, purchased new in 2003. It's the Les Paul we all know with some unique features (see below). Regarding serial numbers - if it's '8 1 + 3 digits' (ex. 8 1675) it's a 2001 model - if it's '8 2 + 3 digits' (ex. 8 2235) it's a 2002 model - more info avail. at gibson.com. I'll add that all the '58 models have the 'early 50's' neck - fat, comfortable, smaller frets, fast and fantastic - just ask Dicky Betts.

Some pertinent info I picked up from Gibson customer support relating the the '58 Les Paul reissues:

The models produced in 2001 and the first 3 or 4 months of 2002 have '57 classic PAF pickups and standard 500K Gibson pots and capacitors. These came with AA figured maple tops.

In May of 2002 they changed the pickups to Burstbuckers, numbers 1 and 2, in an effort to more closely replicate the original guitar. At some point, possibly then, they switched to the CTS pots and bumble bee caps. They continued with the figured maple tops.

The 2003 models continued with Burstbuckers (I understand that some are numbers BB numbers 2 and 3) and the CTS pots and bumble bee caps. They switched to a plain maple top.

The '57 PAFs are warmer, deeper. The burstbuckers are a bit brighter with more 'attack'. The CTS pots and bumble bee caps replicate the original electronics. The 2003 models are offered in washed cherry, faded tobacco, and iced tea finishes on plain maple tops. My 2001 model has the butterscotch finish with the AA figured maple top.

The pickup differences change the sound of the guitar - thus, not all '58 LP reissues sound (or look) the same. Try them out before you buy (duh).

The best solid body electric tone I've ever heard. I prefer the '57 PAFs for the warm clean tone and creamy overdrive. I've played other LP models with burstbuckers - didn't go it.

Fine setup - I put on a set of roundwound 10's - that's it. The neck is simply fantastic - the best action I've ever found on any guitar. The guitar is not light, but at 8.5 lbs I guess it's lighter than some other LPs. This model has the butterscotch finish. The AA figured maple is nicely matched, with even lines from top to bottom. I prefer this to the over-the-top quilt or AAAA maple tops - just a preference.

Looks like it will outlast me. Being the original buyer I have a lifetime warranty - the warranty does NOT extend to 2nd-hand buyers.

Customer support was very quick with the above mentioned info. Based on that experience, they were great.

I've played guitar for many years and love jazz - occasionally detour to delta blues. My other guitar is a Guild X-150D (check review). I wanted a good solid body in addition to my archtop - didn't plan on something this pricey, but the action / tone / appearance blew me away. If stolen, I'd cry.

Bought it used for $1,900 - mint condition with OHSC -not a scratch or blem on it.
Killer Quilt top in Butterscotch
Made in "97
Fat neck - LOVE IT - all origional equiped

Play Blues, some Jazz, Classic Rock -Allmans Brothers , Southern Blues etc.
I use a Peavey Classic 50/410 with NO pedals, Sound like the old days, That old warm tone with a tad of reverb. This '58 screams on lead. My '75 LP was the typical boat anchor, sold it on ebay to a collector of LP's for $1,200. Absolutly NO complaints here

Had it set up by a local Authorized Gibson Service, Raised the action, I like it higher than most. I adjusted the pick ups a tad also. Frets smooth as silk, Top matched quilt - amazing.

I'll use it to gig, also have a Strat, but I can't leave this at home. I let my 17 year old play as long as I can watch him. He has his own LP Birdseye top.

Did not come with the Tri-fold tag, Gibson does not want to reissue one to me either. their kind of snotty about those things, I won't need it unlesss I want to sell to a collector, which I do not plan to do. This is my dream guitar, It kind of made me mad that I've had a '75 LP for 28 years and it was made from the wood scrap yard and weighted down with poly.

Been playing about 32 years, I have a recording studio and am BMI Publisher, I gig with my 17 year old son (guitar) and 14 year old son (drummer) who both love the old classic rock, dig that!
If it were stolen, the SOB better not let me catch them. I know this sounds like a endorsement for Gibson, but having a true to spec '58 replica is very exciting, and it plays and sounds like a dream.

This is an Historic '58 Les Paul out of the Gibson Custom Shop and I just bought it recently off of the Vintage Guitar Classifieds.
The year of manufacture is 1997 and it is in the 'Translucent Red' finish with a 'figured top' I guess is what you would call it. I'm not real "up" on all of the terms used to describe some of the tops on these. I just know IT"S GORGEOUS!!! This red finish is supposedly an original color although I've never seen one in any pictures and it doesn't matter to me anyway. It is a deep cherry red with all of the grain coming through...looks somewhat like a red sky/sunset with cumulus clouds everywhere...very three dimensional. I know you would not call it a 'flame-top' but 'quilt top' comes to mind. The back is a beautiful red stained mahogany and with the creme binding and creme pickguard it just always looks as if there is a 'spotlight' on it, a presence if you will...demanding attention like any 'fine looking woman'. OK,OK...I'm getting 'too far out there'....someone pull me back!!!
Anyway...lets just say 'she's a real beauty ok.
Came with the black Historic case...nice as well.
As for 'features'...'she's' a Les Paul. What other 'features' do you need!

This guitar handles just about every type of music I know how to play...Rock, Blues, Country and a little Jazz ( very little) with ease and grace.
When I got her I just tweeked the truss rod a touch, changed the strings and now she does everything I ask her to. WONDERFUL!
I'm assuming these pickups are the Gibson Classic '57's. I have not looked at those just yet. No need when they sound this damned good!
I play mostly an old Marshall and a few old Fender amps BUT it is a real kick to play this guitar out of my Two Rock Topaz amp....HOLY COW! Wow!!!! Roll off the volume knob and things go off in a completely different direction. Amazing!

The overall fit and finish on this particular guitar is virtually flawless. I mean I literally cannot find a flaw on this guitar. The top is bookmatched and the binding is a work of art! Oh yeah...never have I seen a better fit in the neck pocket! Beautiful! Almost forgot the best part...BIG ASS NECK on her ! YEAH!!!!!! The way ALL PAULS should be!
When did Gibson finally wakeup to all of this anyway? I'm still in "shock & awe"! It plays like a PRS BUT IT"S A GIBSON! I still can't believe it! I guess this is as good as anywhere on here to talk about WHY I am so amazed on what Gibson has done on this guitar. In 1991 I bought one of the first Les Paul Classics in bullion gold. You know the one, ALL GOLD and killer to look at. Well, I have not touched a NEW Gibson since that one because it was such a PIECE OF JUNK that I never gave new Gibsons another chance. The neck twisted on that Classic so badly due to the 'wood being GREEN' that Gibson had to replace the neck for me at no charge thank God. When I got it back I finally realized what my Dad had always told me was indeed true..."You can't polish a turd". It still would not hold a tune, it weighed literally A TON and it was TONELESS and LIVELESS all with a skinny assed neck!!!! I swore I would NEVER buy another new Gibson and I didn't until a month ago when this little gem showed up. Believe me, I was a nervous wreck waiting on a 'new Gibson' and I was 'shaking' tuning this puppy up and then I hit that one note and it just 'hung there' for what seemed like an eternity! Sustain like I've never experienced! The whole guitar vibrates in your arms when you are playing it. No, it's not just me that says this....I've had five other guys play her and they all ask me now..."how do you go about leaving a guitar to someone in your will".

The 'build quality' of this Historic Gibson is unsurpassed and will last a lifetime! No one in their right mind ever gigs without a backup. I'm in no hurry to play this guitar in the places I usually play in though. It's going to be awhile before I have the guts to take 'her' into a bar...She's a little too pretty for my kind of haunts.

You know, I've only dealt with Gibson when they replaced the neck on my Classic 12 years ago so I'm going to give no opinion here because I don't know a thing about their customer support these days.
I remember with my Classic, it didn't take but two minutes to hear that they were going to go ahead and replace the whole neck and of course, it was under warranty.

I've been playing off and on for over 25 years and in 12 years I never bought a Gibson younger than 1976. I truly felt that SOME of those seventies Les Pauls were pretty darned good BUT after getting this '58 Historic I stand corrected. The were 'marginal' guitars at best and all were 'boat anchors'!
The weight ( 8.7 lbs.), the feel, the craftmanship, the attention to detail all contribute to this guitar's tone and I only hope that EVERYONE WHO BUYS AN HISTORIC LES PAUL is as lucky as I have been on this one. Although from what I read on the Les Paul Forum I guess that's not always going to be the case.
If lost or stolen....heck, lets not even think about that ok. I own a few vintage pieces that I truly cherish but this Les Paul Historic is the one play when I just want to 'getaway'.......wow!

Nice big neck but plays extremely easy. Figured top. Excellent pickups. No short cuts were made on quality for these guitars.

With a Fender Deluxe Reverb and tube screamer, nothing can touch the tone and sound of this guitar. Extremely well balanced and just right for blues, classic rock, and newer country music. It has changed me from a strat player to a Les Paul. To bad they all don't sound this good. I'll give it a 9 because nothing is perfect.

To have such a large neck, I thought it would be pure hell to play but man was I wrong! I have a 1960 classic with the small neck profile and I can actually play the large neck on the 58' better. The finish is excellent. The top looks better than some 59's I've seen at at twice the price I gave for this one.

Never had a problem with any Gibson Les Pauls. They've always held up well from years of use.

Never had to deal with them.

I would definitely recommend one of these, if you can find a good used one. The price for a new one is out there but if you have deep pockets, go for it. You will be satisfied. I've been playing for 20+ years and I wish I had one of these back in the "Good Old Days" so to speak. I think they will be the one to have down the road as far as resale value goes. Great, great guitar!

I purchased this guitar in November of 2001, its a 2001 58 reissue. It has a two piece book matched quarter sawn maple top in butterscotch. Absolutely gorgeous! Second best top in the store (the best was a custom shop LP Standard). The guitar has 57 classic humbuckers, which was supposed to satisfy my Les Paul craving and complete my collection. I want to have eventually own at least one LP each with one of the available Gibson pickups. (I'm a tone freak). Since they came out with Burstbuckers I'll have to buy at least one more! (Sorry dear). This guitar was purchased at Vic Dapra's shop and he supplied it with a cool set of vintage style hang tags, polish cloth and high quality cable. By the way, other people have noted that these guitars don?t have metal pointers on the control knobs. Mine came with these knobs!

I play blues and love the sound of humbuckers. My 1999 Les Paul Standard has the best tone of all my Les Pauls. For slide I prefer the sound of the 58 reissue but the action is much too low for slide. I will not make any changes to the set up on the 58 reissue guitar as it is perfect for finger playing, bending and chording with little effort. This guitar came from the factory set-up with .010?s. The sound of the 58 is great! Much different from any other LP model. It has a rough raspy growl and when the tone knobs are turned down it becomes smooth and creamy and seams to sustain longer than usual. Tons of sustain make this guitar a dream to jam with. The bridge pick-up is especially bright and I usually keep the tone knob at 3 or 4 and the volume knob at 10. For rhythm playing through my Marshall Valvestate this guitar is hard to handle. The neck pickup is very powerful and when I back off the volume pot, rhythm chords get a little muddy. This may be a problem with my amplifier though. I?ve never tried it through anything else (yet). With a wah pedal this guitar sounds tremendous. This guitar is definitely a lead guitarist?s dream machine. I play in a band with two other guitar players and when I fire-up the 58 it blows the other guys away!

The set-up is fast and each note frets perfectly. The fat neck is great and with the perfect set-up you can really fly! I was shocked how fast this neck was considering the fat neck style. Each fret is perfect and polished extremely well with no sharp edges. The inlays are done much better than usual, there are no jagged edges on the rosewood and the inlays are flush with the fret board. The maple flame is great and book matched perfectly. I?ve seen LP's with the strings not centered on the fret board! This really bugs me, but the 58 is perfect. I?ve also seen pickups off center, but the 58 is perfect. The Kluson tuners seem to be working well and I have not noticed any problems holding tuning.

Nitro is a bummer. It's so soft and scratches easily. I have to keep the guitar in the case and I forbid anyone to play it without me being there. God forbid this guitar ever gets scratched. Not sure how long the Klusons will last. I?ve been playing for 30 years and only wore out 1 set of Klusons on a guitar I bought used. I prefer the solid metal tuners of my LP Standard though. I would use the 58 on a gig and not worry about a back-up, although I need a back-up for playing slide guitar. Be careful with guitar straps with plastic ends or metal rivets as they will scratch the Nitro finish.

I've never dealt with Gibson directly. The local shop has always treated me well and taken care of any complaints or made any requested adjustments on new instruments at no charge. Someone told me that Gibson was supposed to send a brown hard-shell case when the warranty card is sent in on 58 reissues. So far this hasn't happened, but maybe this isn't the case (pun). I don't have room for another case anyway!

I?ve been playing off and on for 30 years (since I was 9) My first electric was an early 70's Les Paul Custom copy. I sold it in 1977, but found it and bought it back about ten years ago. I had to rebuild the electronics, tuners and refinish it. It's still a piece of crap compared to the real deal. My first real Les Paul was a 77 wine red deluxe. I sold it in 84 but alas could not track it down to buy it back so I bought another brand new one just like it in 1999.

I also own a black Stratocaster and several acoustic guitars. Strat's are amazing, they can take a beating and still polish up and look like brand new. I prefer fat strats because they have one humbucker.

If the 58 was lost or stolen I'd buy another but what I don't know. When I bought the 58 I played 3-4 others and picked this one because of the tone and play-ability.

Someday I'd like to borrow a real 58 or 59 and play if for a week or so just to see if all the hype you read about is true. I am very skeptical about that. Guitar players tend to be very sentimental about their instruments just as I am. This may be where all the hype originates from.

Reissues are very expensive. The most expensive part of the guitar is the logo on the headstock. If you can't afford one and don't have a lot of disposable income, buy a used one or another less expensive model. I bought a brand new LP Deluxe for $1200. It can be done and is a good value as long as the workmanship is up to snuff. For the money, reissues are not a good value. Time will tell though as who knows what people will pay for these guitars 25-30 years from now.

All the best hardware and electronics. Great guitar.

Like a freight train in a banshee farm-excellant!

Gibson's are hand made and must be taken on a guitar to guitar basis. I've never played a bad one. Smooth action and big comfortable neck.

Les pauls are like Harley Davidsons-need I say more?

They are great! Just don't ask too many vintage questions. They would rather you bought a new one.

I have played professionally for over 30 years. I have tried other guitars, but always come back to the king of rock-Gibson Les Paul. They put extra mustard on these historic division instruments. Incredible tone, just incredible...indescribable really.