Specifications:
Model: Gibson Custom Shop Collector’s Choice #4 “Sandy” '59 Les Paul Standard Reissue
Year: 2011
Finish: Dirty Lemon Burst (Aged Nitrocellulose Lacquer)
Top: Highly Figured Maple (Hand-Selected for Accuracy to the Original "Sandy" Burst)
Body: One-Piece Mahogany
Neck: One-Piece Mahogany (Authentic 1959 Profile)
Fingerboard: Rosewood with Aged Trapezoid Inlays
Frets: 22 Medium Jumbo
Scale Length: 24.75”
Nut Width: 1.687” (Nylon Nut)
Pickups: Gibson Custom Bucker (Underwound for Vintage PAF Accuracy)
Electronics:
2 x Volume, 2 x Tone (Hand-Wired with Bumblebee Capacitors)
3-Way Toggle Switch
Bridge: ABR-1 Tune-O-Matic with Lightweight Aluminum Stopbar Tailpiece
Tuners: Kluson Deluxe Single Line, Double Ring
Hardware: Nickel (Aged)
Personal Thoughts:
The Collector’s Choice #4 "Sandy" Les Paul is one of the most desirable reissues from the Gibson Custom Shop, faithfully recreating the legendary 1959 Burst owned by Tom Wittrock. This 2011 Aged Version takes the authenticity even further, with a gorgeous Dirty Lemon Burst finish that has naturally faded hues, replicating the iconic vintage aesthetic of the original guitar. The hand-aged lacquer, checking, and subtle relic work make this feel like a true road-worn ‘59 Les Paul, right down to the slight wear on the hardware.
Tonally, this is as authentic as it gets for a '59 reissue. The Custom Buckers are low-wound, PAF-style pickups that deliver incredible warmth, clarity, and dynamic response—from woody, vocal-like cleans to thick, harmonically rich overdrive, this is the quintessential ’59 Les Paul tone. The hand-wired Bumblebee capacitors ensure that the controls are smooth and responsive, allowing for a wide range of tones with just a roll of the volume or tone knob.
The neck profile is spot-on for a late-’50s Les Paul, with a comfortable, slightly chunky feel that’s perfect for both chording and lead work. The one-piece mahogany body and maple top combination create a resonant, lively feel, with sustain for days. The aged Kluson Deluxe tuners and lightweight aluminum stopbar tailpiece add to the vintage accuracy, while the hand-selected flame maple top ensures that this guitar has the stunning looks to match its legendary tone.
Condition Report:
This Gibson Custom Shop Collector’s Choice #4 "Sandy" is in excellent condition, considering its factory-aged finish. The relic work is all Gibson-original, including the lacquer checking, hardware wear, and finish fading, making this an extremely realistic vintage recreation. The rosewood fretboard is pristine, with frets showing minimal wear.
The hardware is naturally aged as part of the Collector’s Choice series, with the nickel plating showing intentional wear on the bridge, tuners, and tailpiece for a truly broken-in vintage look. All electronics function flawlessly, with no noise, crackling, or issues in any of the controls or pickups.
This guitar comes complete with its original Gibson Custom Shop hardshell case, Certificate of Authenticity (COA), and all case candy, making it a highly collectible, top-tier reissue of one of the most famous '59 Bursts ever recorded. Whether you're looking for a serious collector's piece or a killer player's guitar with vintage accuracy, this Sandy Les Paul delivers in every way.