Specs:
• Model: Gibson Custom Shop Historic Collection ’59 Les Paul Standard Reissue
• Finish: Heritage Cherry Sunburst – Nitrocellulose
• Body: Mahogany with Carved Maple Top
• Neck: Mahogany – ’59 Rounded Profile
• Fingerboard: Super Dark Rosewood
• Scale Length: 24.75"
• Radius: 12"
• Frets: Medium Jumbo
• Inlays: Aged Cellulose Nitrate
• Pickups: Burstbucker Set (Period-Correct for 2004 Historics)
• Controls: 2 Volume, 2 Tone, 3-Way Switch
• Hardware: Nickel
• Bridge: ABR-1 (Vintage Spec)
• Tailpiece: Lightweight Aluminum
• Tuners: Kluson Deluxe
• Case: Original Brown Gibson Custom Shop Case + COA
• Country: USA
• Year: 2004
• Condition: Very Good (Player Grade)
Personal Thoughts:
The early–mid 2000s Historic Collection guitars have become something of a cult favourite. They’re pre-VOS, pre-Murphy Lab, and they have a very distinctive vibe that feels rawer and more “vintage-correct” in certain ways. This 2004 R9 is exactly that kind of guitar: a Heritage Cherry Sunburst that has started to soften and fade in places, with natural dye sinking that echoes real late-’50s examples.
The dark, almost ebony-looking rosewood board is the star of the show — these boards were shockingly good in the early 2000s and Gibson hasn’t really offered wood like this in years. Tonally, these Burstbuckers have a slightly hotter, more mid-forward character than today’s Custombuckers, giving the guitar a punchy, muscular voice with plenty of bite.
This one has honest, genuine playwear — not artificial relicing — and that gives it huge mojo. It feels like a “real” Les Paul that has been loved and used, not a case queen.
Condition Report:
Good, leaning heavily toward player-grade. Moderate impressions in various places, light scratches, some dye fade from age, and normal handling wear some some knocks and impressions. Nothing structural, just the kind of natural patina you expect from a 20-year-old Historic. Frets remain healthy, hardware aged naturally. COA and original case included.
Part Exchange Welcome:
Part exchange welcome. Video demos are available via our YouTube channel at Squealing Pig Guitars. Personal consignment service is available via our site at a 10% rate.