Specs:
• Model: 70th Anniversary 1959 Les Paul Standard Reissue (R9)
• Finish: Aged Cherry, Murphy Lab Ultra Light Aged Nitrocellulose
• Top: 2-Piece Figured Maple (Bookmatched, Hide Glue Fit)
• Body: 1-Piece Lightweight Mahogany
• Neck: 1-Piece Mahogany (Hide Glue Set)
• Fingerboard: Indian Rosewood, Hide Glue Fit
• Neck Profile: Authentic ’59 Medium C (.860”–.980”)
• Scale Length: 24.75"
• Fingerboard Radius: 12"
• Frets: 22 Historic Medium Jumbo
• Nut: Nylon, 1.687"
• Inlays: Aged Cellulose Nitrate Trapezoids
• Pickups: Custombucker Alnico III (Unpotted)
• Controls: 2 Volume, 2 Tone, 3-Way Switch
• Capacitors: Bumblebee Reissue
• Hardware: Nickel (Lightly Aged)
• Bridge: ABR-1 (No Wire)
• Tailpiece: Lightweight Aluminum Stopbar
• Tuners: Kluson Deluxe Single-Line
• Case: 70th Anniversary Brown Lifton Reissue Case
• Certificate: 70th Anniversary COA Included
• Country: USA
• Year: 2022
• Condition: Excellent
Personal Thoughts:
This Murphy Lab ’59 Les Paul Standard Reissue (70th Anniversary) is one of those guitars that instantly commands attention — from its stunning flame maple top to its authentically aged finish that looks like it just came off a vintage stage. The Ultra Light Aging treatment is particularly convincing, adding delicate lacquer checking, gentle patina, and subtle wear that brings out the best in the Aged Cherry burst without overdoing it.
Tonally, this is the benchmark for what a great Les Paul should be. The Custombucker Alnico III pickups deliver that unmistakable ’59 character — open, airy highs, fat midrange bloom, and a touch-sensitive low end that responds beautifully to every nuance of your playing. The unpotted design keeps the tone alive and dynamic, with just the right amount of harmonic edge when pushed.
The medium C neck carve feels perfectly broken-in, offering vintage comfort without the chunkiness of earlier ’58s. Combined with the lightweight mahogany body and hide-glued maple top, it produces a resonance that you can feel through the entire instrument.
The Murphy Lab finish work is exceptional — fine checking, light oxidation, and soft rub-through in all the right places. It’s easily among the most authentic relic jobs Gibson has ever produced.
For collectors, the 70th Anniversary R9s are already considered future classics — combining Gibson’s finest modern craftsmanship with vintage-correct detailing and that touch of Tom Murphy’s artistry that makes every guitar unique.
Condition Report:
Excellent condition. Only the factory Ultra Light Aged finish present — no additional wear or modifications. Frets, hardware, and electronics are immaculate. Supplied with the original 70th Anniversary Lifton case, COA, and documentation.
Part Exchange Welcome:
Part exchange welcome. Video demos are available via our YouTube channel at Squealing Pig Guitars. Personal consignment service available via our site at a 10% rate.