Gibson Custom Shop Murphy Lab 1959 Les Paul Standard Reissue Light Aged – Golden Poppy Burst

The Gibson Custom Shop Murphy Lab 1959 Les Paul Standard Reissue Light Aged in Golden Poppy Burst is a highly detailed recreation of one of the most celebrated electric guitar designs ever made. Built in the USA by Gibson Custom Shop, it combines a lightweight mahogany body, carved figured maple top, late-’50s-inspired neck profile and Custombucker PAF-style humbuckers with Murphy Lab ageing for an authentic vintage-inspired playing experience.

Finished in thin nitrocellulose lacquer and treated using the Murphy Lab Light Aged process, the guitar features subtle simulated wear designed to recreate the appearance and feel of a well-played vintage Les Paul. The result is a premium instrument that balances historical styling and construction principles with the consistency and precision expected from a modern Gibson Custom Shop guitar.

With its Golden Poppy Burst finish, lightweight aluminium hardware, ABR-1 bridge, hide-glue assembly techniques and carefully replicated vintage dimensions, this 1959 Les Paul Standard Reissue is equally suited to serious professional performance, recording and high-end guitar collecting.

At A Glance

Key Detail	Information
Brand	Gibson
Series	Custom Shop Murphy Lab
Model	1959 Les Paul Standard Reissue Light Aged
Finish	Golden Poppy Burst
Country of Manufacture	USA
Body	Lightweight Mahogany
Top	Carved, Bookmatched Figured Maple
Neck	Mahogany
Neck Profile	Late-’50s Medium C
Fingerboard	Indian Rosewood
Frets	22 Medium Jumbo
Pickups	2 x Gibson Custombucker Humbuckers
Controls	2 Volume, 2 Tone
Selector	3-Way Toggle
Bridge	ABR-1
Tailpiece	Lightweight Aluminium Stopbar
Finish Type	Thin Nitrocellulose Lacquer
Ageing	Murphy Lab Light Aged
Construction	Historical vintage-inspired construction

What Makes The Gibson Murphy Lab 1959 Les Paul Special?

The original 1959 Gibson Les Paul Standard has become one of the defining instruments in electric guitar history. This Murphy Lab reissue takes that late-1950s blueprint as its foundation, focusing on the proportions, materials, construction principles and tonal characteristics associated with the original instruments.

Rather than simply applying an aged finish to a modern Les Paul, the Custom Shop specification places considerable emphasis on the details that contribute to the overall vintage-inspired experience. The lightweight mahogany body, carved figured maple top, late-’50s neck profile, ABR-1 bridge, aluminium stopbar and Custombucker pickups all work together to create an instrument designed around the character of the classic 1959 specification.

The Murphy Lab Light Aged treatment adds another dimension. Subtle simulated wear gives the guitar the visual character of an instrument that has already spent years being played, while retaining the precision and reliability of a newly built Custom Shop guitar.

Key Features & Benefits

Lightweight Mahogany Body

The guitar features a lightweight mahogany body, providing the fundamental construction associated with the classic Les Paul design.

The body contributes to the instrument's sustain, resonance and substantial low-mid character while the lightweight construction makes the guitar more practical for extended playing sessions.

Carved Bookmatched Figured Maple Top

A carved, bookmatched figured maple top provides both the traditional Les Paul construction and the distinctive visual appeal expected from a high-end Custom Shop instrument.

The figured maple contrasts beautifully with the Golden Poppy Burst finish, giving this model a particularly striking appearance.

Golden Poppy Burst Nitrocellulose Finish

The Golden Poppy Burst finish is applied in thin nitrocellulose lacquer, following the vintage-inspired approach of the instrument.

The finish is then treated through Gibson's Murphy Lab ageing process, creating subtle wear and character intended to replicate the appearance of a naturally aged late-1950s Les Paul.

Murphy Lab Light Aged Treatment

The Light Aged designation is important for players who want vintage character without the more heavily distressed appearance associated with heavier ageing levels.

The simulated wear is designed to suggest natural playing and handling over time, helping the instrument feel visually established from the moment it leaves the case.

Late-'50s Medium C Mahogany Neck

The mahogany neck uses a late-’50s-inspired medium C profile.

This provides a substantial but practical neck shape that suits players looking for the traditional feel associated with vintage Les Paul instruments, while remaining comfortable across the fingerboard.

Indian Rosewood Fingerboard

The Indian rosewood fingerboard features 22 medium jumbo frets, providing a familiar platform for everything from traditional blues bends and vibrato to modern lead playing.

The combination of the late-’50s neck profile and medium jumbo frets gives the guitar a distinctly vintage-inspired foundation without compromising everyday playability.

Gibson Custombucker Humbuckers

The guitar is equipped with a pair of Gibson Custombucker humbuckers, voiced around the response of late-1950s PAF-style pickups.

Their relatively dynamic response allows the player to influence the sound through picking strength, volume control and amplifier interaction rather than relying solely on high pickup output.

Expect a combination of:

• Clear note articulation

• Strong harmonic complexity

• Dynamic response

• Smooth overdrive

• Classic Les Paul sustain

• Rich bridge pickup bite

• Full, singing neck pickup tones

For players who prefer to control their sound from the guitar and amplifier rather than through excessive compression or processing, this type of pickup response can be particularly rewarding.

Traditional Les Paul Control Layout

The familiar two volume, two tone and three-way toggle arrangement provides independent control over both pickups.

This makes it easy to balance the neck and bridge sounds, roll back the volume for cleaner tones and use the tone controls to shape the response without reaching for the amplifier.

ABR-1 Bridge & Aluminium Stopbar

An ABR-1 bridge and lightweight aluminium stopbar tailpiece continue the vintage-inspired specification.

Together, these components support the instrument's traditional construction philosophy while contributing to sustain, tuning stability and accurate intonation.

Hide-Glue Assembly Techniques

The supplied specification highlights the use of hide-glue assembly techniques, reflecting the guitar's focus on historically inspired construction.

This is part of the wider approach taken with the Murphy Lab 1959 Les Paul Standard Reissue, where the emphasis is on recreating the construction principles and dimensions associated with the original era.

Tone & Playing Experience

The defining characteristic of this Les Paul is its combination of dynamic PAF-style humbucker response and classic solidbody construction.

The Custombucker pickups are designed to react naturally to changes in picking dynamics and amplifier settings. Played softly, they can provide articulate and relatively open tones; dig in harder and the response becomes more aggressive, harmonically rich and powerful.

The neck pickup is particularly well suited to warm lead tones, blues phrasing and sustained melodic playing, while the bridge pickup provides the bite and definition required for classic rock rhythm parts, riffs and lead work.

The four-knob control layout also makes the guitar highly interactive. Rolling the volume back can clean up an overdriven amplifier while retaining much of the instrument's character, making the guitar particularly effective for players who use their hands and controls as part of their sound.

Comparison Against Popular Alternatives

Guitar	How It Compares
Gibson Murphy Lab 1959 Les Paul Standard Reissue	Vintage-inspired Custom Shop construction, Murphy Lab ageing and Custombucker pickups
Gibson USA Les Paul Standard	More modern production specification and generally less historically focused
Gibson Custom Shop Historic Reissue	Similar vintage focus, with specification and ageing dependent on the individual model
Gibson Murphy Lab 1958 Les Paul Reissue	Similar Custom Shop philosophy but based around the earlier 1958 Les Paul specification
Modern high-output Les Paul	Typically more contemporary in pickup voicing and overall specification

The 1959 Reissue is particularly compelling for players who specifically want the late-’50s Les Paul experience, rather than simply a high-quality Gibson solidbody.

Who Is It For?

This guitar is aimed at players and collectors who want:

• A premium Gibson Custom Shop Les Paul

• A historically inspired 1959 specification

• Murphy Lab vintage ageing

• PAF-style humbucker response

• A late-’50s neck profile

• High-end materials and construction

• A professional recording and performance instrument

• A collector-grade guitar with genuine playing credentials

It is an especially strong choice for blues, classic rock and guitarists who want a responsive instrument that rewards changes in touch and amplifier settings.

Suitable Genres & Applications

The Gibson Murphy Lab 1959 Les Paul Standard Reissue is exceptionally versatile across:

• Blues

• Blues Rock

• Classic Rock

• Hard Rock

• Southern Rock

• Rock

• Alternative Rock

• Indie Rock

• Studio Recording

• Professional Live Performance

Its dynamic pickups and substantial acoustic foundation also make it an excellent choice for players who use vintage-style valve amplifiers, pedals and traditional recording setups.

Story & Context

The late-1950s Les Paul Standard occupies a unique position in electric guitar history. Instruments from this period have become highly sought after for their combination of mahogany-and-maple construction, PAF-style humbuckers and distinctive visual design.

The Gibson Custom Shop Murphy Lab programme is built around recreating the experience of owning and playing these historically significant instruments. The ageing process is intended to reproduce the subtle cosmetic characteristics that develop through years of use, while the underlying instrument benefits from modern Custom Shop manufacturing consistency.

This 1959 Les Paul Standard Reissue Light Aged therefore sits at the intersection of vintage-inspired guitar building, modern Custom Shop precision and collector-focused presentation.

Technical Specifications

Specification	Detail
Model	1959 Les Paul Standard Reissue Light Aged
Series	Gibson Custom Shop Murphy Lab
Finish	Golden Poppy Burst
Finish Type	Thin Nitrocellulose Lacquer
Ageing	Murphy Lab Light Aged
Body Wood	Lightweight Mahogany
Top Wood	Carved Bookmatched Figured Maple
Neck Wood	Mahogany
Neck Profile	Late-’50s Medium C
Fingerboard	Indian Rosewood
Number of Frets	22
Fret Type	Medium Jumbo
Pickups	2 x Gibson Custombucker
Controls	2 Volume, 2 Tone
Pickup Selector	3-Way Toggle
Bridge	ABR-1
Tailpiece	Lightweight Aluminium Stopbar
Construction	Vintage-inspired Custom Shop construction
Country	USA

Vintage Specification Note

This model is designed as a detailed recreation of a late-1950s Les Paul Standard rather than a vintage original instrument.

Its historical character comes from the replicated dimensions, materials, construction principles, vintage-inspired electronics and Murphy Lab ageing process, combined with modern Custom Shop production.

Fair Deal Music Verdict

★★★★★ Premium Custom Shop Les Paul with exceptional vintage-inspired character

The Gibson Custom Shop Murphy Lab 1959 Les Paul Standard Reissue Light Aged is aimed squarely at players who want more than a conventional production Les Paul.

The combination of Golden Poppy Burst, Murphy Lab Light Aged treatment, lightweight mahogany construction, figured maple, late-’50s neck dimensions, Custombucker pickups and vintage-inspired hardware makes this a particularly complete interpretation of the iconic 1959 formula.

For the guitarist who wants the feel, appearance and tonal philosophy of a late-’50s Les Paul in a modern Custom Shop instrument, this is an outstanding choice.

Why Buy From Fair Deal Music?

At Fair Deal Music, we understand that buying a high-end guitar is about more than specifications on a page. Our aim is to provide accurate information, honest advice and the confidence that comes from dealing with an experienced independent music retailer.

Whether you're looking for your next professional instrument, a serious recording guitar or a premium addition to a collection, our team can help you make the right choice.

• Expert advice from experienced musicians

• Carefully selected guitars and equipment

• Secure UK ordering

• Fast UK delivery

• Friendly, knowledgeable customer support

• Independent music retailer expertise

Trade In. Trade Up. Save More.

Thinking about upgrading to a Gibson Custom Shop instrument?

Fair Deal Music can help you explore your trade-in and part-exchange options, potentially making it easier to move from your current guitar to the instrument you've always wanted.

Speak to our team about your existing guitar and we'll help you understand the options available.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Gibson Murphy Lab 1959 Les Paul Standard a vintage guitar?

No. This is a modern Gibson Custom Shop reissue designed around the specifications and character of a late-1950s Les Paul Standard. The Murphy Lab ageing process gives it a vintage-inspired appearance and feel.

What does Murphy Lab Light Aged mean?

Murphy Lab Light Aged refers to Gibson's ageing treatment designed to simulate the subtle cosmetic wear that develops on a naturally played vintage guitar. The Light Aged level provides character without the heavier distressing found on more extensively aged instruments.

What pickups are fitted to the 1959 Les Paul Reissue?

This model uses two Gibson Custombucker humbuckers, designed to reproduce the dynamic response and character associated with late-1950s PAF-style pickups.

Does it have the traditional Les Paul controls?

Yes. The guitar uses the classic two volume, two tone and three-way pickup selector arrangement.

What neck profile does the Gibson Murphy Lab 1959 Les Paul have?

This model features a late-’50s medium C neck profile, designed to recreate the substantial but comfortable feel associated with guitars from the period.

What wood is the body made from?

The body is made from lightweight mahogany and topped with a carved, bookmatched figured maple top.

What fingerboard does it have?

The guitar features an Indian rosewood fingerboard with 22 medium jumbo frets.

What bridge and tailpiece are fitted?

The specification includes a traditional-style ABR-1 bridge and lightweight aluminium stopbar tailpiece.

Is the finish nitrocellulose lacquer?

Yes. The Golden Poppy Burst finish is applied in thin nitrocellulose lacquer and subsequently treated using the Murphy Lab ageing process.

Is this guitar suitable for professional recording?

Absolutely. Its dynamic Custombucker pickups, traditional Les Paul control layout and responsive acoustic construction make it particularly well suited to studio recording and professional performance.

Is the Gibson Murphy Lab 1959 Les Paul good for blues?

Yes. The combination of low-to-moderate-output-style Custombucker response, mahogany/maple construction and dynamic volume control makes it an excellent platform for blues and blues-rock tones.

Is this a good guitar for classic rock?

Yes. The bridge pickup offers the definition and harmonic response required for classic rock riffs and lead playing, while the neck pickup provides the warmth and sustain associated with traditional Les Paul tones.

What makes the 1959 Les Paul different from a standard Les Paul Standard?

The Murphy Lab 1959 Reissue places much greater emphasis on historical specification, vintage-inspired construction, Custom Shop materials, period-style hardware, Custombucker pickups and simulated ageing. It is designed for players who specifically want a late-1950s Les Paul experience rather than a modernised production model.

Is the Gibson Murphy Lab 1959 Les Paul suitable for collectors?

Yes. Its Custom Shop status, historically focused specification, premium materials and Murphy Lab ageing make it particularly attractive to serious collectors, while its professional-grade construction means it remains a genuine player's instrument rather than simply a display piece.