This Gibson Custom 1959 Les Paul Standard Reissue Murphy Lab Ultra Heavy Aged in Lemon Burst is a highly detailed recreation of one of the most celebrated electric guitars ever made, combining historically inspired Custom Shop construction with Gibson's most intensive Murphy Lab ageing treatment.

Built with a one-piece lightweight mahogany back, figured maple top, solid mahogany neck, long-tenon hide-glue joint and Indian rosewood fingerboard, it is equipped with a pair of Gibson Custombucker Alnico III humbuckers, ABR-1 bridge and lightweight aluminium Stop Bar tailpiece.

Important Repair Disclosure

This guitar has previously suffered a neck fracture close to the headstock. The damage has been professionally repaired.

The repair is an important part of this guitar's history and should be fully considered before purchase. Customers are welcome to contact Fair Deal Music for further information regarding the repair and the guitar's current condition.

The guitar otherwise retains its original hardware, weighs 8.58 lbs, is presented in Very Good Condition, and is supplied with its original hardcase.

At A Glance

Detail	Specification
Brand	Gibson Custom
Model	1959 Les Paul Standard Reissue
Series	Murphy Lab
Ageing Level	Ultra Heavy Aged
Finish	Lemon Burst
Body	Lightweight Mahogany
Top	2-Piece Figured Maple
Weight Relief	None
Neck	Solid Mahogany
Fingerboard	Indian Rosewood
Scale Length	24.75"
Frets	22 Historic Medium Jumbo
Pickups	2 x Custombucker Alnico III
Bridge	ABR-1
Tailpiece	Lightweight Aluminium Stop Bar
Hardware	Original
Weight	8.58 lbs
Condition	Very Good – Professionally Repaired Neck Fracture
Included	Original Hardcase
Main Appeal	High-spec Murphy Lab '59 Reissue with original hardware

Condition Overview

Very Good Condition – Professionally Repaired Neck Fracture

This guitar is presented in Very Good Condition, taking into account both its deliberate Murphy Lab ageing and its documented repair history.

Important Structural Repair

The guitar has previously suffered a neck fracture close to the headstock.

The damage has been:

• Professionally repaired
• Stabilised for continued use
• Clearly disclosed as part of the guitar's history

This is not part of the factory Murphy Lab ageing treatment.

The repair should be considered separately from the deliberately distressed lacquer and aged hardware.

Customers are welcome to contact Fair Deal Music directly for additional information regarding the repaired area before purchasing.

Murphy Lab Ageing vs Previous Damage

This guitar was factory-finished using Gibson's Ultra Heavy Aged Murphy Lab treatment.

That intentionally creates:

• Extensive lacquer checking
• Simulated finish wear
• Aged hardware
• Edge wear
• Handling marks
• Playing wear
• Vintage-style patina

These factory-applied details are deliberate.

The previous neck fracture near the headstock is a genuine structural repair and is not part of the Murphy Lab treatment.

This distinction is important when assessing the guitar's condition.

What's Included?

✔ Gibson Custom 1959 Les Paul Standard Reissue Murphy Lab Ultra Heavy Aged Lemon Burst
✔ Original Hardcase
✔ Original Hardware

No other accessories are included unless pictured or stated.

Originality

This guitar retains its original hardware.

Confirmed original hardware includes the guitar's factory hardware configuration rather than replacement aftermarket parts.

No claim is made regarding paperwork or Certificate of Authenticity unless specifically pictured or stated as included.

Fair Deal Quality Control Assessment

This pre-owned Gibson Custom has been assessed for general operation and playability.

Checks include:

• Professionally repaired neck area
• Neck stability
• Headstock area
• Neck pickup operation
• Bridge pickup operation
• 3-way selector
• Both volume controls
• Both tone controls
• Output jack
• Fingerboard condition
• Frets
• Nut
• Kluson tuning machines
• ABR-1 bridge
• Stop Bar tailpiece
• General hardware
• Structural condition
• Overall setup
• General playability

The previous neck fracture is specifically disclosed rather than being treated simply as cosmetic wear.

Service / Setup Work

All pre-owned guitars at Fair Deal Music are checked for general setup and playability before leaving the shop.

Key areas assessed include:

• Action
• Neck relief
• Fret condition
• Intonation
• Tuning stability
• Pickup operation
• Electronics
• Bridge adjustment
• Neck stability
• Hardware
• General playing feel

Because this instrument has undergone a significant structural repair, customers requiring further details are encouraged to speak with our team before purchase.

What Makes The Gibson Custom 1959 Les Paul Standard Reissue Special?

The 1959 Les Paul Standard represents one of the most celebrated specifications in electric guitar history, and Gibson Custom's Historic Reissue programme is designed to recreate that construction as closely as practical.

This Murphy Lab example combines a one-piece lightweight mahogany back, figured maple top, long-tenon hide-glue neck joint, rosewood fingerboard, Custombucker pickups and historically styled hardware with Ultra Heavy ageing intended to reproduce the appearance and feel of a guitar that has seen decades of extensive use.

Murphy Lab Ultra Heavy Aged

Ultra Heavy Aged is one of the most intensive treatments offered by Gibson's Murphy Lab.

The nitrocellulose lacquer is deliberately aged to replicate the checking, wear and patina associated with a heavily played late-'50s instrument.

The hardware is also extensively aged to complement the finish.

Rather than simply applying cosmetic scratches, the treatment is intended to create an instrument that feels broken-in across:

• Neck
• Body edges
• Hardware
• Finish
• Contact areas

Lightweight Mahogany Body

The guitar uses a one-piece lightweight mahogany back with no weight relief.

This follows the construction principles associated with late-'50s Les Paul Standards.

At 8.58 lbs, this individual example is comparatively manageable for a traditionally constructed, non-weight-relieved Les Paul.

Figured Maple Top

A two-piece figured maple top is fitted to the mahogany body using hide glue.

The Lemon Burst finish allows the natural figure of the maple to remain a major visual feature.

Lemon Burst Finish

Lemon Burst recreates the faded appearance associated with vintage sunburst Les Pauls whose original red pigment has diminished over time.

Combined with Ultra Heavy ageing, it gives the guitar an intentionally well-used, decades-old appearance.

Solid Mahogany Neck

The guitar uses a solid mahogany neck with a traditional long neck tenon.

The neck is joined to the body using hide glue as part of Gibson Custom's Historic Reissue construction approach.

50s Rounded Medium C Profile

The neck uses a 50s Rounded Medium C profile.

This gives the guitar a substantial traditional feel without moving into an exaggeratedly oversized neck shape.

It is particularly well suited to:

• Blues
• Classic rock
• Chord work
• Lead playing
• Players who prefer fuller vintage-style necks

Indian Rosewood Fingerboard

The fingerboard is made from Indian rosewood and features:

• 12" radius
• 22 Historic Medium-Jumbo frets
• Cellulose nitrate trapezoid inlays
• Traditional Gibson scale length

24.75" Scale Length

The traditional 24.75" Gibson scale provides a slightly softer feel than a typical 25.5" scale guitar.

This particularly benefits:

• String bending
• Wide vibrato
• Blues phrasing
• Lead playing
• Lower-tension chord work

Custombucker Alnico III Pickups

The guitar is equipped with a pair of Gibson Custombucker Alnico III humbuckers.

These pickups are designed around the response of late-'50s PAF-style units, with relatively open dynamics rather than modern high-output compression.

They work particularly well for:

• Blues
• Classic rock
• Clean tones
• Edge-of-breakup amplifiers
• Vintage-style overdrive
• Dynamic lead playing

Traditional Hand-Wired Controls

The electronics use:

• Neck Volume
• Bridge Volume
• Neck Tone
• Bridge Tone
• 3-Way Switchcraft Selector
• CTS 500K Audio Taper Pots
• Paper-in-Oil Capacitors

This is a traditional passive Les Paul control arrangement without modern switching systems.

ABR-1 Bridge

The guitar uses Gibson's historically styled ABR-1 bridge.

Individual saddles provide accurate intonation adjustment while maintaining the traditional Les Paul feel and appearance.

Lightweight Aluminium Stop Bar

The ABR-1 is paired with a lightweight aluminium Stop Bar tailpiece.

This is an important part of the historic-style specification.

Kluson Single-Line, Single-Ring Tuners

The guitar uses traditional-style Kluson single-line, single-ring tuning machines.

These complement the late-'50s-inspired aesthetic and specification.

Original Hardware

The guitar retains its original hardware, an important consideration on a high-spec Gibson Custom instrument.

The Murphy Lab ageing visible on the metal components is intentional factory treatment.

Weight

8.58 lbs

This is the actual measured weight of this individual guitar.

For a full-thickness, non-weight-relieved Les Paul Standard Reissue, 8.58 lbs makes it a particularly appealing weight for players who want traditional construction without an excessively heavy instrument.

1959 Reissue vs Standard Production Les Paul

The Gibson Custom Historic Reissue specification differs substantially from a standard production Les Paul.

Key differences include features such as:

• Lightweight one-piece mahogany back
• No weight relief
• Hide-glue construction
• Long neck tenon
• Historic plastics
• Custombucker pickups
• Historic-style hardware
• Murphy Lab aged nitro finish

The aim is to reproduce the construction and feel of late-'50s examples rather than modernise the design.

Who Is It For?

Vintage-inspired Les Paul players – Historic-style construction and Custombucker pickups provide the classic platform.

Blues guitarists – Alnico III humbuckers and traditional Gibson scale suit expressive playing beautifully.

Classic rock players – The '59 Les Paul format remains one of the defining sounds of guitar-driven rock.

Players who value lighter Les Pauls – At 8.58 lbs, this is notably manageable for a non-weight-relieved Historic Reissue.

Players comfortable with repaired vintage-style instruments – The neck fracture has been professionally repaired but remains an important part of the guitar's history.

Buyers focused on playing rather than untouched collectability – The repair makes this better suited to someone who values the instrument as a high-level player's guitar.

Suitable Genres & Applications

Particularly well suited to:

• Blues
• Blues rock
• Classic rock
• Hard rock
• Rock
• Soul
• Americana
• Country rock
• Indie
• Alternative
• Studio recording
• Live performance
• Lead guitar
• Rhythm guitar

Technical Specifications

Specification	Details
Product Type	Solid Body Electric Guitar
Brand	Gibson Custom
Model	1959 Les Paul Standard Reissue
Series	Murphy Lab
Ageing	Ultra Heavy Aged
Finish	Lemon Burst
Body Shape	Les Paul
Body Back	1-Piece Lightweight Mahogany
Top	2-Piece Figured Maple
Top Joint	Hide Glue
Weight Relief	None
Body Finish	Murphy Lab Aged Nitrocellulose Lacquer
Neck Material	Solid Mahogany
Neck Joint	Long Tenon, Hide Glue Fit
Neck Profile	50s Rounded Medium C
Fingerboard	Indian Rosewood
Fingerboard Radius	12"
Scale Length	24.75"
Frets	22 Historic Medium Jumbo
Inlays	Cellulose Nitrate Trapezoid
Nut	Nylon
Nut Width	Approx. 1.69"
Pickup Configuration	HH
Neck Pickup	Gibson Custombucker Alnico III
Bridge Pickup	Gibson Custombucker Alnico III
Controls	2 Volume, 2 Tone
Pots	CTS 500K Audio Taper
Capacitors	Paper-in-Oil
Selector	3-Way Switchcraft
Bridge	ABR-1
Tailpiece	Lightweight Aluminium Stop Bar
Tuners	Kluson Single Line, Single Ring
Hardware	Original
Hardware Finish	Murphy Lab Heavy Aged Nickel
Weight	8.58 lbs
Case	Original Hardcase
Condition	Pre-Owned, Very Good
Previous Structural Repair	Professionally Repaired Neck Fracture Near Headstock

Structural Repair Note

Professionally Repaired Neck Fracture

This guitar has previously suffered a neck fracture close to the headstock.

The fracture has been professionally repaired.

This should be considered an important structural event in the guitar's history and is disclosed prominently throughout this listing.

Although repaired, the guitar should not be represented or valued as an example that has never suffered a structural break.

The repair is completely separate from the intentional Murphy Lab finish ageing.

Customers are welcome to call Fair Deal Music for additional information regarding the repair before purchasing.

Collector & Originality Note

The guitar retains its original hardware and original hardcase, which are significant positives.

However, the professionally repaired neck fracture means this should primarily be considered a high-grade player's Gibson Custom rather than an untouched collector-grade example.

For many players, this may present an opportunity to own a particularly high-spec Murphy Lab instrument where playing performance matters more than completely unbroken structural history.

Original Hardcase

The original factory hardcase is included.

Gibson specifies the model with an aged Brown/Pink Lifton-style 5-latch reissue case.

The original case forms part of this guitar's package.

Power Requirements

None.

The Gibson Custombucker pickups and traditional controls are passive.

No battery or external power supply is required.

Fair Deal Music Verdict

★★★★☆ 4/5

The Gibson Custom 1959 Les Paul Standard Reissue Murphy Lab Ultra Heavy Aged Lemon Burst is an exceptional specification built around Gibson Custom's detailed recreation of the legendary 1959 Les Paul.

Its lightweight mahogany back, figured maple top, long-tenon hide-glue construction, Indian rosewood fingerboard, Custombucker Alnico III pickups and original historic-style hardware create a highly convincing vintage-inspired playing platform.

At 8.58 lbs, this individual example is also a particularly attractive weight for a non-weight-relieved Les Paul.

The major consideration is its history of a neck fracture close to the headstock. The damage has been professionally repaired, but it remains a significant structural repair and is therefore disclosed prominently.

With its original hardware and original hardcase, this remains a highly compelling player's Murphy Lab Les Paul for someone comfortable with its documented repair history.

Customers are very welcome to contact Fair Deal Music for further information regarding the repair before purchase.

Why Buy Pre-Owned From Fair Deal Music?

Repairs on premium and vintage-style guitars should never be buried in small print.

Every pre-owned guitar at Fair Deal Music is individually assessed, with significant repairs, modifications and condition points disclosed clearly.

On this Gibson, the professionally repaired neck fracture, original hardware, original hardcase and actual 8.58 lbs weight are all stated prominently.

Why Buy From Fair Deal Music?

When you buy from Fair Deal Music, you're choosing one of the UK's most established, independent family run music retailers since 1987.

When you buy from us, you benefit from:

• Family-run independent retailer established in 1987
• Birmingham's largest independent music store
• 6,000+ Trustpilot reviews
• Expert musician-led advice
• Extensive experience with Gibson Custom and pre-owned guitars
• Pre-owned instruments individually assessed
• Structural repairs clearly disclosed
• Clear condition grading
• Secure ordering
• Fast UK delivery
• Large Birmingham showroom
• Friendly support before and after purchase

Trade In. Trade Up. Save More.

Your existing guitar could help towards the cost of this Gibson.

Fair Deal Music buys and part-exchanges guitars, basses, amplifiers, effects, keyboards and other musical equipment.

Contact our team for a no-obligation valuation and find out what your current gear could be worth towards this Gibson Custom Murphy Lab Les Paul.

Frequently Asked Questions

What condition is this Gibson Murphy Lab Les Paul in?

It is presented in Very Good Condition, taking into account its intentional factory ageing and documented professionally repaired neck fracture.

What is the exact model?

It is a Gibson Custom 1959 Les Paul Standard Reissue Murphy Lab Ultra Heavy Aged in Lemon Burst.

What is Murphy Lab Ultra Heavy Aged?

It is Gibson Custom's intensive factory ageing treatment, designed to recreate decades of heavy play wear through deliberately aged nitrocellulose lacquer and hardware.

Has this guitar suffered any structural damage?

Yes. It previously suffered a neck fracture close to the headstock.

Has the neck fracture been repaired?

Yes. The damage has been professionally repaired.

Is the neck fracture part of the Murphy Lab ageing?

No. The fracture is genuine previous structural damage and is completely separate from the factory ageing process.

Can I get more information about the repair?

Yes. Customers are welcome to contact Fair Deal Music for additional information regarding the repair before purchase.

Does it retain the original hardware?

Yes. The original hardware remains with the guitar.

Does it come with the original case?

Yes. The original hardcase is included.

How much does the guitar weigh?

This individual guitar weighs 8.58 lbs.

Is the body weight relieved?

No. This model uses non-weight-relieved construction.

What is the body made from?

It uses a one-piece lightweight mahogany back with a two-piece figured maple top.

Is hide glue used?

Yes. Gibson specifies hide-glue construction at the maple top and long-tenon neck joint.

What is the neck made from?

It uses a solid mahogany neck.

What neck profile does it have?

It uses a 50s Rounded Medium C profile.

What fingerboard does it have?

It has an Indian rosewood fingerboard.

What pickups are fitted?

It uses two Gibson Custombucker Alnico III humbuckers.

Are the pickups active?

No. They are passive.

Does it have coil splitting?

No. It uses traditional vintage-style Les Paul electronics.

What bridge does it have?

It uses an ABR-1 bridge.

What tailpiece does it have?

It has a lightweight aluminium Stop Bar tailpiece.

What tuners does it use?

It uses Kluson single-line, single-ring tuners.

Is the finish genuine nitrocellulose lacquer?

Yes. It uses a Murphy Lab aged nitrocellulose lacquer finish.

Is it suitable for collecting?

It remains a high-spec Gibson Custom instrument, but because of the professionally repaired neck fracture it is better considered a premium player's example rather than an untouched collector-grade guitar.

Does the repair prevent it from being played?

The guitar has been professionally repaired and is presented as a playable pre-owned instrument. Customers requiring further details regarding the repaired area are encouraged to speak with Fair Deal Music before purchase.

Does it require a battery?

No. The electronics are entirely passive.

Can I request a video demo?

Yes. Our Request a Video Demo service is particularly useful for this guitar if you would like to see the repaired neck area, Murphy Lab ageing and individual condition before purchasing.

Can I part-exchange another guitar against it?

Yes. Fair Deal Music considers trade-ins and part exchanges across a wide range of guitars and other musical equipment.