This 1989 Gibson '59 Les Paul Reissue in Cherry Sunburst, widely known amongst collectors as a “Pre-Historic” Les Paul, comes from an important period when Gibson was progressively refining its recreation of the legendary late-1950s Les Paul Standard.

Built in the USA with a mahogany body, carved figured maple top, set mahogany neck, rosewood fingerboard and traditional twin-humbucker electronics, it delivers the substantial feel, sustain and rich midrange expected from a premium Les Paul while offering genuine late-'80s Gibson character.

This pre-owned example is presented in Excellent Condition, showing only very light signs of previous use while remaining fully functional and exceptionally well presented. Serial number 9 0190. A hardcase is included.

At A Glance

Key Detail	Information
Brand	Gibson
Model	'59 Les Paul Reissue
Commonly Known As	“Pre-Historic” Les Paul Reissue
Year	1989
Finish	Cherry Sunburst
Condition	Pre-Owned, Excellent Condition
Serial Number	9 0190
Country of Manufacture	USA
Included	Hardcase
Main Appeal	Desirable late-'80s Gibson Les Paul reissue predating the Historic Collection
Best For	Vintage Gibson enthusiasts, collectors, blues, classic rock and professional use

Condition Overview

Excellent Condition

This 1989 Gibson Les Paul Reissue is presented in Excellent Condition.

Under the Fair Deal Music grading system, Excellent Condition means the guitar shows only very light signs of previous use while remaining fully functional and particularly well preserved.

Given its age, this represents a notably clean example of an increasingly desirable generation of Gibson Les Paul reissue.

What's Included?

✔ 1989 Gibson '59 Les Paul Reissue Cherry Sunburst
✔ Hardcase

✘ No Additional Accessories Included

Condition Notes

• Excellent overall condition
• Only very light signs of previous use
• Hardcase included
• Serial number: 9 0190

No specific faults, repairs or modifications are recorded.

Fair Deal Quality Control Assessment

This vintage Gibson Les Paul has been individually inspected and assessed by the Fair Deal Music team before being offered for sale.

Our checks include:

• Neck humbucker tested
• Bridge humbucker tested
• 3-way pickup selector checked
• Individual volume controls tested
• Individual tone controls tested
• Output jack checked
• Neck condition assessed
• Rosewood fingerboard inspected
• Frets checked
• Tuning machines assessed
• Bridge checked
• Stopbar tailpiece inspected
• Hardware assessed
• Body and neck joint inspected
• General structural condition checked
• General playability assessed
• Hardcase checked for basic usability

Service / Setup Work

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

Key areas assessed include:

• Action
• Neck relief
• Fret condition
• Intonation
• Tuning stability
• Pickup operation
• Electronics
• Bridge setup
• Hardware
• General playability

As with any older wooden instrument, changes in temperature and humidity during transportation can result in minor setup movement.

What Makes The 1989 Gibson “Pre-Historic” Les Paul Special?

The term “Pre-Historic” is now widely used by Gibson enthusiasts to describe the high-end Les Paul reissues that preceded Gibson's later Historic Collection. These instruments represent an important stage in Gibson's journey towards increasingly detailed recreations of the late-1950s Burst, combining vintage-inspired visual features with the construction methods and specifications Gibson was using during the 1980s.

A 1989 example is especially interesting because it comes from the final year of this particular 1986–1989 Pre-Historic Reissue generation. The figured maple top, traditional Cherry Sunburst presentation, vintage-style serial format and premium USA construction give it an identity that sits distinctly between earlier production Les Pauls and the Historic reissues that followed.

Key Features & Benefits

Figured Maple Top

The carved figured maple top provides the visual character strongly associated with the famous late-'50s Sunburst Les Pauls, giving each individual guitar a distinctive grain and flame pattern.

Mahogany Body And Set Neck

Traditional mahogany construction gives the guitar the rich midrange, sustain and substantial response that remain central to the Les Paul sound.

Rosewood Fingerboard

The rosewood fingerboard provides the familiar feel associated with classic Les Paul Standards and complements the guitar's 24.75" scale and traditional set-neck construction.

Twin Humbucker Electronics

The two-humbucker arrangement provides everything from warm neck-pickup tones to articulate bridge sounds, with independent volume and tone controls allowing considerably more blending and shaping than a simple master-control layout.

Vintage-Style Bridge And Stopbar

The traditional Tune-O-Matic-style bridge and stopbar tailpiece provide straightforward intonation adjustment and the solid string anchoring closely associated with the Les Paul design.

Comparison Against Popular Alternatives

Pre-Historic Reissue vs Gibson Historic Collection R9

The later Historic Collection R9 models pursued increasingly detailed recreation of an original 1959 Les Paul Standard. The 1989 Pre-Historic is from an earlier stage in that development, making it historically interesting in its own right rather than simply an earlier version of a modern R9.

Pre-Historic Reissue vs 1989 Les Paul Standard

A regular Les Paul Standard was Gibson's mainstream professional model, while the Reissue carried vintage-inspired appointments, figured maple tops and detailing intended to evoke the late-'50s Les Paul. The Reissue therefore occupied a considerably more specialised position within Gibson's range.

Pre-Historic Reissue vs Modern Gibson Les Paul Standard '50s

A current Les Paul Standard '50s provides a modern production interpretation of classic Les Paul features. This 1989 guitar offers something fundamentally different: genuine late-'80s manufacture, natural ageing and a recognised place in the development of Gibson's modern vintage-reissue programme.

Who Is It For?

Vintage Gibson enthusiasts – An important model for players interested in the development of Gibson's Les Paul reissues.

Collectors – Pre-Historic Les Pauls occupy a distinctive position between vintage Gibson production and the later Historic Collection.

Blues guitarists – Traditional twin humbuckers and Gibson's shorter scale provide an expressive platform for bends, vibrato and dynamically driven amplifier tones.

Classic rock players – The Les Paul's sustain, midrange and bridge-humbucker response remain ideally suited to overdriven rock sounds.

Professional players – Despite its collectible interest, this remains a serious performance instrument capable of regular studio and stage work.

Suitable Genres & Applications

Particularly well suited to:

• Blues
• Blues rock
• Classic rock
• Hard rock
• Rock
• Southern rock
• Alternative
• Jazz
• Fusion
• Studio recording
• Live performance
• Rhythm guitar
• Lead guitar
• Valve amplifier rigs
• Guitar collections

Why Choose A Pre-Historic Gibson Les Paul?

For many enthusiasts, a Pre-Historic Les Paul occupies an appealing middle ground.

It is old enough to have genuine vintage character and comes from an important period in Gibson's modern history, yet it was originally conceived as a working premium reissue rather than an untouched museum piece.

These instruments also show how Gibson's approach to recreating the late-'50s Les Paul evolved. They should not be viewed as identical in specification to a modern R9; much of their appeal lies precisely in the differences.

For a player or collector wanting an unusual Gibson with genuine historical relevance, a clean 1989 example is considerably more distinctive than a conventional modern Les Paul Standard.

Story & Context

During the 1980s, demand was growing for Les Pauls that more closely captured the appearance and feel of Gibson's highly prized late-1950s instruments.

Gibson responded with a succession of premium Les Paul Reissues featuring details such as figured maple tops, vintage-style Sunburst finishes, nickel hardware and more traditional visual appointments.

These guitars predated the formal Historic Collection, leading later players and collectors to adopt the nickname “Pre-Historic”.

The specification evolved throughout the period rather than following one completely fixed formula, which is an important part of their identity. They represent Gibson actively working towards the historically focused reissues that would become a major part of the company's premium electric guitar range during the following decade.

This 1989 Cherry Sunburst example comes from the closing stage of that early reissue period and carries the vintage-style serial number 9 0190.

Technical Specifications

Specification	Details
Product Type	Solid Body Electric Guitar
Brand	Gibson
Model	Les Paul Reissue
Reissue Inspiration	1959 Les Paul Standard
Common Collector Name	Pre-Historic
Year	1989
Serial Number	9 0190
Country of Manufacture	USA
Finish	Cherry Sunburst
Body Shape	Les Paul
Body Material	Mahogany
Top Material	Carved Figured Maple
Neck Material	Mahogany
Neck Construction	Set Neck
Fingerboard Material	Rosewood
Scale Length	24.75"
Number of Frets	22
Fingerboard Inlays	Trapezoid
Pickup Configuration	HH
Pickups	Twin Humbuckers
Electronics	Passive
Controls	2 Volume, 2 Tone
Switching	3-Way Toggle
Bridge	Vintage-Style Tune-O-Matic / ABR-1
Tailpiece	Stopbar
Hardware Finish	Nickel
Tuning Machines	Vintage-Style
Included	Hardcase
Condition	Pre-Owned, Excellent Condition

Vintage Specification Note

The late-'80s Gibson Les Paul Reissues commonly referred to as Pre-Historics evolved throughout their production and should not automatically be assigned the exact construction details of later Historic Collection R9 models.

For example, period research shows that these earlier Reissues did not universally use the later Historic-style long neck tenon, despite otherwise adopting numerous visual and construction cues from late-1950s Les Pauls.

Likewise, pickup specifications changed during this period. This listing therefore describes the current guitar as fitted with twin humbuckers without making an unsupported claim regarding the exact pickup model or originality.

Serial Number Note

The vintage-style ink-stamped serial format used on these Reissues differs from Gibson's conventional eight-digit USA serial system.

On this generation, the first digit represents the year of manufacture. Serial 9 0190 is therefore consistent with 1989 production.

Power Requirements

No battery or external power supply is required.

The traditional humbucker electronics are passive and connect to an amplifier, pedalboard, modeller or audio interface using a standard 1/4" instrument cable.

Fair Deal Music Verdict

★★★★★ 5/5

This 1989 Gibson '59 Les Paul Reissue “Pre-Historic” in Cherry Sunburst is a particularly compelling instrument for anyone interested in the history of Gibson's vintage Les Paul programme.

It combines the essential ingredients players expect from a premium Les Paul—mahogany construction, figured maple top, rosewood fingerboard, twin humbuckers and traditional hardware—with an identity that is unmistakably tied to late-'80s Gibson production.

The Excellent Condition is a major attraction on an instrument of this age, while the included hardcase adds practical value.

For the player or collector who wants something more unusual than a contemporary R9 or standard production Les Paul, this is a highly desirable example from an important transitional chapter in Gibson history.

Why Buy Pre-Owned From Fair Deal Music?

Older and collectible guitars need to be judged as individual instruments rather than simply by catalogue specifications.

Every pre-owned guitar at Fair Deal Music is individually assessed before sale so its condition, functionality and included items can be clearly represented.

For instruments such as this Pre-Historic Les Paul, that individual assessment is particularly important given the specification variations that occurred across different years of production.

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.

Fair Deal Music is Birmingham's largest independent music store, combining a major showroom with nationwide ecommerce and decades of experience buying, selling and part-exchanging new, pre-owned and vintage musical equipment.

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 and vintage guitars
• Pre-owned instruments individually assessed
• 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 gear could help towards the cost of this Gibson.

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

Contact our team for a no-obligation valuation and find out what your existing gear could be worth towards this 1989 Gibson Pre-Historic Les Paul Reissue.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does “Pre-Historic” mean on a Gibson Les Paul?

“Pre-Historic” is an enthusiast and collector term for Gibson's vintage-inspired Les Paul Reissues produced before the later Historic Collection became established.

Is “Pre-Historic” the official model name?

No. The guitar was sold as a Gibson Les Paul Reissue. Pre-Historic became the widely recognised term used to distinguish these earlier reissues from later Historic Collection instruments.

Is this intended to recreate a 1959 Les Paul?

Yes. The Sunburst Pre-Historic Reissue is generally regarded as Gibson's late-'80s interpretation of a 1959-style Les Paul Standard.

What year is serial number 9 0190?

The reissue-style serial format places this example in 1989.

Is the serial number supposed to look different from a normal 1989 Gibson?

Yes. Gibson used a vintage-inspired ink-stamped numbering format on these Reissues rather than the conventional eight-digit impressed USA serial commonly found on other Gibson models.

Is a Pre-Historic exactly the same as a modern R9?

No. There are important differences in construction and historical accuracy. A Pre-Historic should be appreciated as a product of its own era rather than treated as an identical predecessor to the modern R9.

Does it have a figured maple top?

Yes. Figured carved maple tops are a defining visual feature of the Sunburst Pre-Historic Les Paul Reissue.

Does it have a rosewood fingerboard?

Yes. It uses a rosewood fingerboard with trapezoid inlays.

What scale length does it use?

It uses Gibson's traditional 24.75" scale length.

What pickups are fitted?

The guitar has a twin-humbucker configuration. The exact pickup model is not stated here because pickup specifications changed during this period and should be confirmed on the individual instrument rather than assumed.

Is this guitar suitable for regular playing?

Absolutely. Despite its growing collector interest, it remains fundamentally a professional Gibson Les Paul designed to be played.

Is it particularly collectible?

Pre-Historic Les Paul Reissues have developed considerable interest because of their relatively limited production, figured tops and place in the development of Gibson's later Historic Collection.

Does it come with a hardcase?

Yes. A hardcase is included with this example.

Is the hardcase original?

No claim is made regarding original factory case status unless separately confirmed. The hardcase currently accompanying the guitar is included in the sale.

Can I request detailed photographs or a video?

Yes. Our Request a Video Demo service is especially useful for older and collectible guitars, allowing you to examine the individual figured top, finish and overall condition before purchasing.

Can I part-exchange another guitar against it?

Yes. Fair Deal Music buys and part-exchanges a wide range of modern, premium and vintage musical equipment. Contact our team for a no-obligation valuation.