This Gibson Custom Shop Murphy Lab M2M 1959 Les Paul Standard Reissue Light Aged in Golden Poppy Burst combines Gibson Custom's historically focused recreation of the legendary 1959 Les Paul with the individuality of the Made to Measure programme.

Its specification centres around a lightweight mahogany body, carved figured maple top, mahogany neck, Indian rosewood fingerboard, dual Gibson Custombucker humbuckers, ABR-1 bridge and lightweight aluminium stopbar. The Murphy Lab Light Aged treatment adds authentic-looking lacquer checking and subtle wear without the dramatically distressed appearance of Gibson's heavier ageing levels.

At an actual measured 8.74 lbs, this is a particularly appealing weight for a traditionally constructed Les Paul Reissue.

Presented in Very Good Condition and supplied with a hardcase, this is a premium player's and collector's Gibson Custom with a striking Golden Poppy Burst finish.

At A Glance

Detail	Specification
Brand	Gibson Custom Shop
Model	1959 Les Paul Standard Reissue
Programme	M2M – Made to Measure
Series	Murphy Lab
Ageing	Light Aged
Finish	Golden Poppy Burst
Body	Lightweight Mahogany
Top	Carved Figured Maple
Neck	Mahogany
Neck Profile	Late-'50s Medium C
Fingerboard	Indian Rosewood
Frets	22 Medium Jumbo
Pickups	2 x Gibson Custombucker Humbuckers
Bridge	ABR-1
Tailpiece	Lightweight Aluminium Stopbar
Weight	8.74 lbs
Condition	Very Good
Included	Hardcase
Main Appeal	M2M Murphy Lab R9 with premium vintage-inspired specification

Condition Overview

Very Good Condition

This Gibson Custom Shop Murphy Lab M2M 1959 Les Paul Standard Reissue is presented in Very Good Condition.

Under the Fair Deal Music grading system, Very Good Condition means the guitar shows some cosmetic wear consistent with careful previous ownership while remaining fully functional.

It is important to distinguish genuine signs of use from the guitar's intentional Murphy Lab Light Aged treatment. Lacquer checking, simulated handling wear and aged-looking hardware form part of the original factory aesthetic rather than indicating neglect or damage.

What's Included?

✔ Gibson Custom Shop Murphy Lab M2M 1959 Les Paul Standard Reissue
✔ Hardcase

No additional accessories are included unless pictured or stated.

The supplied hardcase has not been confirmed as the original Gibson Custom Shop case, so no claim of originality is made.

Murphy Lab Light Aged Finish

The Murphy Lab Light Aged process is designed to recreate the appearance and feel of a vintage guitar that has been played and carefully used over many years.

Compared with Gibson's heavier Murphy Lab treatments, Light Aged keeps the ageing relatively restrained.

Typical factory-created characteristics include:

• Fine lacquer checking
• Subtle finish wear
• Lightly aged hardware
• Broken-in visual character
• Vintage-inspired patina
• Reduced "brand-new" feel

This ageing is intentional and forms part of the original specification.

M2M – Made to Measure

This guitar was produced through Gibson Custom's Made to Measure programme.

M2M instruments allow selected specifications and cosmetic details to be configured beyond standard catalogue production, creating more individual Custom Shop guitars.

Because M2M builds can differ from one another, this listing records the specifications confirmed for this particular configuration rather than assuming additional custom options.

Fair Deal Quality Control Assessment

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

Assessment includes:

• Neck pickup operation
• Bridge pickup operation
• 3-way pickup selector
• Both volume controls
• Both tone controls
• Output jack
• Neck condition
• Indian rosewood fingerboard
• Frets
• Nut
• Tuning machines
• ABR-1 bridge
• Stopbar tailpiece
• General hardware
• Structural condition
• Overall setup
• General playability

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
• Hardware
• General playing feel

Minor setup movement can naturally occur during transport due to changes in temperature and humidity.

What Makes The Gibson Murphy Lab M2M 1959 Les Paul Special?

The 1959 Les Paul Standard has become one of the defining electric guitar designs, and Gibson Custom's Historic Reissue programme focuses on recreating its construction, proportions and playing character in exceptional detail.

This M2M example adds an individual Golden Poppy Burst finish and Murphy Lab Light Aged treatment to the established R9 formula. Its lightweight mahogany body, figured maple top, late-'50s neck profile, rosewood fingerboard, Custombuckers and historically styled hardware combine to create a Les Paul focused firmly on vintage feel and response.

Lightweight Mahogany Body

The guitar uses a lightweight mahogany body beneath its figured maple top.

A traditional Les Paul relies heavily on the interaction between these two woods:

• Mahogany provides depth and sustain
• Maple adds definition and attack
• The combination produces the midrange authority associated with the model

At 8.74 lbs, this individual guitar is particularly manageable for a full-thickness Historic Reissue-style Les Paul.

Carved Figured Maple Top

A carved figured maple top provides both a fundamental part of the traditional Les Paul construction and much of the visual character of this guitar.

The figuring is highlighted by the Golden Poppy Burst finish, allowing the flame and grain to change appearance as the instrument moves under different lighting.

Golden Poppy Burst

Golden Poppy Burst is a particularly striking interpretation of the traditional late-'50s Les Paul sunburst.

Its warmer golden centre and surrounding burst allow the figured maple top to remain visually prominent while giving the instrument an individual identity compared with more familiar Cherry Sunburst, Lemon Burst or Iced Tea finishes.

Combined with the Light Aged treatment, the result has the character of a carefully preserved vintage Burst rather than a heavily worn relic.

Late-'50s Medium C Mahogany Neck

The mahogany neck uses a late-'50s Medium C profile.

It provides a substantial grip without moving into an excessively oversized shape.

This profile particularly suits players who prefer:

• Fuller vintage-style necks
• Strong fretting-hand support
• Traditional Les Paul ergonomics
• Comfortable chord work
• Expressive lead playing

Indian Rosewood Fingerboard

The Indian rosewood fingerboard provides the traditional dark-board appearance associated with a '59-style Les Paul.

It features:

• 22 medium-jumbo frets
• Traditional trapezoid inlays
• 12" fingerboard radius
• 24.75" scale length

24.75" Scale Length

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

This particularly benefits:

• String bending
• Wide vibrato
• Blues phrasing
• Lead playing
• Chord work

Gibson Custombucker Humbuckers

The guitar uses a pair of Gibson Custombucker humbuckers, designed around the dynamic response associated with late-'50s PAF pickups.

Their character emphasises:

• Open response
• Clear note separation
• Harmonic complexity
• Dynamic pick sensitivity
• Smooth overdrive
• Strong but controlled midrange

Rather than relying on extremely high output, Custombuckers interact naturally with the player's picking dynamics, guitar controls and amplifier.

Neck Pickup

The neck Custombucker works particularly well for:

• Warm blues leads
• Clean chords
• Smooth classic-rock solos
• Lower-gain tones
• Singing sustained notes

Bridge Pickup

The bridge Custombucker provides:

• Crisp attack
• Classic rock rhythm tones
• Strong harmonic content
• Articulate overdrive
• Focused lead sounds

Traditional Les Paul Electronics

The controls remain deliberately traditional:

• Neck Volume
• Bridge Volume
• Neck Tone
• Bridge Tone
• 3-Way Pickup Selector

This allows the player to move from clean to driven sounds directly from the instrument when paired with a responsive amplifier.

ABR-1 Bridge

The ABR-1 Tune-O-Matic-style bridge follows the vintage-inspired specification of the Historic Reissue series.

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

Lightweight Aluminium Stopbar

The bridge is paired with a lightweight aluminium stopbar tailpiece.

This forms part of the vintage-focused construction philosophy and keeps the hardware consistent with the guitar's late-'50s inspiration.

Hide-Glue Construction

Historic-style Gibson Custom construction incorporates hide-glue assembly techniques in key areas.

This forms part of the wider effort to reproduce materials and building methods associated with original late-'50s Les Paul Standards.

Thin Nitrocellulose Lacquer

The Golden Poppy Burst finish uses thin nitrocellulose lacquer.

Nitro is central to the Murphy Lab concept because it can develop checking and wear patterns that convincingly replicate an older instrument.

The Light Aged treatment deliberately accelerates this visual ageing process.

Weight

8.74 lbs

This is the actual measured weight of this individual guitar rather than a generic manufacturer estimate.

For a traditionally constructed Les Paul Reissue, 8.74 lbs is a particularly appealing weight and contributes to a comfortable balance without sacrificing the substantial physical feel expected from the model.

M2M R9 vs Standard Gibson USA Les Paul

A Gibson USA Les Paul Standard is a professional production guitar, while the Custom Shop M2M R9 is built around a more historically focused specification.

The Custom Shop approach places additional emphasis on vintage-inspired construction, selected materials, Historic Reissue dimensions, Custombucker pickups, traditional hardware and finishing details.

The M2M programme adds a further degree of individuality to that platform.

Light Aged vs Heavier Murphy Lab Ageing

The Light Aged treatment provides deliberate vintage character while remaining comparatively restrained.

Heavier Murphy Lab levels introduce progressively more extensive simulated finish and hardware wear.

Light Aged is particularly attractive for players who want:

• Visible lacquer checking
• A broken-in appearance
• A vintage-style feel
• Subtle hardware ageing

without the much more distressed appearance of Heavy or Ultra Heavy Aged instruments.

Who Is It For?

Les Paul enthusiasts – A premium interpretation of the celebrated 1959 specification.

Blues players – Dynamic Custombuckers and Gibson's shorter scale excel for expressive lead work.

Classic rock guitarists – The R9 platform delivers the traditional humbucker response associated with countless landmark recordings.

Collectors – M2M construction and Golden Poppy Burst provide additional individuality.

Professional players – Premium construction, manageable weight and straightforward passive electronics make it equally suited to stage and studio use.

Players who prefer lighter Les Pauls – At 8.74 lbs, this example offers traditional construction at an appealing individual weight.

Suitable Genres & Applications

Particularly well suited to:

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

Technical Specifications

Specification	Details
Product Type	Solid Body Electric Guitar
Brand	Gibson Custom Shop
Model	1959 Les Paul Standard Reissue
Programme	M2M – Made to Measure
Series	Murphy Lab
Ageing Level	Light Aged
Finish	Golden Poppy Burst
Country of Manufacture	USA
Body Shape	Les Paul
Body Material	Lightweight Mahogany
Top Material	Carved Figured Maple
Body Finish	Thin Nitrocellulose Lacquer
Neck Material	Mahogany
Neck Joint	Set Neck
Neck Profile	Late-'50s Medium C
Fingerboard Material	Indian Rosewood
Fingerboard Radius	12"
Scale Length	24.75"
Number of Frets	22
Fret Size	Medium Jumbo
Fingerboard Inlays	Trapezoid
Pickup Configuration	HH
Neck Pickup	Gibson Custombucker
Bridge Pickup	Gibson Custombucker
Electronics	Passive
Controls	2 Volume, 2 Tone
Switching	3-Way Toggle
Bridge	ABR-1
Tailpiece	Lightweight Aluminium Stopbar
Construction Details	Vintage-Inspired / Hide-Glue Assembly Techniques
Weight	8.74 lbs
Included	Hardcase
Condition	Pre-Owned, Very Good

M2M Specification Note

Made to Measure instruments can feature specifications selected outside Gibson's standard catalogue combinations.

This guitar is confirmed as an M2M 1959 Les Paul Standard Reissue with Murphy Lab Light Aged Golden Poppy Burst finish.

No additional bespoke M2M features are claimed unless specifically identified on the individual guitar or its documentation.

Murphy Lab Condition Note

The Murphy Lab finish is intentionally aged.

Factory-created features may include:

• Lacquer checking
• Light finish wear
• Aged hardware
• Simulated handling marks
• Vintage-style patina

These characteristics should not automatically be interpreted as post-purchase damage.

Any genuine wear from previous ownership exists alongside the deliberate Murphy Lab treatment and is reflected in the Very Good Condition grade.

Hardcase Note

A hardcase is included.

The case has not been confirmed as the original Gibson Custom Shop case, so it is described simply as a hardcase.

Power Requirements

None.

The Gibson Custombucker pickups and traditional Les Paul electronics are passive.

No battery or external power supply is required.

Fair Deal Music Verdict

★★★★★ 5/5

The Gibson Custom Shop Murphy Lab M2M 1959 Les Paul Standard Reissue Light Aged in Golden Poppy Burst is an exceptionally desirable interpretation of the late-'50s Les Paul formula.

Its lightweight mahogany construction, figured maple top, late-'50s Medium C neck, Indian rosewood fingerboard, Custombuckers, ABR-1 bridge and aluminium stopbar provide the premium vintage-inspired specification expected from a Custom Shop R9.

The Golden Poppy Burst finish gives this Made to Measure example additional individuality, while the Murphy Lab Light Aged treatment adds vintage character without overwhelming the beauty of the figured maple.

At 8.74 lbs, this is also a particularly attractive individual weight for a traditionally constructed Les Paul.

Presented in Very Good Condition and supplied with a hardcase, it is equally compelling as a professional player's instrument or a high-level addition to a Les Paul collection.

Why Buy Pre-Owned From Fair Deal Music?

High-end pre-owned guitars should be represented as individual instruments rather than generic catalogue examples.

Every pre-owned guitar at Fair Deal Music is individually assessed, with its condition, actual measured weight and included accessories clearly represented.

On this Gibson, the Very Good condition grade, 8.74 lbs weight, M2M specification and included hardcase are all clearly stated.

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 Shop and pre-owned 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 guitar could help towards the cost of this Gibson Custom Shop instrument.

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 Shop M2M 1959 Les Paul Standard Reissue.

Frequently Asked Questions

What condition is this Gibson Custom Shop Les Paul in?

It is presented in Very Good Condition, with some signs of careful previous ownership alongside the intentional Murphy Lab ageing.

What does M2M mean?

M2M stands for Made to Measure, Gibson Custom's programme for producing guitars with selected custom specifications.

Is this a genuine 1959 Gibson Les Paul?

No. It is a modern Gibson Custom Shop 1959 Les Paul Standard Reissue designed around the construction and character of the original late-'50s instruments.

What finish does it have?

It is finished in Golden Poppy Burst.

What does Murphy Lab Light Aged mean?

Light Aged is an intentional factory ageing process designed to recreate the checking, light wear and patina of a carefully played vintage guitar.

Is the visible lacquer checking a fault?

No. Lacquer checking associated with the Murphy Lab treatment is an intentional part of the factory finish.

Is this heavily relic'd?

No. Light Aged is comparatively restrained next to Gibson's heavier Murphy Lab treatments.

What is the body made from?

It uses a lightweight mahogany body with a carved figured maple top.

What is the neck made from?

It has a mahogany neck.

What neck profile does it have?

It uses a late-'50s Medium C profile.

What fingerboard does it have?

It has an Indian rosewood fingerboard.

What is the fingerboard radius?

It uses a 12" radius.

How many frets does it have?

It has 22 medium-jumbo frets.

What is the scale length?

It uses Gibson's traditional 24.75" scale length.

What pickups are fitted?

It uses two Gibson Custombucker humbuckers.

Are the pickups active?

No. They are passive.

Does it have coil splitting?

No. It uses a traditional vintage-inspired Les Paul electronics layout.

What controls does it have?

It has two volume controls, two tone controls and a 3-way pickup selector.

What bridge does it use?

It uses an ABR-1 bridge.

What tailpiece does it have?

It has a lightweight aluminium stopbar tailpiece.

How much does this guitar weigh?

This individual guitar weighs 8.74 lbs.

Is 8.74 lbs a good weight for a Les Paul Reissue?

Individual preference varies, but 8.74 lbs is relatively manageable for a traditionally constructed full-thickness Les Paul and will appeal particularly to players seeking a lighter R9.

Does it require a battery?

No. The electronics are completely passive.

Does it come with a case?

Yes. A hardcase is included.

Is the hardcase original?

The case has not been confirmed as the original Gibson Custom Shop case, so no claim of originality is made.

Can I request a video demo?

Yes. Our Request a Video Demo service is ideal if you would like to see the Golden Poppy Burst top, Murphy Lab ageing and individual condition or hear the Custombucker pickups 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.